Data Architect (ISR / C5ISR Defense Programs)

Cambridge Automation Ltd; Aberdeen (MD); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development and cert.

Job summary

Cambridge Automation Ltd. seeks a Data Architect to lead design, integration, and governance of enterprise data systems powering ISR and C5ISR programs for U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

You will lead architecture decisions across cloud, AI/ML, and digital engineering, guiding data pipelines, models, and governance in mission-critical environments.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required.
• 8–12+ years of experience in data architecture or related roles.
• Experience supporting DoD, ISR, C5ISR, or intelligence systems.
• Strong expertise in data modeling, integration, and enterprise architecture.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and data governance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise data architecture frameworks and standards.
• Develop logical and physical data models for ISR and mission systems.
• Build scalable data pipelines, storage solutions, and data lifecycle strategies.
• Define architecture for structured, unstructured, and real-time data.
• Integrate data across disparate systems, sensors, and platforms.
• Enable interoperability aligned with DoD and Joint data standards.
• Support data exchange across tactical, edge, and enterprise environments.
• Implement APIs, data services, and middleware solutions.

Skills

Data architecture

Data engineering

Data governance

DoD / ISR systems

Cloud platforms

Data modeling

Enterprise architecture

Security & compliance

DevSecOps

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/Engineering/Data Science)

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Kafka

AWS

Azure

Job description

Data Architect (ISR / C5ISR Defense Programs)

Architect Mission-Critical Data Systems

Design and deliver data architectures that power real-world national security operations.

Cambridge Automation is seeking a Data Architect to lead the design, integration, and governance of enterprise data systems supporting ISR and C5ISR programs across the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

This is not a back-office role — this is frontline technical leadership, where your architecture decisions directly impact mission success, intelligence operations, and advanced analytics capabilities.

You’ll operate at the intersection of:

• Enterprise data architecture and engineering
• Intelligence systems and mission analytics
• Cloud, AI/ML, and digital engineering transformation

What You’ll Do

Data Architecture & Engineering

• Design and implement enterprise data architecture frameworks and standards
• Develop logical and physical data models for ISR and mission systems
• Build scalable data pipelines, storage solutions, and data lifecycle strategies
• Define architecture for structured, unstructured, and real-time data
• Integrate data across disparate systems, sensors, and platforms
• Enable interoperability aligned with DoD and Joint data standards
• Support data exchange across tactical, edge, and enterprise environments
• Implement APIs, data services, and middleware solutions

Data Governance & Quality

• Establish data governance frameworks, standards, and policies
• Ensure data quality, integrity, lineage, and consistency
• Implement metadata management and data catalog solutions
• Align with DoD Data Strategy and enterprise data initiatives
• Architect data solutions in cloud and hybrid environments (AWS, Azure, GovCloud)
• Design data lakes, streaming pipelines, and distributed systems (Spark, Kafka, etc.)
• Enable AI/ML pipelines and advanced analytics platforms
• Optimize performance, scalability, and data accessibility

Security & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with RMF, NIST, and DoD security frameworks
• Implement encryption, access controls, and data protection strategies
• Support classified data environments and secure system integration
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and federal regulations

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the data architecture authority across programs
• Partner with engineers, analysts, and program leadership
• Drive DevSecOps and digital engineering initiatives
• Mentor data engineers and promote best practices

Mission & Program Support

• Align data architecture with mission objectives and operational requirements
• Support proposals, solutioning, and technical volumes
• Ensure alignment with cost, schedule, and performance goals
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement

What You Bring

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (Required)
• 8–12+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or related roles
• Experience supporting DoD, ISR, C5ISR, or intelligence systems
• Strong expertise in data modeling, integration, and enterprise architecture
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or similar)
• Knowledge of data governance, security, and compliance frameworks
• Experience working in classified or secure environments
• Bachelor’s degree (Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field)

Preferred

• Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka)
• Experience with AI/ML data pipelines and analytics platforms
• Familiarity with DoD Data Strategy and JADC2 initiatives
• Experience with DevSecOps and digital engineering environments
• Certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, CDMP, or similar)

Salary Range: $150,000 – $190,000+ annually

(Commensurate with experience, clearance, and program scope)

• Performance-based incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and certification support
• Location: APG, MD or California (NIWC Pacific / NAVWAR / NAWCWD)
• Hybrid / on-site based on mission requirements
• Work in classified, mission-driven environments

CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE & LEGAL DISCLOSURES

The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $190,000+.

Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, clearance level, location, and business needs.

Cambridge Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA/CPRA)

Personal information collected during the application process will be used for recruiting and hiring purposes in accordance with applicable California privacy laws.

At-Will Employment

Employment is at-will. This job posting does not constitute a contract of employment and duties may change based on business needs.

Export Control Notice

This position may require access to information subject to ITAR, EAR, or classified U.S. Government regulations. U.S. Citizenship is required.

This position is contingent upon contract award and may require:

• Letter of Commitment
• Participation in proposal activities
• Customer approval and funding availability

Why Cambridge Automation

We’re building a next-generation defense engineering organization focused on:

• ISR and C5ISR data-driven mission systems
• AI/ML-enabled analytics and decision support
• Cloud, cyber, and digital engineering transformation