> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1498436-lead-data-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1498436-lead-data-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Data Architect - **Company:** STEAMPUNK INC. - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $165,000.0 - $210,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Computing Platforms, Architectural Patterns, Microsoft Azure, BigQuery, Cloud Engineering, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Systems, Distributed Computing Environment, Data Flow Control, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Network Planning and Design, Cloud Services, Zero Trust Network Access, SQL Databases, Data Streaming, Virtualization Technology, Data Ingestion, Snowflake, Apache Spark, Data Strategy, Togaf, Data Layers, Event Driven Architecture, Microsoft Fabric, Containerization, Information Technology, Apache Flink, AWS Data Analytics, Apache Kafka, Data Management, Machine Learning Operations, Api Design, Domain Driven Design, Azure Synapse Analytics, Serverless Computing, Amazon Redshift, Databricks - **Published:** July 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3331543981&tx=KP2525FFP&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54 ## About the Role * Ability to hold a position of public trust or higher clearance as required. * Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Cloud Architecture, or a related technical field. * 10+ years of professional experience designing enterprise-scale data solutions, with significant architectural leadership. * Expert-level knowledge of modern data architectures including lakehouse, data mesh, data fabric, MDM, event-driven architectures, and domain-driven design . * Deep experience with cloud-native data ecosystems across AWS, Azure, or GCP-including storage, compute, orchestration, serverless, virtualization, containerization, and security services. * Mastery of distributed data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Databricks, Flink, Kafka, Synapse, Dataflow) and strong proficiency in SQL and Python. * Proven ability to design end-to-end ingestion pipelines, transformation logic, metadata systems, feature stores, and data serving layers optimized for analytics and AI workloads. * Understanding of enterprise data governance, including cataloging, lineage, privacy, tagging, Zero Trust access patterns, and compliance requirements. * Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, justify architectural decisions, and translate complex concepts into actionable insights. * Demonstrated success mentoring technical staff, leading architecture reviews, and guiding multi-team delivery across complex modernization programs. * Experience collaborating with Data Science, AI/ML, and MLOps teams to ensure data architectures support scalable model development and operationalization. * Preferred certifications (highly relevant): * AWS Data Analytics Specialty * AWS Solutions Architect - Professional * Azure Solutions Architect Expert * Databricks Data Engineer Professional * Google Professional Data Engineer * Snowflake SnowPro Advanced Architect * TOGAF or cloud architecture frameworks * Local to Washington, DC metro area ## Description * Serve as the chief architect for data platform modernization, designing enterprise data ecosystems including lakehouse architectures, data mesh/fabric patterns, domain modeling, and multi-cloud data strategies. * Translate mission and business needs into actionable data architecture roadmaps, reference architectures, and solution blueprints. * Architect robust ingestion, transformation, and serving layers using a blend of batch, streaming, CDC, API-based, and event-driven patterns. * Lead end-to-end data modeling strategy, including canonical data models, semantic layers, MDM architectures, metadata systems, and AI/ML-aligned feature modeling. * Partner with Data Engineering, Data Science, AI/ML Engineering, and LLMOps/MLOps teams to ensure data platforms support analytics, ML, RAG systems, and advanced automation use cases. * Define and enforce enterprise data standards: schema evolution, data contracts, quality frameworks, lineage expectations, observability, data zones, and Zero Trust data-access policies. * Drive platform engineering decisions including storage optimization, cluster sizing, compute orchestration, network design, and cost-performance tradeoffs. * Guideselection and adoption of platform technologies such as Databricks, Snowflake, Redshift, Synapse, BigQuery, lakehouse engines, metadata platforms, and orchestration tools. * Oversee architectural governance, including design reviews, performance evaluations, cloud readiness assessments, and alignment with enterprise cybersecurity and compliance requirements. * Serve as a senior advisor to client executives, framing modernization strategies, defining investment pathways, and articulating value realization for enterprise data initiatives. * Mentor Data Engineers, Data Architects, and cross-functional technical staff, strengthening architectural maturity across programs. * Develop reusable frameworks, architectural patterns, playbooks, and internal accelerators that improve consistency and reduce delivery time across engagements. * Stay current with emerging trends in cloud-native data ecosystems, metadata automation, distributed compute, AI-ready data architectures, and federal data regulations. * You will contribute to the growth of our AI & Data Exploitation Practice! ## Related Videos - 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