Solutions Architect (Pre-sales) - Benelux Strategic Accounts
About this role
The Benelux Strategic Accounts team at Databricks builds foundational technical strategies for enterprise customers, positioning the platform as the core of their data and AI operations. Professionals in this group own end-to-end technical journeys from initial discovery through production deployment, guiding clients through complex architectural decisions involving data engineering, machine learning, and real-time analytics. Ideal candidates bring a strong background in technical pre-sales or solutions architecture, combined with practical coding skills and deep familiarity with distributed data systems.
What you will do
- Manage the complete technical strategy for assigned customer accounts from discovery to production rollout and consumption growth.
- Facilitate high-level architecture discussions covering scalable solutions across data engineering, artificial intelligence, and streaming analytics.
- Act as a trusted technical advisor for customer architects, engineering leads, and technical directors.
- Secure technical wins against competitors by building custom demonstrations that highlight the platform's capabilities.
- Cultivate a specific technical domain specialisation to serve as a resource for the broader team.
- Coordinate cross-functional groups including delivery, specialist, and partner architects to implement comprehensive customer solutions.
- Relay structured product feedback regarding customer needs and competitive gaps back to internal teams.
What you need
- Bring at least 6 years of professional background in solutions architecture, data engineering, technical pre-sales, or a senior technical capacity.
- Demonstrate strong coding ability in Python and SQL through live coding, debugging, and solution design.
- Possess deep knowledge of distributed data systems architecture, including scalable pipelines, streaming, lakehouse patterns, and cloud-native platforms.
- Show proficiency on the Databricks platform or the capability to learn it rapidly while building a domain specialisation.
- Communicate effectively with senior technical stakeholders through whiteboard sessions, design reviews, and trade-off analyses.
- Manage production deployments on public cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or GCP with attention to infrastructure, security, and governance.
- Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a quantitative field, or possess equivalent practical experience.
Nice to have
- Experience in Oil & Gas and/or Manufacturing industry domains
- Databricks certifications in Data Engineering, Machine Learning, or Platform
- Familiarity with competitive platforms like Snowflake, AWS native services, or Azure Synapse
- Background working at a data and AI company or cloud provider
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the work location and schedule for this role?
This is an office-based contract located in Amsterdam with a hybrid schedule. The initial offer contract is set for a 12-month fixed term, with the intention to extend following the successful completion of a probation period.
What technical background is required for the position?
Applicants need at least 6 years of experience in solutions architecture, data engineering, technical pre-sales, or a senior technical role. Candidates must also demonstrate strong coding proficiency in Python and SQL.
What does a Solutions Architect actually do on the team?
The role involves driving the technical strategy for customers by owning architecture discussions, guiding platform adoption, and serving as a trusted advisor to technical leads. Responsibilities also include coordinating cross-functional resources and managing end-to-end technical strategies from discovery to production deployment.