Sr. Data Architect
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is a trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, operating a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) engaged across all aspects of space. The Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) advances next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities for DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil, and commercial space customers. The Data Platforms and Architectures Department (DPAD) within ISCD is seeking a Senior Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of an AI-ready data platform for distributed, multi-domain environments. This role involves defining and delivering scalable architectures for data federation, interoperability, and advanced analytics/AI capabilities across mission systems, interacting directly with government stakeholders to translate needs into data products. The ideal candidate is strategic and hands-on, with deep experience in data architecture solutions (e.g., data mesh, data fabric) and a proven ability to drive enterprise-level transformation, taking ownership of architecture, execution, risk management, and delivery in a national security context. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in data architecture, distributed systems, or data platforms
- Proven experience designing enterprise-scale data platforms
- Deep expertise in distributed data architectures
- Data mesh and/or data fabric
- Hands on experience using data federation and virtualization technologies
- Strong experience with data pipelines (batch + streaming)
- Event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka, Pulsar, Kinesis)
- Data modeling and schema design (Avro, Protobuf, JSON)
- Experience enabling AI/ML platforms, including data pipelines for training and inference
- Strong understanding of data governance, lineage, cataloging, data quality and observability frameworks
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience with U.S. DoD, space, and intelligence programs.
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, or GovCloud equivalents)
- Familiarity with OPIR, SDA tracking missions, missile defense, and kill-chain acceleration is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of agentic AI, autonomous systems, and large-scale simulation (Mod&Sim).
- Active security clearance
Responsibilities
- Define and lead the architecture for an AI-ready data platform supporting real-time, batch, and streaming workloads
- Design distributed data architectures across cloud, on-prem, and edge environments
- Establish multi-domain data federation strategies enabling unified access without unnecessary data movement
- Develop data mesh or data fabric frameworks including domain ownership, interoperability, and governance
- Ensure data readiness for AI (quality, lineage, metadata, labeling, governance)
- Design and implement data services layer (APIs, event streaming, data contracts, schema management)
- Enable interoperability across heterogeneous systems (legacy + modern platforms)
- Implement data governance frameworks including catalog, lineage, and policy enforcement
- Partner with engineering, AI/ML, cloud, and mission stakeholders to drive adoption
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship across teams
- Influence enterprise roadmaps and investment priorities
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
