Join us as we work to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.
athenahealth is building an AI-first future for healthcare and our data platform is foundational to making that future real. We are seeking a Senior Architect to lead the architecture and drive that foundation for our Data & Analytics Platform, a critical capability that powers analytics, intelligence, and AI across the athenahealth ecosystem.
This role owns the architect strategy and outcomes for how data is ingested, modeled, governed, and activated - supporting everything from real-time analytics and observability to embedded intelligence, customer insights, and commercial data products.
Reporting to the VP of Engineering in Data & Ecosystem Platform, this influential leader will work with key technical leaders across the org to drive our data and analytics architecture well in the future and use our data as an advantage balancing cost, latency, security, compliance, and operational simplicity. They will demonstrate exceptional design abilities and engineering excellence with data at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Own end-to-end architecture for athenahealth’s Data & Analytics Platform (ingestion -> storage ->compute -> semantic/servicing layers). Produce accurate, unambiguous technical design specifications that will be accepted by the broader engineering leadership community.
Identify and influence solutions to complex technical issues. Build prototype and POC’s to promote new technologies and processes.
Act as a trusted peer to AI/ML leaders, shaping how data platforms accelerate copilots, agents, and embedded intelligence.
Lead by example, delivering high-quality code for critical sections of the product and/or platform; champion quality standards, performance and scalability.
Provide cross-functional coordination and communication, and mentorship of less senior team members.
Focus on data governance, security, and compliance.
Leadership & Collaboration
Partner closely with Product leadership to align architectural decisions and execution realities with product strategy.
Act as a trusted peer to AI/ML leaders, shaping how data platforms accelerate copilots, agents, and embedded intelligence.
Serve as a visible leader across athenahealth, translating complex platform concepts into clear, outcome-oriented narratives.
Experience leading working teams across geographies, with the ability to engage in difficult conversations to achieve goals while maintaining positive relationships.
Must be laser-focused on objectives and capable of influencing both technical and non-technical teams.
Qualification and Experience
12-14 years’ experience as an architect/leader including senior/principal-level ownership of large-scale data systems.
Deep knowledge of data lake/lakehouse architecture: ingestion, storage formats, compute engines, metadata/catalog, governance as well as database experience.
Proven experience integrating heterogeneous sources across on-prem + cloud, including migration/hybrid patterns.
Strong fundamentals in distributed systems, data modeling, and performance optimization (partitioning, indexing, clustering, caching).
Experience with AI – ML or LLM/Agentic frameworks.
Expertise in modern programming object-oriented languages such as C#, C++, Perl, Java, Python, and JavaScript/React.
Understanding of scalable, cloud architecture and experience in applying them to real world problems.
Experience in healthcare data ecosystems or other regulated environments and/or data commercialization with strong governance controls a plus.
Knowledge of health interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7, ANSI) and different healthcare systems (EHR, EMR, CDS) a plus.
What success looks like (examples)
Reduced total cost of ownership for analytics workloads (measurable storage/compute savings, improved utilization).
Faster time-to-data for priority use cases (improved ingestion onboarding, lower pipeline latency, fewer manual steps).
Stronger trust in data (quality SLAs, lineage, clear dataset ownership, consistent definitions).
Improved security posture and audit readiness (policy-based access, stronger controls, repeatable compliance evidence).
Platform reliability improvements (fewer pipeline failures, faster recovery, clearer operational runbooks).
Measured outcomes for platform adoption, product velocity, customer impact, and business value, not just technical delivery
Expected Compensation
$216,000 - $366,000The base salary range shown reflects the full range for this role from minimum to maximum. At athenahealth, base pay depends on multiple factors, including job-related experience, relevant knowledge and skills, how your qualifications compare to others in similar roles, and geographical market rates. Base pay is only one part of our competitive Total Rewards package - depending on role eligibility, we offer both short and long-term incentives by way of an annual discretionary bonus plan, variable compensation plan, and equity plans.
About athenahealth
Our vision: In an industry that becomes more complex by the day, we stand for simplicity. We offer IT solutions and expert services that eliminate the daily hurdles preventing healthcare providers from focusing entirely on their patients — powered by our vision to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.
Our company culture: Our talented employees — or athenistas, as we call ourselves — spark the innovation and passion needed to accomplish our vision. We are a diverse group of dreamers and do-ers with unique knowledge, expertise, backgrounds, and perspectives. We unite as mission-driven problem-solvers with a deep desire to achieve our vision and make our time here count. Our award-winning culture is built around shared values of inclusiveness, accountability, and support.
Our DEI commitment: Our vision of accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all requires addressing the inequities that stand in the way. That's one reason we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our business, from attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce to maintaining an inclusive environment for athenistas, our partners, customers and the communities where we work and serve.
What we can do for you:
Along with health and financial benefits, athenistas enjoy perks specific to each location, including commuter support, employee assistance programs, tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and collaborative workspaces — some offices even welcome dogs.
We also encourage a better work-life balance for athenistas with our flexibility. While we know in-office collaboration is critical to our vision, we recognize that not all work needs to be done within an office environment, full-time. With consistent communication and digital collaboration tools, athenahealth enables employees to find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation.
In addition to our traditional benefits and perks, we sponsor events throughout the year, including book clubs, external speakers, and hackathons. We provide athenistas with a company culture based on learning, the support of an engaged team, and an inclusive environment where all employees are valued.
Learn more about our culture and benefits here: athenahealth.com/careers
https://www.athenahealth.com/careers/equal-opportunity
Top Skills
athenahealth Boston, Massachusetts, USA Office
80 Guest Street, Boston, MA, United States, 02135
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
