Data Architect

Under administrative direction of the Chief Data Officer, an Information Technology (IT) Manager II, the IT Specialist III (Data Architect) leads the design, development, and implementation of the enterprise data strategy. This includes defining the technical data architecture, modern data platforms, enterprise data warehouse, and analytics infrastructure. The incumbent collaborates with business and IT stakeholders to establish scalable data engineering practices, enterprise data governance, and business intelligence capabilities. The Data Architect drives innovation by designing secure, high-performing, and future-ready data solutions that make data accessible, trusted, and actionable across the organization.

This advertisement is posted as Open Until Filled and the advertisement will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for applications will be every other Friday, starting April 03, 2026, and applications will be reviewed per those cut-off dates. Hires can be made at any time based on the applications received by the cut-off dates.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. The incumbent must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. The incumbent must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-509539


Position #(s):
311-480-1415-001

Working Title:
Data Architect


Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III $9,507.00 - $12,740.00 Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit


New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.


Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.






Department Website:


Special Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. The SOQ must be no more than three (3) pages, single-spaced, with one-inch margins, in 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. The SOQ must discuss the applicant's applicable experience as it pertains to each item below. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process. A resume is required but does not take the place of the SOQ. Letters and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

You must respond to all the following items:

• Describe a modern data architecture you have designed or implemented, such as a data lakehouse, event-driven architecture, or microservices-based data platform. Include the technologies used, your role in the design, and the rationale behind your architectural decisions.
• Describe your experience designing and implementing modern data pipelines using tools such as Apache Airflow, dbt, AWS Glue, or similar technologies. In your response, highlight how you ensured data quality, reliability, and scalability in production environments. Include specific examples of projects, tools used, and your role in the implementation.
• Explain your experience implementing data governance frameworks. Include specific examples of how you addressed data privacy, metadata management, and regulatory compliance (e.g., General Data Protection Regulation, California Consumer Privacy Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Highlight any tools or platforms you used to support governance efforts.
• Provide an example of a project where you enabled self-service analytics or developed a semantic layer for business users. Describe the tools and technologies used (e.g., Power BI, Looker, Tableau), and explain how your work improved data accessibility and decision-making.

NOTE: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences . Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.


Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.


Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above "Special Requirements" section for SOQ instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in data architecture, data management, business intelligence, and governance.
• Proficiency in data analysis, data modeling, and data visualization.
• Experience with modern data platforms (cloud-native architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), data lakehouse (e.g., Delta Lake, Snowflake), event-driven or microservices-based data platforms).
• Experience with modern data pipeline tools and technology.
• Experience designing and implementing data pipelines for production environments.
• Experience of governance frameworks (evidence of work with data cataloging tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation), metadata management, and data lineage.
• Experience with implementing governance and compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.
• Enabling analytics and self-service BI (experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker, ThoughtSpot), semantic layer design, and data modeling for analytics).
• Ability to lead teams, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and influence decision-making.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, and vendor partners; communicate effectively with executive leadership, peers, end users, technical staff and partners, oversight agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare or direct the preparation of clear and concise documentation (e.g., architecture diagrams, workflows, roadmaps, policies, etc.).
• Ability to research and analyze technical solutions and provide recommendations that support the Authority's technical direction.
• Ability to meet business needs through innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to changes in direction or organizational change.
• Ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives in a fast-paced achievement- oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information in a manner easily understood by non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive tasks, assignments, and information.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Display a working knowledge of project management practices, the system development lifecycle, etc.
• Demonstrate a service-oriented and customer relations-sensitive attitude.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the California State Administrative Manual and California Statewide Information Management Manual.
• Willingness to work excess hours to achieve business results.
• Display enthusiasm and aptitude for continuous learning.

Benefits The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Application Information
The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.


Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.


If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-509539 and Data Architect, 311-480-1415-001 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)


Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list


NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.


Location
The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer's market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.



Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.