Job Description

Job Title: Data Architect

Location: Bethesda, MD
Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph



What You Will Do (Enhanced with IC architecture, tools & governance context)


+ Lead the strategic alignment of Intelligence Community Data Services (ICDS) and Services of Common Concern (SoCC) with the IC Data Reference Architecture and the broader IC IT Ecosystem.

+ Design, maintain, and govern conceptual, logical, and physical data models supporting both mission-critical systems and enterprise-wide data initiatives.

+ Define, document, and enforce data architecture principles, patterns, and standards to ensure interoperability, scalability, reuse, and alignment with enterprise architecture frameworks.

+ Integrate metadata management, master data management (MDM), and reference data practices into architectural designs to improve data discoverability, traceability, and governance.

+ Advise programs and mission teams on data integration and interoperability strategies, enabling secure and reliable data exchange across IC systems and platforms.

+ Embed data protection, access control, tagging, and privacy-by-design principles into architectures, ensuring compliance with Zero Trust, IC security policies, and data handling requirements.

+ Evaluate, select, and guide implementation of data architecture tools and technologies, including:


+ Data modeling and repository tools

+ Data lineage, impact analysis, and governance platforms

+ Metadata and catalog solutions


+ Establish and lead data architecture governance processes, including design reviews, standards enforcement, and change management.

+ Design scalable and flexible architectures supporting structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid IC environments.

+ Document and communicate architecture artifacts, decisions, trade studies, and roadmaps to both technical teams and senior non-technical stakeholders.

+ Collaborate with CDOs, CIOs, CTOs, engineers, and program managers to ensure architectural alignment with mission outcomes and enterprise strategy.




What You Will Need (Clarified & strengthened for sourcing)


+ Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph (required at time of hire).

+ Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Architecture, Engineering, or related field.

+ 8+ years of experience supporting Intelligence Community programs, including enterprise or cross-agency initiatives.

+ Proven experience developing and aligning data architectures with mission, enterprise, and IC-wide strategies.

+ Strong proficiency in:


+ Data modeling techniques (conceptual, logical, physical)

+ Metadata management and governance

+ Data integration and interoperability practices


+ Deep understanding of:


+ IC Data Reference Architecture

+ ICDS, SoCC, and the IC IT Ecosystem


+ Experience applying architecture frameworks and governance processes to guide technical decision-making.

+ Demonstrated ability to lead architectural initiatives and collaborate across cross-functional technical and mission teams.

+ Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, including executive-level briefings.




What Would Be Nice to Have (Senior-level differentiators)


+ Master’s degree in Data Architecture, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.

+ Experience supporting IC-wide or ODNI-led strategic data initiatives.

+ Certifications such as:


+ TOGAF

+ Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)

+ PMP or other architecture / governance credentials


+ Familiarity with:


+ Metadata standards and semantic models

+ Data lineage and impact analysis tools

+ Enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., DoDAF, FEAF)


+ Experience integrating data architecture with:


+ Zero Trust architectures

+ Secure IC cloud or hybrid environments





Technologies, Tools & Frameworks of Interest

(Hands-on vs oversight varies by initiative)


+ Data modeling tools (e.g., ER/Studio, Sparx EA, or equivalent)

+ Metadata repositories and data catalogs (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Apache Atlas)

+ Data lineage and governance platforms

+ Integration and interoperability technologies (APIs, messaging, data services)

+ IC cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments


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