INTERNATIONAL DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER AWARD
I’m Muneer Salamkar, a Data Architect and Engineer at JPMorgan Chase with over two decades of experience shaping the way organizations manage and utilize data. My journey in technology began with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, and over the years, I’ve evolved into a specialist in data architecture, engineering, and modeling—particularly across cloud-native and big data ecosystems. I hold AWS certifications in Data Analytics and Solutions Architecture, which have been instrumental in my work building scalable, efficient, and secure data systems in enterprise environments. Currently, at JPMorgan Chase, I lead several high-impact data initiatives that are central to our digital transformation. One of the most critical projects I’ve spearheaded involved the migration of large-scale datasets from Hadoop to AWS. By leveraging services like S3, Redshift, Glue, and EMR, I was able to drastically improve scalability, streamline data pipelines, and reduce operational costs. Another significant project was the optimization of very large databases using Exadata’s Hybrid Columnar Compression (HCC), which helped achieve a 1:10 compression ratio—massively reducing our data footprint without compromising performance. One of the aspects of my role that I value most is solving complex problems through innovation. Whether it’s designing efficient ETL pipelines with AWS Glue or building data models that support advanced analytics in Redshift, my goal has always been to bridge the gap between traditional systems and the cloud. My work focuses on ensuring seamless transitions, optimized performance, and actionable insights that allow organizations to make data-driven decisions faster and more effectively. Before my current role, I worked with several leading organizations in roles that deepened my expertise across domains. At Randstad Technologies, I led data architecture for WEX Inc., modeling virtual payment systems and integrating them with existing frameworks. At Best Buy, I helped enhance the Geek Squad’s remote service platform, integrating it with diagnostic tools and chat support systems to improve customer service. During my time at Fidelity Investments, I developed data models supporting commission tracking and broker research—laying the foundation for performance analytics. Earlier, with Mphasis Corporation, I had the opportunity to work on diverse projects for JPMorgan Chase, AIG, Swiss Air, and General Motors, focusing on risk modeling, revenue forecasting, and data governance. Throughout my career, I’ve built a robust skill set in tools like ERWin, Power Designer, and Visio for data modeling, and have worked extensively with SQL, PL/SQL, Python, and Shell scripting for backend logic and data manipulation. In the realm of big data, I’ve navigated technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, Impala, and HDFS to construct systems that are as resilient as they are scalable. Recognition in this field is humbling. Receiving the “Best Researcher in Data Architecture and Engineering” award has been an affirmation of the work I’ve dedicated myself to—especially around bridging legacy systems with cloud-native platforms and optimizing data structures for modern business intelligence. I’ve authored white papers on data migration strategies, filed patents for optimization techniques, and been recognized internally as a “Top Innovator” at JPMorgan Chase for contributions to cloud data engineering. What drives me is the belief that well-architected data systems can unlock extraordinary value for organizations. Whether it’s improving retrieval speeds by 50%, reducing operational costs by 30%, or migrating over a petabyte of data without downtime, I strive to make data not just accessible, but impactful. It’s a passion rooted in precision, creativity, and a commitment to constant evolution. I’m deeply grateful to JPMorgan Chase for fostering an environment where innovation is celebrated and supported. I also owe a great deal to my peers, mentors, and the wider data engineering community for their collaboration and shared pursuit of excellence. Receiving this award is not just a milestone—it’s a reminder to keep pushing boundaries and mentoring others along the way. As data continues to define the future of technology, I remain committed to shaping architectures that are agile, intelligent, and built for tomorrow.