Data Architect

The Data Architect will specify the target design for the data lake, data ingestion, integration, transformation, governance and security architecture. The role acts as the design authority, ensuring the solution is secure, scalable, auditable and appropriate for operating environments with multiple security classifications., * Define the target data architecture and design principles for the AWS data lake and associated ingestion patterns.

• Design secure data integration patterns across multiple security classifications and operating environments.
• Specify API-based, file-based, legacy and bespoke integration approaches for source-system onboarding.
• Define conceptual, logical and physical data models, including data flows, data domains and data ownership considerations.
• Specify Apache NiFi architecture patterns, flow standards, interface contracts and reusable ingestion components.
• Define governance, metadata, lineage, auditability, security monitoring and data quality requirements.
• Produce High Level Designs, Low Level Design principles, Architecture Decision Records and design assurance material.
• Define non-functional requirements for performance, resilience, observability, scalability, security and maintainability.
• Support assurance, accreditation and security review activities with architecture evidence and design rationale.
• Provide technical governance and design oversight during build, test, assurance and handover.

• Significant experience as a Data Architect in complex enterprise, defence or secure government environments.
• Proven experience designing secure data platforms and data lake architectures on AWS.
• Strong knowledge of AWS security, IAM, networking, storage and data platform services relevant to secure data engineering.
• Extensive experience with Apache NiFi architecture, flow design, governance and operational considerations.
• Experience designing integrations using REST APIs, SOAP services, file transfers, batch ingestion, legacy adapters and bespoke interfaces.
• Experience with structured, semi-structured and unstructured data formats including CSV, XML, JSON, Parquet, Avro and proprietary formats.
• Experience designing solutions that operate across multiple security classifications and secure domains.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, lineage, metadata management, data quality, access control and auditability.
• Ability to define clear interface contracts, data mappings, transformation rules and secure data exchange patterns.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, documentation and technical leadership skills.

Desirable skills and experience

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect or equivalent experience.
• TOGAF, MODAF or equivalent architecture framework experience.
• Knowledge of NCSC-aligned security principles and assurance expectations.
• Experience with cross-domain transfer solutions, guards or controlled data movement between security domains.
• Experience with data catalogues, data mesh, data fabric, lakehouse or data product operating models.