Data Architect

Mission Summary

This Data Architect role provides principal-level advisory and thought leadership to senior DARPA executives, including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and senior ITD Staff. As a Data Architect, you will be a key strategic resource, shaping the agency's approach to cybersecurity across its most advanced and sensitive technology portfolios.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy to provide strategic foresight, critical technical analysis, and authoritative guidance, ensuring that security is an enabler of innovation for DARPA's high-risk, high-reward programs.

The Data Architect is responsible for designing, developing, and managing enterprise data architecture to support strategic research, operations, analytics, and mission-critical decision-making. This role ensures that data systems are secure, scalable, interoperable, and aligned with national security objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise-level data architecture frameworks across defense systems and platforms
• Develop data models, standards, and governance policies to ensure consistency, quality, and integrity
• Integrate data from multiple classified and unclassified sources to support operational readiness and analysis
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with security protocols and data protection regulations
• Support advanced analytics, AI/ML initiatives, and real-time data processing for research and strategic applications
• Establish metadata management, data lineage, and master data management practices
• Optimize data storage, retrieval, and processing for high-performance environments
• Lead data architecture reviews and provide technical guidance to engineering and analytics teams
• Ensure compliance with federal standards (e.g., DoD data strategy, security frameworks, interoperability requirements)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise systems design
• Experience working in defense, intelligence, or other high-security environments
• Strong knowledge of database systems (SQL/NoSQL), data warehousing, and distributed data platforms
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, etc.)
• Knowledge of data governance, data modeling, and architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DoDAF)
• Active security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret) or ability to obtain one

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka)
• Background in AI/ML data pipelines and analytics infrastructure
• Familiarity with geospatial, signals, or intelligence data systems
• Certifications in cloud architecture or data management (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, DAMA-CDMP)
• Experience with high performance computing (HPC)
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and systems-level design
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate in high-pressure, mission-critical environments
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Commitment to data security, ethics, and confidentiality

Work Environment

This position may operate in secure government facilities and requires adherence to strict information security protocols. Some travel may be required to support operations and interagency coordination.

Impact of Role

The Data Architect plays a critical role in enabling data-driven research and support operations, enhancing situational awareness, and ensuring that decision-makers have timely, accurate, and secure access to information.

Salary range for the position is $150,000 - $250,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.