AMDS Chief Data Officer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a strategic Chief Data Officer to transform data into a mission-critical asset. You will partner with senior leadership and program teams to modernize governance, integration, and operations, aligning an enterprise data strategy with AMDS priorities and ensuring data is secure, accessible, and AI/ML-ready.

The role leads the creation of resilient data architectures, end-to-end lifecycle management, and cross-organizational alignment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in data strategy, data management, analytics, or related roles within complex, technical, or mission-driven environments.
• Designing and implementing scalable data architectures.
• Establishing and enforcing data governance frameworks and policies.
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management and technologies.
• Ability to evaluate and integrate emerging data technologies into operational environments.
• Proven ability to align stakeholders and drive enterprise data practices.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Willingness to travel (~10%) and support work outside standard hours as needed.
• Holding an active Secret security clearance and potential to obtain Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of an enterprise data strategy aligned to mission priorities.
• Establish and enforce data governance to ensure quality, integrity, security, and compliance.
• Drive cross-organizational alignment, serving as the enterprise integrator across leadership, programs, and technical teams.
• Architect and oversee a resilient data environment, including platforms, pipelines, and infrastructure.
• Institutionalize full lifecycle data management—from curation and storage to access and retention.
• Enable seamless data integration to improve interoperability, accessibility, and scalability.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies to continuously modernize the data ecosystem and advance AI/ML readiness.

Skills

Data strategy

Data governance

Stakeholder engagement

Data architecture

Security clearance

Education

Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Cloud platforms

ETL pipelines

Big data technologies

Job description

Description

AMDS is seeking a forward-thinking, mission-driven Chief Data Officer to transform data into a strategic asset. In this role, you will partner with senior leadership, technical teams, and program stakeholders to modernize how data is governed, integrated, and operationalized—accelerating mission impact. You will define and execute an enterprise data strategy aligned with AMDS priorities, ensuring data is accessible, secure, and AI/ML-ready. This includes establishing robust governance, enabling scalable and resilient architectures, and fostering a culture of data accountability and trust across the sector.

As the Chief Data Officer, you will:

• Leadthe development and execution of an enterprise data strategy aligned to mission priorities
• Establish and enforcedata governance to ensure quality, integrity, security, and compliance
• Drivecross-organizational alignment, serving as the enterprise integrator across leadership, programs, and technical teams
• Architect and overseea resilient data environment, including platforms, pipelines, and infrastructure
• Institutionalizefull lifecycle data management—from curation and storage to access and retention
• Enableseamless data integration to improve interoperability, accessibility, and scalability
• Evaluate and adoptemerging technologies to continuously modernize the data ecosystem and advance AI/ML readiness

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• At least 8 years of experience in data strategy, data management, analytics, or related roles within complex, technical, or mission-driven environments
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing scalable data architectures
• Proven expertise in establishing and enforcing data governance frameworks and policies
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management and technologies
• Ability to evaluate and integrate emerging data technologies into operational environments
• Proven ability to align stakeholders and drive enterprise data practices
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Willingness to travel (~10%) and support work outside standard hours as needed
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• Ten or more years of relevant experience in data strategy, management, or analytics
• Experience advising and partnering with senior leadership and diverse stakeholders
• Track record of collaboration with external partners and organizations
• Familiarity with AMDS programs, sponsors, and mission challenges

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually