About this opportunity
Blue Sky Innovators lists this Data Architect, Secret Clearance opportunity in arlington, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Mission Summary
This Data Architect role provides principal-level advisory and thought leadership to senior DARPA executives, including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and senior ITD Staff. As a Data Architect, you will be a key strategic resource, shaping the agency’s approach to cybersecurity across its most advanced and sensitive technology portfolios.
You will operate with a high degree of autonomy to provide strategic foresight, critical technical analysis, and authoritative guidance, ensuring that security is an enabler of innovation for DARPA’s high-risk, high-reward programs.
The Data Architect is responsible for designing, developing, and managing enterprise data architecture to support strategic research, operations, analytics, and mission-critical decision-making. This role ensures that data systems are secure, scalable, interoperable, and aligned with national security objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement enterprise-level data architecture frameworks across defense systems and platforms
Develop data models, standards, and governance policies to ensure consistency, quality, and integrity
Integrate data from multiple classified and unclassified sources to support operational readiness and analysis
Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with security protocols and data protection regulations
Support advanced analytics, AI/ML initiatives, and real-time data processing for research and strategic applications
Establish metadata management, data lineage, and master data management practices
Optimize data storage, retrieval, and processing for high-performance environments
Lead data architecture reviews and provide technical guidance to engineering and analytics teams
Ensure compliance with federal standards (e.g., DoD data strategy, security frameworks, interoperability requirements)
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or related field
8+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise systems design
Experience working in defense, intelligence, or other high-security environments
Strong knowledge of database systems (SQL/NoSQL), data warehousing, and distributed data platforms
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, etc.)
Knowledge of data governance, data modeling, and architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DoDAF)
Active security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret) or ability to obtain one
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka)
Background in AI/ML data pipelines and analytics infrastructure
Familiarity with geospatial, signals, or intelligence data systems
Certifications in cloud architecture or data management (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, DAMA-CDMP)
Experience with high performance computing (HPC)
Active TS/SCI clearance
Core Competencies
Strategic thinking and systems-level design
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to operate in high-pressure, mission-critical environments
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration
Commitment to data security, ethics, and confidentiality
Work Environment
This position may operate in secure government facilities and requires adherence to strict information security protocols. Some travel may be required to support operations and interagency coordination.
Impact of Role
The Data Architect plays a critical role in enabling data-driven research and support operations, enhancing situational awareness, and ensuring that decision-makers have timely, accurate, and secure access to information.
Salary range for the position is $150,000 - $250,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge.
medical/dental/vision benefits
401k contribution
Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.
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Worksite address
arlington, TX, 76000, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.