Data Architect

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Department: Technical Solutions

Workplace: on_site

Description

TLA is seeking an experienced and visionary Data Architect to design, optimize, and oversee our organization's enterprise data management framework. In this crucial role, you will define the blueprint for how data is collected, stored, integrated, and consumed across various platforms to support data-driven decision-making and drive business objectives. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, analysts, and business leaders, to ensure our data infrastructure is scalable, secure, compliant, and aligned with long-term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

· Design and Strategy: Develop and maintain the enterprise data architecture, defining the overall data strategy, principles, standards, and guidelines.

· Data Modeling & Database Design: Create conceptual, logical, and physical data models for database structures, data warehouses, and data lakes using industry-standard tools.

· System Integration: Design and implement solutions to integrate data from disparate internal and external sources, ensuring seamless data flow and accessibility.

· Data Governance & Security: Establish and enforce data governance frameworks, quality standards, and security measures (e.g., encryption, access controls) to ensure data integrity, privacy, and compliance with regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, etc.).

· Performance Optimization: Monitor and optimize data systems, queries, and ETL/ELT processes to ensure high performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

· Technology Evaluation: Evaluate and recommend new database technologies, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and tools to continuously enhance our data capabilities.

· Collaboration and Leadership: Provide technical leadership and guidance to development and data engineering teams, and communicate complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.

· Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of data architectures, data flows, and technical specifications.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in data architecture, data modeling, and database management, with a track record of designing and implementing large-scale data solutions.
• Technical Skills:
• Deep expertise in relational (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, etc.) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, etc.).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Scala.
• Strong experience with ETL/ELT processes and tools (Apache Spark, Airflow, Informatica, Talend, Azure Data Factory, etc.).
• Familiarity with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
• Expertise in data modeling techniques (dimensional modeling, 3NF) and data modeling tools (Erwin, Visio, etc.).
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to collaborate across teams and influence change.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to data quality and accuracy

Preferred Certifications

·         Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) from DAMA International.

·         IBM Certified Data Architect - Big Data.

·         Cloud Platform Certifications:

o    Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate / Azure Solutions Architect.

o    AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty / Solutions Architect - Professional.

o    Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer / Architect.

TOGAF 9 Certification (for Enterprise Architecture focus).

Benefits

At TLA, we build solutions that matter—supporting national security missions through technology innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Our team is passionate about leveraging modern technologies to deliver impactful, mission-focused outcomes for our customers.

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and federal holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Education and certification reimbursement
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee referral bonuses and team events

TLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.