Senior Data Architect
About The Position
The Senior Data Architect will design, implement, and govern enterprise-scale data solutions supporting operations, including integration of identity management, ERP, digital libraries, and AI-powered knowledge management systems. The role sits at the intersection of data engineering, AI/ML, and enterprise architecture and will help shape how The Aerospace Corporation manages and uses data. The position is part of the Office of the CIO’s Data and AI Services team, which provides advanced modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics capabilities for enterprise operations and strategic decision-making. The role includes developing enterprise data architecture, data models, schemas, ontologies, data pipelines, and semantic layers. It also encompasses integration architecture, data governance and security, and the design of scalable and cost-effective solutions across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. The Senior Data Architect partners with IT, cybersecurity, library services, and mission teams, provides technical leadership and mentorship, and communicates architecture decisions to diverse stakeholders. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
- 8–10+ years of experience in data architecture or data engineering, including 5+ years designing enterprise-scale data solutions.
- For Senior Data Architect V: at least 10 years of experience in data engineering, software engineering, or a related technical field.
- Proven experience with cloud architectures such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, data modeling, data governance, and API design.
- Hands-on experience with SQL/NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Neo4j and pipeline orchestration tools such as Airflow or Prefect.
- Working knowledge of data formats and standards such as JSON, XML, Parquet, and RDF/OWL.
- Experience addressing AI/ML data requirements, including vector databases and semantic search.
- Familiarity with data security, encryption, and compliance frameworks.
- For Senior Data Architect V: familiarity with streaming data architectures and real-time data processing.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Experience with LLM/AI architecture, knowledge graphs, ontologies, and semantic web technologies such as RDF, SPARQL, and OWL.
- Experience with SAP 4/HANA, Workday, or ServiceNow.
- Background in aerospace, defense, or government environments.
- Relevant certifications, such as AWS Solutions Architect or Google Data Engineer.
- Proficiency in Python, Java, or Scala, along with DevOps/Infrastructure-as-Code experience.
Responsibilities
- Design enterprise data architecture frameworks integrating identity management, ERP, digital libraries, and AI/ML applications.
- Develop data models, schemas, and ontologies that enable semantic interoperability and knowledge graphs.
- Architect data pipelines and semantic layers supporting Graph RAG and AI-driven knowledge management systems.
- Lead enterprise systems integration architecture, including ETL/ELT pipelines, real-time synchronization, master data management, and data quality monitoring.
- Define and enforce governance policies for CUI, proprietary, and classified information, including classification frameworks for CUI, ITAR, and export control, as well as role-based access control architectures.
- Architect scalable, cost-effective solutions for 90,000 or more documents and ongoing growth across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
- Partner with IT, cybersecurity, library services, and mission teams.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship and communicate architecture decisions to diverse stakeholders.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect. The posting notes that benefits vary and apply based on job type.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
