Data Architect
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are looking for a Data Architect with strong experience across Enterprise Data Architecture and/or Solution Data Architecture to support a UK MOD programme delivering Defence-wide data and integration capabilities. Operating across the CADMID lifecycle, you will help define and implement enterprise data principles, standards, and architectures, while also contributing to hands-on data modelling, integration design, and governance., * Define and maintain enterprise data architecture, including principles, policies, standards, and reference models aligned with JSP 453 and Defence-wide integration frameworks.
- Develop architecture artefacts including conceptual, logical, and physical data models, data flows, and architecture blueprints.
- Translate business and operational needs into data architecture designs, ensuring alignment between enterprise strategy and system-level implementation.
- Design data integration patterns and approaches (e.g. APIs, data pipelines, event-driven architectures) to enable interoperability across Defence systems.
- Establish and support data governance frameworks, including data quality, metadata, lineage, and master data management practices.
- Contribute to AI/data governance principles, emerging technology assessments, and horizon scanning activities.
- Support the development of reusable patterns, guidance, and Communities of Practice to uplift data architecture capability across Defence.
Requirements
- Degree qualified in Data, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to define solutions to complex challenges.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate within high-performing teams., * 5+ years proven experience as a Data Architect within UK Defence or Critical National Infrastructure environments.
- Experience working across enterprise architecture and/or solution data architecture layers, bridging strategic and technical domains.
- Experience delivering across full system lifecycles (e.g. CADMID), including concept, design, and in-service improvement phases.
- Experience defining and implementing data strategies, governance frameworks, and standards, including understanding of data governance disciplines (data quality, metadata management, lineage, cataloguing).
- Strong expertise in data modelling (conceptual, logical, physical) and data architecture design, data integration approaches (ETL/ELT pipelines, APIs, streaming, event-driven architectures), and database technologies (relational, NoSQL, cloud-native data platforms) and data storage architectures.
Standards & Frameworks:
- Strong understanding of MOD data and integration standards, including JSP 453 - Defence Information Architecture.
- Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, MODAF, UAF).
- Knowledge of data governance and security standards (e.g. NIST, ISO/IEC 27001).
Benefits & conditions
People are at the centre of what we do. We offer a competitive package designed to attract and retain talent. In addition to standard benefits, UK employees receive free single medical cover, digital GP services, enhanced family-friendly policies, employee assistance programmes, and reimbursement for professional development. Our community initiatives include matched-funding schemes, paid volunteering, and charitable contributions.