Cleared Chief Data Architect

Responsibilities

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.

Job Responsibilities Include:

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.
  
  

Overview

Desired Qualifications

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

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

Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

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