Solutions Architect – Data Architecture & Engineering

Job Description:

Solutions Architect – Data Architecture & Engineering

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities is looking for a Solution Architect - Data Architecture & Engineering, who is excited to design scalable data solutions, build reliable data pipelines, and help shape how data supports decision-making across the organization.

In this role, you’ll design and build the data architectures and pipelines that power TPU’s decision-making, and fuel advanced analytics and AI efforts. You won’t just prepare data for others, you’ll play an active role in shaping the data foundations that will enable a more resilient future. Your work directly influences how data flows, how people access it, and how we uncover deeper understanding across the organization. You’ll collaborate closely with business and technical teams, translating jargon into plain language and helping customers make smart data choices. And while you’ll bring solid foundational skills in data engineering, visualization, and architecture concepts, we’re excited to invest in your growth - whether that’s Snowflake, AWS, or diving further into advanced analytics and AI technologies.

We are a team of data professionals who partner across TPU to solve complex challenges, improve data maturity, and help teams make better decisions. You will be joining a team that values a culture where questions are encouraged, ideas are shared openly, and improvement comes from learning together - we are excited to have you be a part of it!

Key Responsibilities

Data Architecture | Designs and develops data architectures, integrations, and pipelines that support analytics, reporting, operational needs, and future AI capabilities. Ensures solutions are reliable, scalable, secure, and aligned with TPU technology standards.

Data Engineering | Builds and maintains data pipelines and engineering solutions that enable efficient movement, transformation, and availability of enterprise data. Develops documentation and technical practices that improve reliability, maintainability, and knowledge sharing.

Subject Matter Expert | Serves as a trusted technical advisor for data architecture and engineering decisions. Partners with business and technical teams to evaluate solutions, recommend best practices, and translate complex technical concepts into practical outcomes.

Community Participation | Maintains awareness of evolving data technologies, architecture practices, and industry trends. Shares knowledge with the broader data community and contributes to TPU’s continued growth in data maturity.

Advanced Analytics & AI | Plays a hands-on role in prepping data and partnering on analytics and AI work.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in information technology or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
5 years of data engineering, architecture, or administration experience that includes cloud data warehouse technology and AWS or Azure big data ecosystem experience, and year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 7/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually