Data Architect V

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. 

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. 

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. 

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Level 5 Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of advanced data and AI/ML solutions in a cloud-native environment. This role requires deep technical expertise in data engineering, cloud infrastructure, real-time processing, and machine learning operations, with a strong focus on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) technologies.

Essential Functions:

Data Engineering and Architecture

• Design, develop, test, and maintain scalable data acquisition pipelines for structured and unstructured data, supporting both batch and real-time processing.
• Build and manage large, complex datasets aligned with evolving business requirements.
• Architect and implement robust big data pipeline solutions using GCP services such as Dataflow, Pub/Sub, Cloud Functions, Cloud Run, and Datastream.
• Design and develop JSON-based messaging structures for seamless integration with internal and external applications.
• Lead the development of a modern data engineering strategy focused on near-real time data delivery using serverless and cloud-native technologies.
• Develop data architectures that support high-performance analytics, dashboards, and digital applications.

Cloud Development and Administration

• Design and manage scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Deployment Manager.
• Administer GCP environments, including resource provisioning, IAM, billing optimization, and quota management.
• Architect and maintain secure cloud networking solutions, including VPCs, VPNs, private service access, and hybrid connectivity (e.g., Cloud Interconnect).
• Implement disaster recovery strategies and high-availability architectures to ensure business continuity.
• Set up and maintain observability tools like Cloud Monitoring and Logging to proactively detect and resolve issues.
• Continuously monitor and optimize cloud resource usage and cost-efficiency.

AI/ML and Advanced Analytics

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models using Vertex AI, BigQuery ML, and AutoML.
• Implement MLOps best practices for continuous integration and deployment of ML models.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, and model evaluation.
• Implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures to enhance LLM-based applications with dynamic, context-aware responses.
• Integrate and manage vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, FAISS, or Vertex AI Vector Search) to support semantic search and real-time document retrieval.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as the technical lead for the data integration track on strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable full stack solutions, integrating front-end interfaces with back-end data architectures and APIs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and business teams to identify new data acquisition opportunities and translate requirements into scalable solutions.
• Recommend and implement improvements to enhance data quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Basic Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a focus on math, statistics, computer science, business, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree in mathematics, business, finance, statistics, or computer science preferred

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in data engineering, application development, or AI/ML roles.
• Strong proficiency in Python and machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Hands-on experience with GCP services, especially Vertex AI, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, and Cloud Functions.
• Expertise in data pipeline tools and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Deep understanding of cloud networking (e.g., DNS, load balancing, VPCs, NAT, peering) and security best practices.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Deployment Manager).
• Familiarity with MLOps tools and practices.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects and mentor junior engineers.
• Experience with SAP data integration tools (e.g., SAP SLT, SAP Data Services).
• Proficiency of JSON-based messaging and API integration patterns.
• Experience with hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Familiarity with API gateways (e.g., Apigee).
• Experience with cloud cost management and optimization tools.
• Experience with full stack development including technologies such as React, Flask, Node.js, Firestore, etc.

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. 
 

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time 
Posting Start Date: 06/16/2025​
Posting End Date: 07/04/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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