> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3407488-data-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3407488-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).

---

# Data Architect

- **Company:** STEAMPUNK  INC.
- **Location:** McLean, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $125,000.0 - $175,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Information Systems, Continuous Integration, Data as a Services, Data Architecture, Data Dictionary, Data Governance, Relational Databases, Database Theory, Entity Relationship Models, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), Interoperability, Metadata, NoSQL, Query Optimization, Cloud Services, SQL Databases, Technical Data Management Systems, Unstructured Data, Data Processing, Information Technology, Data Lineage, Data Management, Devsecops
- **Published:** September 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9202777/data-architect

## About the Role

* Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
 * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
 * 8+ years of data architecture experience, including metadata/catalog design at enterprise scale
 * Experience with data modeling, schema design, and entity-relationship diagramming
 * Experience developing data architecture artifacts such as data dictionaries, entity-relationship diagrams, data flow diagrams, and data management plans
 * Experience with SQL and relational database design/query optimization; familiarity with NoSQL database concepts
 * Experience designing storage and retrieval approaches for both structured and unstructured data
 * Experience designing data platforms or catalogs for end-user consumption and discoverability
 * Demonstrated experience designing for open data standards and system interoperability
 * Familiarity with FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption standards for data at rest and in transit
 * Experience documenting data lineage/handling practices for governance or compliance purposes
 * Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical data architecture concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
 * Experience working within an Agile environment

Preferred:

 * Federal data governance or interoperability experience
 * Experience supporting AI/ML data documentation requirements
 * Familiarity with cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and managed data services
 * Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD concepts

## Description

Steampunk is seeking a Data Architect to design the technical data environment and catalog structure supporting data governance and interoperability for a large federal client - a technologist with strong communication skills and a passion for solving complex data problems.

Contributions

 * Design the technical structure for the data asset catalog and metadata taxonomy
 * Design the interoperable data environment structure underlying the Data Management Framework
 * Assess and document data sources to inform interoperable data environment design
 * Address technical inquiries related to data architecture, integration, and interoperability from program stakeholders
 * Ensure data architecture uses open, standard, non-proprietary formats and APIs supporting client data export and reconstruction requirements
 * Support documentation of data handling, storage, and retention practices for AI use cases feeding the AI Compliance and Risk Management Plan


## Related Videos

- [A Data Mesh needs Open Metadata](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/505-a-data-mesh-needs-open-metadata)
- [Leveraging Real time data in FSIs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/806-leveraging-real-time-data-in-fsis)
- [DevSecOps: Injecting Security into Mobile CI/CD Pipelines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/273-devsecops-injecting-security-into-mobile-ci-cd-pipelines)
- [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering)
- [Tomorrow's cloud data platforms - fully managed database-as-a-service (DBaaS)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/254-tomorrow-s-cloud-data-platforms-fully-managed-database-as-a-service-dbaas)
- [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works)

## Related Articles

- [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering)
- [Making Data Warehouses Fast: A Developer’s Story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/107-making-data-warehouses-fast-a-developer-s-story)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers)
- [Dev Digest 162: AI careers, MCP, AWS best practices & floppy sweaters](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/571-dev-digest-162-ai-careers-mcp-aws-best-practices-floppy-sweaters)