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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Data Architect SME - FDA - **Company:** General Dynamics Information Technology - **Location:** Indianapolis, IN, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $170,144.0 - $230,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Database, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Data Migration, Software Debugging, Machine Learning, Performance Tuning, SQL Databases, Enterprise Data Management, Cloud Platform System, Apache Spark, Data Lakes, Pyspark, Integration Frameworks, Machine Learning Operations, Databricks - **Published:** May 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1499fcf1280fe9a4 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Spark?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Bachelor's degree plus 15+ years of experience in data engineering, architecture, or platform modernization. * 5+ years of Databricks experience with deep architectural and engineering proficiency. * Demonstrated, hands-on leadership in complex enterprise data-migration programs within the last 3 years. * Experience working with the FDA, HRSA, and/or CMS required. * Expertise in SQL, PySpark/Spark, Delta Lake, and cloud-based data engineering. * Proven ability to lead high-performing technical teams. * Strong understanding of data-migration patterns, CDC, reconciliation, and integration techniques. * Experience with Agile, hybrid, or traditional delivery methodologies. * Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Familiarity with Unity Catalog, Databricks governance models, MLflow, DLT. * Understanding of ETL/ELT frameworks, cloud platforms, and data governance. * Executive-level communication skills and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. Work Requirements Years of Experience 15 + years of related experience * may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree ## Description GDIT is seeking a seasoned Databricks Architect with deep experience designing, optimizing, and governing modern data platforms, paired with the capability to lead day-to-day execution of a complex, high-visibility enterprise data-migration program for a major federal health agency. This position plays two critical roles: (1) Drive Databricks platform strategy and support AI-driven initiatives across GDIT and federal health agencies (e.g., FDA, HRSA, CMS), and (2) Provide hands-on technical and managerial leadership for a mission-critical modernization and migration effort. This role is remote but requires travel to the DC/MD/VA area up to 3x a quarter. Primary Responsibilities: 1. Databricks Architecture & AI/ML Enablement (Platform-Focused) This work is distinct from the migration program and supports broader enterprise and client AI initiatives. Databricks Platform Architecture & Governance * Serve as the principal Databricks Architect, defining platform strategy, optimization patterns, and architectural governance for enterprise-scale analytics and AI workloads. * Architect and optimize environments leveraging Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, Databricks SQL, MLflow, and related services. * Establish best practices for data modeling, data quality, lineage, observability, cataloging, security, and compute optimization within the Databricks ecosystem. AI-Driven Initiatives (Internal & Federal Agency Support) * Partner with internal GDIT AI teams to design and operationalize AI/ML-ready data architectures, including feature pipelines and model-training datasets. * Support federal health agencies (FDA, HRSA, etc.) with Databricks-based solutions that enable: + Predictive analytics + Real-time insights + ML-augmented data workflows + Governance-aligned delivery of AI-driven capabilities * Advice on Databricks roadmap adoption, new capabilities, and platform evolution for enterprise AI use cases. Cross-Program and Enterprise Consulting * Provide architecture review, advisory guidance, and best-practice alignment across multiple GDIT programs leveraging Databricks. * Lead technical assessments and proof-of-concept efforts for advanced analytics, automation, and ML/AI integrations. 2. Enterprise Data Migration Leadership (Delivery-Focused) This is a separate set of responsibilities and represents the day-to-day operational focus. Program & Technical Execution Leadership * Lead the daily execution of a large-scale, complex data-migration and synchronization initiative supporting federal health systems modernization. * Oversee extraction, transformation, mapping, profiling, validation, reconciliation, and synchronization of data across legacy and modern systems. * Manage migration phases including high-volume batch loads, CDC-driven integration workflows, performance optimization, and defect triage. Team Leadership & Technical Oversight * Lead, mentor, and guide multidisciplinary teams of data engineers and analysts involved in migration workstreams. * Ensure alignment between architecture, implementation, testing, and operational support activities. Hands-On Engineering & Troubleshooting * Contribute directly to engineering tasks including: + Writing and optimizing SQL for validation, reconciliation, and transformation + Debugging complex pipeline issues, performance bottlenecks, and data anomalies + Reviewing migration logic, data quality rules, and architectural alternatives * Support architecture decisions that ensure accuracy, reliability, and scalability of migration workflows. Delivery Management & Stakeholder Communication * Manage migration deliverables, timelines, risks, dependencies, and vendor interactions. * Provide clear, actionable updates to federal stakeholders, leadership teams, and cross-functional partners. * Translate technical issues into business-relevant insights for non-technical audiences. ## Related Videos - [Empowering Retail Through Applied Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/976-empowering-retail-through-applied-machine-learning) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Top Big Data Technologies That You Need to Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/108-top-big-data-technologies-that-you-need-to-know) - [Making Data Warehouses Fast: A Developer’s Story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/107-making-data-warehouses-fast-a-developer-s-story) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries)