Cleared Chief Data Architect

Noblis; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 146,200 - 228,400; Full time

Job summary

Noblis is seeking a Data Architect in Bethesda, MD to define and implement Enterprise Data Architecture within a SETA contract. The role is expert-level and requires a strategic leader to translate complex mission requirements into Big Data frameworks. The architect will lead teams to design solutions for advanced analytics and real-time intelligence.

Candidates must have US citizenship, possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance, and meet educational and experience requirements. The position offers a salary range of $146,200 - $228,400 annually.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Experience defining a Big Data implementation framework.
• Experience translating mission needs into Big Data system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a comprehensive Big Data implementation framework.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in designing data solutions.
• Ensure compliance with ICD 504 requirements.
• Oversee large-scale data systems design and implementation.

Skills

Big Data implementation

Data architecture standards

Data governance

Machine learning

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree + 8 years of experience

Master's Degree + 6 years of experience

PhD + 4 years of experience

High School Diploma/GED + 12 years of experience

Associate's degree + 10 years of experience

Job description

Job Summary

Noblis is seeking a cleared Data Architect supporting our customer in Bethesda, MD on a SETA contract. The Chief Data Architect will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for defining and implementing the Enterprise Data Architecture in support of the program. This expert-level position requires a strategic leader capable of translating complex mission requirements into comprehensive Big Data implementation frameworks while ensuring seamless integration with the customer and Intelligence Community enterprise architectures. The Chief Data Architect will lead multi‑disciplinary teams in designing cutting‑edge data solutions that support advanced analytics, machine learning operations, and real‑time intelligence capabilities across a dynamic, multi‑domain environment.

Enterprise Architecture & Strategy

• Define and implement a comprehensive Big Data implementation framework aligned with the customer's mission objectives and IC enterprise standards.
• Develop and maintain the Enterprise Data Architecture ensuring integration with overall the customer and IC enterprise architectures.
• Translate mission needs into actionable Big Data system requirements, analytic tool specifications, and visualization tool requirements.
• Establish and enforce Enterprise Data Standards and metrics to improve data normalization across the organization.
• Design architecture solutions supporting multiple data providers, structured/semi‑structured/unstructured data types, and varying data velocity (static documents to real‑time feeds).

Data Mesh & Modern Architecture

• Design and implement data mesh architecture across a dynamic workforce, enabling decentralized, domain‑oriented data ownership.
• Architect scalable data solutions including data warehouses, data lakes, and data pipelines for enterprise‑scale operations.
• Develop ML‑ready data infrastructure supporting preprocessed, vectorized datasets for AI model training and deployment.
• Establish cloud‑based data storage architectures leveraging emerging technologies and best practices.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all data architecture solutions comply with ICD 504 (Intelligence Community Data Management) requirements.
• Provide senior‑level expertise on data policy and governance materials.
• Draft, coordinate, and implement processes for the customer data sharing, analysis, and interoperability.
• Integrate ICD 503 (IT Systems Security Risk Management) and ICD 505 (Artificial Intelligence) requirements into architectural designs.
• Ensure compliance with NIST SP 800‑53 Rev 4 security and privacy controls.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor multi‑disciplinary teams including data engineers, data scientists, AI/ML engineers, and integration specialists.
• Organize and facilitate governance boards and working groups focused on data architecture and standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to examine and visualize data, extracting knowledge from large and complex digital data collections.
• Guide engineering solutions that balance technical innovation with policy compliance and security requirements.
• Improve data literacy across the customer workforce through training, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

Technical Implementation

• Oversee the design and implementation of large‑scale data systems capable of handling high‑volume, high‑velocity data.
• Identify and implement opportunities for advanced data services and tools including data analytics and machine learning platforms.
• Establish MLOps integration patterns including CI/CD pipelines, model registries, and monitoring frameworks.
• Ensure data quality, security, and compliance with organizational policies and industry standards throughout all implementations.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree + 8 years of experience OR Master’s Degree + 6 years of experience OR PhD + 4 years of experience OR High School Diploma/GED + 12 years of experience OR Associate's degree + 10 years of experience.
• Experience defining a Big Data implementation framework.
• Experience translating mission needs into Big Data system, analytic, and visualization tools requirements.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law | E‑Verify | Right to Work

Salary Range

USD $146,200.00 – USD $228,400.00 /Yr.