Data Architect

Paradigm Inc. • Virginia Beach, VA

16d • Hybrid

About The Position

Paradigm, Inc. is a leading credentialing services provider with over 34 years of experience delivering printed and digital diplomas, certificates, and comprehensive learner records to higher education institutions. As a SOC2 Type II certified organization, we pride ourselves on integrity, security, and exceptional service. @Gov, Inc. is a next-generation platform provider specializing in government credential solutions, including digital apostilles and vital records management for state agencies. We’re committed to modernizing government operations through secure, verifiable digital and paper credentials while promoting sustainability. Together, our organizations serve educational institutions and government agencies with trusted, secure credential management solutions that require the highest standards of data integrity, privacy, and compliance. We are seeking an experienced Data Architect to design and implement enterprise data strategies across both Paradigm and @Gov platforms. This critical role will bridge our education credentialing and government verification systems, ensure data integrity, security, and interoperability while supporting our digital transformation initiatives. You will work with cross-functional teams across both organizations to create scalable data architectures that meet the unique compliance and security requirements of both higher education and government sectors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field (master’s preferred)
• 7+ years of experience in data architecture, database design, and enterprise data management
• Strong expertise in relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, DynamoDB)
• Proven experience with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and modern data stack technologies
• Deep understanding of data modeling techniques, normalization, and dimensional modeling
• Experience with ETL/ELT tools and data integration platforms
• Strong knowledge of data security principles, encryption methods, and access control frameworks
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python, Java, or similar)
• Experience with API design and RESTful web services
• Understanding of compliance requirements (SOC2, FERPA, or government regulations)

Nice To Haves

• Experience in education technology, credentialing systems, or government IT sectors
• Knowledge of digital credential standards (Open Badges, W3C Verifiable Credentials, Blockcerts)
• Familiarity with blockchain or distributed ledger technologies for credential verification
• Experience with government systems, apostille processes, or vital records management.
• Certifications such as TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or similar
• Experience with data governance frameworks and master data management
• Knowledge of identity and access management (IAM) systems
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code (Terraform, CloudFormation)

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain comprehensive data architecture frameworks spanning both Paradigm's credentialing platform and @Gov's government systems.
• Develop data models, database schemas, and integration patterns that support digital credentials, transcripts, apostilles, and vital records.
• Create and enforce data governance policies ensuring compliance with FERPA, state regulations, and government data security standards.
• Define data standards and metadata management strategies across both platforms.
• Lead the technical strategy for data integration between legacy systems and modern cloud-based solutions.
• Ensure data architecture meets SOC2 Type II requirements and government security standards.
• Design and implement data encryption, access controls, and audit mechanisms for sensitive credential and vital record data.
• Collaborate with security teams to conduct threat modeling and implement data protection measures.
• Maintain compliance with privacy regulations, including FERPA, state data protection laws, and records retention requirements.
• Architect data pipelines and ETL processes for credential issuance, verification, and digital record management
• Design APIs and integration layers that enable secure data exchange with educational institutions and government agencies.
• Work with development teams to implement data solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or similar)
• Optimize database performance and scalability to handle high-volume credential processing and verification requests.
• Design data warehousing and business intelligence solutions supporting operational and strategic decision-making.
• Create data models that enable reporting on credential issuance, verification trends, and system usage across both platforms.
• Develop KPIs and metrics frameworks to measure platform performance and customer satisfaction.
• Partner with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders at both Paradigm and @Gov to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Mentor development teams on data best practices, modeling techniques, and architectural patterns
• Document data architecture, create technical specifications, and maintain architecture decision records.
• Participate in vendor evaluations and technology selection for data-related tools and platforms.

Benefits

• Competitive wage with opportunities for advancement.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance based upon length of service qualifications.
• Retirement plan available based upon length of service qualifications with company match.
• Paid sick- and annual-leave.
• Paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees