Senior Data Lifecycle & Governance Architect

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Wellness Programs

Health Savings Accounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Senior Data Lifecycle & Governance Architect to advance research data capabilities in a national lab environment. You will lead data architecture, governance strategies, and AI-enabled computational science initiatives across facilities.

The role requires extensive experience in data standards, interoperability, and scientific workflows, plus strong leadership in multi-stakeholder projects. DOE programs and national labs collaboration are central.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Computer Science or related field.
• 12+ years of programming and software engineering in all SDLC aspects.
• 5+ years designing large-scale data science platforms for federal, state, or commercial orgs.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-disciplinary projects across stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of data standards, interoperability, governance, and scientific workflows.
• Knowledge of federal data policies, open science initiatives, and FAIR data principles.

Responsibilities

• Use data architecture and governance expertise to support DOE and partner programs.
• Lead multi-facility data management and governance initiatives aligned with mission priorities.
• Apply ontology engineering and semantic technologies to support data integration and discoverability.
• Establish and promote best practices for research data lifecycle management and metadata standards.
• Collaborate within ORNL and with national labs, academia, government and industry.
• Support recruiting, hiring and mentoring of technical staff.
• Represent the division in high-quality papers and conferences to showcase achievements.
• Engage with industry partners to develop next-generation capabilities.

Skills

Software Engineering

Data Governance

Ontology Engineering

Semantic Technologies

Interoperability

FAIR Data Principles

Leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

M.S. in Computer Science or related field

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field

Job description

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Senior Data Lifecycle & Governance Architect

We are looking for a senior cross-disciplinary Data Architect to advance research data capabilities within a national laboratory environment. This role requires deep expertise in research data management, governance, and interoperable data systems, with a focus on supporting mission-driven science across multiple facilities and programs. The successful candidate will lead the creation and refinement of data architecture and governance strategies that will inform and guide the development of AI-enabled computational science at the leading edges of computing. The Data Engineering group at ORNL focuses on research and development for innovative, world-class data systems. We pursue internal and external opportunities to advance scientific research and national security programs through the application of our extensive expertise in the collection, management, distribution, and curation of data. We hire top researchers and engineers who are ready to tackle the hardest problems faced by both the US and the world. As a US Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation's biggest problems. ORNL's staff of over 7000 dedicated and creative people is committed to the laboratory's broad mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and translate those discoveries into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

• Use data architecture and governance expertise to support projects funded by DOE ASCR, other DOE program offices, strategic partnership programs, and strategic Division and Directorate initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate multi-facility and multi-program data management and governance initiatives aligned with laboratory mission priorities.
• Apply ontology engineering and semantic technologies to support knowledge representation, data integration, and discoverability.
• Establish and promote best practices for research data lifecycle management, including metadata standards, curation, stewardship, and compliance with federal policies.
• Establish collaborations within ORNL and with other national labs, academic, government, and commercial organizations that promote the visibility and reputation of the division and ORNL.
• Support recruiting, selection, hiring and mentoring of the technical staff.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to the directorate in the areas of data engineering, data architectures, and resource utilization, as needed.
• Represent ORNL and CSMD by developing high quality papers highlighting our accomplishments, engaging with the scientific community at conferences and meetings to understand current state of data challenge, and interacting with industry partners to develop next generation capabilities.

Basic Qualifications:

• M.S. in Computer Science or related field.
• 12+ years of programing and software engineering experience in all aspects of the software development life cycle.
• 5+ years of experience in designing state-of-the-art, large-scale data science platforms and frameworks for federal, state, or commercial organizations.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-disciplinary projects across multiple stakeholders and/or facilities.
• Strong understanding of data standards, interoperability and governance challenges, and scientific data workflows.
• Ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines and adapt to changing needs.
• Knowledge of federal data policies, open science initiatives, and FAIR data principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Department of Energy Q clearance (SCI is a plus).
• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Experience working within or collaborating with national laboratories, federal research programs, or large-scale scientific facilities.
• 10+ years experience in designing systems that handle different modalities of scientific and national missions relevant data (structured and unstructured), storage (monolithic, federated, distributed, etc.), and modes of analysis (real time, batch, interactive, etc.)
• Familiarity with leadership-scale high-performance computing (HPC) environments, data-intensive science, and the applicability of AI techniques and technologies to scientific problems
• Experience supporting user facilities or large collaborative research programs .

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.