IT Data Architect (Senior/Specialist)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Data Architect to serve as the agency’s principal professional on data architecture, data governance, and enterprise data modeling. This critical position will design and oversee modern, compliant data solutions across multiple technologies and environments; establish and maintain enterprise-wide data architectures, standards, and policies; and lead automated, reproducible database deployment practices. In this role, you will provide strategic technical consultation on database design, lead complex data architecture efforts, manage data-modeling tools and standards, and collaborate closely with database administrators, application developers, project managers, and business partners to align data solutions with WSDOT’s strategic goals. A strong candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in data architecture and governance, proficiency with data-modeling tools, experience designing enterprise database solutions, knowledge of automated deployment practices, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate, lead, and influence across technical and non-technical teams.

Requirements

Automated Deployment Experience using Azure DevOps to build, maintain, implement reproducible automated database build and deploys.
Skills and ability to assist and train other team members in the best practices and use of automated deployments.
Data Architecture, Management & Governance Demonstrates ability to create Data science, engineering and Integration solutions using big data platforms and analytics including work on large scale data architectures or related areas.
Demonstrated experience architecting, implementing, and creating complex technology solutions.
Architect data solutions that support artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives, ensuring data is AI-ready, accessible and governed.
Demonstrates the ability to work independently and lead all phases of data management and/or application development, including requirements gathering, system design and architecture, development and coding, testing and quality assurance, change management and implementation and deployment.
Skills to apply logical problem-solving techniques to design and implement scalable and maintainable solutions.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders using clear written and verbal communication.
Data Platform Design Experience producing proofs of concept with different technologies to accurately arrive at working solution to a defined opportunity
Demonstrates advanced skills in designing modern data platforms (cloud /hybrid), including creating conceptual, logical, and physical data models, normalizing data and defining relationships and constraints based on business requirements, and applying industry best practices for database performance, scalability, and integrity.
Experience developing data models for a client/server environment is required to perform as a leader and expert in the discipline.
Strong background in Data Warehousing, Data Marts, relational databases, the nuances of batch vs real-time data, distributed computing, Oracle, SQL Server, ODS, Analytics v/s transactional data systems, data security and data access frameworks.
Demonstrated understanding of standard data ingestion & consumption patterns.
Data Technology Development & Administration Experience with modern cloud data platforms (eg, Azure Synapse, Fabric, Snowflake, Databricks) and Python/Pyspark.
Proficient in using Microsoft Transact-SQL (T-SQL) to write queries for data selection, updates, inserts, and deletions, create and modify database schemas, tables, views, and indexes, and perform administrative tasks such as data migration, backups, and user permissions.
Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot and optimize SQL queries for performance.
Business Requirement Analysis Effectively elicits, documents, and analyzes business requirements through interviews and workshops with stakeholders.
Skills to translate business needs into data models, structures, or technical specifications.
Ability to independently ensure requirements are complete, consistent, and aligned with project goals and organizational strategy.
Team Collaboration & Communication Skills to work effectively within technical and cross-functional teams, contributing to shared goals.
Ability to facilitate open communication and collaboration among team members.
Demonstrates the ability to build consensus and incorporate diverse technical and business perspectives into design solutions.
Technology & Analytical Thinking Proven experience in quickly learning new technologies and methodologies.
Demonstrated ability in effectively communicating technical concepts to a wide variety of audiences.
Ability to apply advanced analytical thinking and a strong foundation in mathematics or logical reasoning to solve complex technical problems.
Leadership & Supervisory Skills Ability to develop processes for database design work; ability to oversee data modeling project activities, conduct data model reviews to ensure compliance with existing strategies, standards and processes.
Ability to identify staff’s needs for training and find suitable training.
Growth Mindset Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented Take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Architectural Expertise TOGAF
Azure and /or AWS Solutions Architect
Modern Data Architectures Demonstrates advanced proficiency in modern data architecture patterns (e.g. Data Lake, Data mesh, data fabric, etc.) and dimensional modeling (Kimball methodology), ETL processes, and star/snowflake schema design.
Highly organized with a demonstrated systematic approach to carrying out assignments.
Geospatial Database Design and Integration Demonstrates the ability to design, integrate, and manage databases that incorporate geospatial data for enterprise use.
Professional and Effective Communication Experience communicating technical and complex information clearly, concisely, and appropriately for diverse audiences, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.
Technical Documentation and Knowledge Management Experience creating comprehensive, accurate, and maintainable technical documentation that supports system development, implementation, and maintenance.
Continuous Learning and Applied Knowledge Development Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning in fields related to data architecture, analytics, and information systems through formal education and/or professional certifications.

Responsibilities

Act as lead subject matter expert on data architecture, tool stack, best practices, and engineering offerings of the Enterprise AI and Data Services (EADS) Team.
Act as liaison to both TSD teams and business customers on the best data architecture and solutions for ingestion patterns, consumption optimization, data security, access framework, governance, modernization, and innovation.
Implement and support automated, repeatable, reproducible deployment methodologies for data systems.
Collaborate closely with business and technical stakeholders to design scalable, secure, and maintainable data solutions that align with enterprise standards and strategic objectives of WSDOT.
Lead agency data governance, data architecture and data modeling in conjunction with business analysts, developers, database administrators, project managers, and clients.
Apply advanced strategic expertise and comprehensive technical business process knowledge in leading all aspects of Enterprise AI and Data Services (EADS) related to data architecture.
Direct the work of data modelers in EADS and consult with data modelers throughout the Department.
Establish and update agency wide data architecture and data standards and select technical tools to enable support and implementation of data standards; advise TSD and other agency managers on matters of data architecture.
Represent WSDOT, TSD, and EADS by communicating, presenting, and promoting data architecture standards to internal and external partners.
Lead and contribute to technical teams as an expert on the principles of data architecture and data modeling.
Create technical requirements documents and data models.
Create physical data models and Structured Query Language (SQL) scripts that will create data schemas and data objects.