Data Architect - Palantir Foundry - Contract

Morela is supporting a leading data consultancy on a nationally significant data programme, and we're looking for a hands-on Data Architect to take genuine ownership of the platform architecture, not just lead from a distance, but design and build alongside the team.

You'll be responsible for ontology design, data pipeline architecture, and data modelling from scratch, while guiding a team of engineers through implementation and acting as the technical authority with key stakeholders.

What you must bring:

• Deep, hands-on Data Architecture experience, you've designed and built complex data platforms yourself, not just directed others.
• Proven ability to design ontologies from the ground up within large or complex environments.
• Strong data modelling skills across conceptual, logical, and physical layers.
• End-to-end data pipeline architecture experience, including ingestion, transformation, governance, and optimisation.
• The confidence to operate as the technical authority, make decisions, and justify architectural choices to senior stakeholders.
• A track record of supporting engineering teams through implementation, including practical, in-the-weeds guidance when needed.
• Experience with Palantir Foundry (pilot or full implementation) or equivalent enterprise platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Ability to deliver under pressure in a high-visibility, mission-critical environment.
• Clear, concise communication skills, able to translate technical decisions effectively across mixed audiences.

The client is clear, they want someone who has done this work themselves. If you've led a Palantir Foundry pilot or guided a team through a full end-to-end implementation, we'd love to hear from you. Strong Data Architects from other enterprise platforms are also encouraged to apply.

What's on offer:

• Outside IR35 contract
• Hybrid working
• Nationally significant programme with real impact and visibility
• Competitive day rate aligned to experience

Sector-specific experience is a bonus, but not essential, architectural depth and hands-on delivery capability matter far more.

If this sounds like your next move, let's connect.