Principal Architect - Enterprise Solutions Architect (ESA)

Job Description

Job Description

Principal Architect – Data & AI (SME)

Location: Remote or Hybrid (U.S.-based)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About TURNBRIDGE

TURNBRIDGE delivers precision-driven technical solutions and talent strategies that accelerate business outcomes. We specialize in high-impact, enterprise-grade technology engagements, emphasizing quality, speed, and execution certainty. Our teams partner closely with clients to design and deliver modern cloud, data, and AI solutions built for scale.

Role Overview

TURNBRIDGE is seeking a Principal Architect – Data & AI to serve as a senior technical leader and subject matter expert across Microsoft Data & AI engagements. This role blends deep technical expertise with executive-level client advisory, shaping early-stage conversations into scalable, outcome-driven solution architectures. You will play a critical role in pre-sales strategy, solution design, and technical leadership throughout the sales lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a technical evangelist and trusted advisor, guiding clients through early-stage Data & AI strategy and solution definition on the Microsoft platform
• Partner closely with sales and account teams to qualify opportunities, define solution strategy, and support deal progression and closure
• Lead client discovery sessions to understand business objectives, decision criteria, and value drivers, translating them into winning Data & AI architectures
• Design and present end-to-end Data & AI solutions that clearly articulate business outcomes, technical feasibility, and ROI
• Provide executive-level technical leadership across Azure data engineering, data architecture, machine learning, and AI domains
• Maintain technical credibility throughout the sales cycle, including whiteboarding sessions, architecture reviews, proposals, and executive presentations
• Mentor and guide architects and data professionals to ensure solution consistency, technical excellence, and alignment with go-to-market strategy
• Identify and drive pipeline expansion through innovation workshops, proofs of value (POVs), and thought leadership aligned to Microsoft Data & AI offerings
• Ensure all proposed solutions align with Microsoft best practices, security standards, and regulatory requirements
• Stay current on Microsoft Data & AI roadmaps and industry trends to sharpen competitive positioning and client impact

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in Data, Analytics, or AI roles, with significant exposure to enterprise client environments
• Proven success leading pre-sales or client-facing technical engagements, including discovery, solution design, and executive presentations
• Deep hands-on expertise with Microsoft Data & AI technologies, including one or more of the following:
• Azure Data Services
• Azure AI
• Azure Synapse / Microsoft Fabric
• Databricks on Azure
• Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling business value narratives
• Demonstrated success supporting and closing $500K+ Data & AI engagements in partnership with sales teams
• Executive presence with experience influencing stakeholders from practitioner to C-suite
• Strong architectural mindset with the ability to design secure, governed, end-to-end Data & AI solutions
• Excellent communication skills, including whiteboarding, storytelling, and formal presentations
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented consulting environment

Why TURNBRIDGE?

• Work on high-impact, enterprise-grade Data & AI initiatives
• Influence strategy, architecture, and outcomes at the executive level
• Collaborate with senior technical and business leaders
• Operate in a precision-driven, quality-first consulting culture