Data Architect

Company

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

The Data Architect will lead the design and modernization of the data architecture that powers the economic data platforms of St. Louis based Research applications such as FRED. These platforms manage massive collections of economic time-series data, historical revisions, digitized archival documents, and research publications.

This role focuses on designing scalable data platforms, data models, and data governance frameworksto support long-term growth, advanced analytics, and global access to economic data. It will leverage in-depth knowledge of modern data technologies, industry frameworks, data security best practices and emerging innovations in AI/ML and data science to accelerate value, delivery and outcomes for the business.

The Data Architect will partner closely with the Application Architectto ensure seamless integration between data platforms and application services.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the target data architecturesupporting economic data systems.

• Design scalable storage architectures capable of supporting billions of time-series observations and historical revisions.

• Develop metadata schemas supporting dataset discoverability, lineage, and governance.

• Standardize dataset structures and metadata across multiple platforms.

• Implement scalable data processing frameworks capable of supporting growing dataset volumes.

• Improve indexing and metadata strategies that support dataset search and discovery.

• Enable advanced analytical capabilities for researchers and developers.

• Partner with the Application Architect to optimize data access patterns for APIs and applications.

Required Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering or database design and large-scale enterprise cloud data implementations in complex, highly regulated environments. Deep understanding of modern data technology stacks, cloud data platforms (AWS preferred), and enterprise software solutions.
• Demonstrated experience designing, architecting and supporting external / public-facing applications with a strong emphasis on scalability, security, availability and performance for external customer-facing platforms. Demonstrated knowledge of and leading adoption of industry best practices in the areas of DataOps and modern data stack tools, data governance, SQL and other query tools and knowledge of data privacy regulations. Industry-related certifications in one or more of the above areas are desired. Demonstrated experience in cloud data architecture skills including designing, architecting and delivering modern cloud data platforms to ingest, process, store and expose data across the enterprise. Expert knowledge of data modeling techniques and tools, data lifecycle management and integration patterns to ensure that data flows are consistent, reliable and reusable across services and solutions.
• Experience with data storage technologies, partitioning strategies, caching, data access patterns, and robust security strategies enforcing privacy and regulatory requirements including designing standardized approaches for data classification, access control, encryption, retention and auditability.
• Knowledge of data warehousing concepts and tools, big data technologies, machine learning and AI data requirements.
• Strong recent hands‑on experience with PostgreSQL, including schema design, advanced indexing strategies, partitioning, query optimization, and high-availability configurations, ideally in the context of large-scale time-series.
• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, including translating technical topics and risks into business teams. Ability to personalize communication to audience from technologists to executive leadership.
• Extensive, in‑depth experience implementing highly complex technology projects in a cross‑functional matrix environment with demonstrated ability to drive consensus and deliver results. Examples of leading through influence and successfully resolving conflicting priorities are required.
• Candidates with less experience may be considered at a lower job grade or salary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with time‑series data platforms or analytical datasets.
• Experience with distributed query engines and large‑scale data processing systems.
• Experience with data catalog and metadata management platforms.
• Familiarity with economic datasets or research data environments.
• Experience supporting public data access or research‑oriented platforms.

Additional Information

Location(s):

• The selected candidate willresidewithin a reasonable commuting distance, as defined by the employing Reserve Bank, and will work full‑time onsite.
• Locations:Boston, MA- New York, NY- Philadelphia, PA- Cleveland, OH- Richmond, VA- Atlanta, GA- Chicago, IL- St. Louis, MO- Minneapolis, MN- Kansas City, MO- Dallas, TX- San Francisco, CA
• Remote Eligible: No
• Current remote employees will not be guaranteed to keep their remote status with their employing bank.

Salary

Salary for St. Louis: $140,000 - $170,000

• The listed salary is applicabletothe Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.Final offers aredeterminedby factors including the candidate’s qualifications, internal alignment considerations, district assignment, and geographic location.

Total Rewards

Bring your passion and expertise, and we’ll provide the opportunities that will challenge you and propel your growth—along with a wide range of benefits and perks that support your health, wealth, and life.

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package all brought together in a flexible work environment where you can find balance:

• Medical (4 options), Prescription, Dental (3 options), and Vision Insurance with no waiting period
• 401k/Thrift Plan with generous employer match
• Employer-funded Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation/Sick Time and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Healthcare Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement (undergraduate and graduate)
• Parental Leave
• Free onsite 24/7 Fitness Center including training classes, and locker room / shower facilities
• Onsite Cafeteria and Coffee Shop
• Additional Convenience Benefits, Discounts and More…

At the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, we are committed to a strong and resilient economy for all. We prioritize inclusion and strive to be a workplace where all employees can thrive. Learn more about Bank’s culture.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Full Time / Part Time

Full time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Exempt (Yes / No)

Yes

Job Category

Information Technology Family Group

Work Shift

First (United States of America)

The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in compliance with applicable law and to an environment where employees are valued for their differences.