Senior Data Architect / Data Engineer

Senior Data Architect / Data Engineer

Location: Washington, DC

Duration: 6 Months (Possible Extension)

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Data Architect / Data Engineer to support a large-scale data modernization initiative focused on transforming legacy data environments into modern cloud-based analytical platforms.

This role will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing enterprise data architectures, scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, and advanced analytics infrastructure to support economic forecasting, policy research, and enterprise reporting initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep experience in enterprise data engineering, cloud technologies, workflow orchestration, database architecture, and large-scale data integration. This individual will collaborate closely with research teams, data analysts, architects, and business stakeholders to improve data accessibility, scalability, governance, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Data Architecture & Engineering

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable enterprise data architectures and analytical platforms
• Build and optimize robust ETL/ELT pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and delivering structured and unstructured data
• Develop scalable database solutions, data lakes, and enterprise data platforms
• Create conceptual, logical, and physical data models aligned with business and research objectives
• Implement data integration strategies across multiple on-premises and cloud-based systems

Data Pipeline Development

• Design and automate data workflows using modern orchestration tools
• Develop scalable data processing frameworks for high-volume datasets
• Optimize data flows, database performance, and pipeline efficiency
• Implement monitoring, validation, and data quality controls across all data systems

Cloud & Platform Modernization

• Support migration of legacy systems and workflows to modern cloud platforms
• Implement scalable cloud-native data solutions and automation frameworks
• Collaborate on enterprise modernization and DataOps initiatives
• Assist with CI/CD implementation and deployment automation for data platforms

Database & System Administration

• Design and maintain relational and enterprise database structures
• Develop backup, recovery, and access security procedures
• Maintain metadata documentation, data dictionaries, and technical specifications
• Ensure data integrity, governance, and compliance standards are maintained

Collaboration & Stakeholder Support

• Partner with economists, analysts, technical teams, and business stakeholders
• Translate complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions
• Provide technical leadership and recommendations for future-state architecture
• Support analytics, visualization, and reporting initiatives

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities for automation and operational efficiency improvements
• Conduct root cause analysis for data and system-related issues
• Contribute to enterprise data architecture standards and best practices
• Support adoption of advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities

Required Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related technical field
• Advanced degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in Data Architecture, Data Engineering, or related technical roles
• Strong hands-on experience designing enterprise data platforms and data integration solutions
• Experience building and maintaining large-scale ETL/ELT pipelines
• Experience with cloud migrations and modern data infrastructure implementations

Technical Skills

Strong experience with:

• Advanced SQL development
• Python and/or R scripting
• Relational databases including:
  • PostgreSQL
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • MySQL
• Workflow orchestration tools such as:
  • Apache Airflow
  • Prefect
  • Dagster
• Source control platforms:
  • GitHub
  • GitLab
• Linux-based development environments
• Data modeling and database optimization
• Data quality and governance practices

Cloud Experience

Experience with one or more:

• Amazon Web Services
• Microsoft Azure
• Snowflake

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with economic, financial, or research datasets
• Experience with time-series data and forecasting analytics
• Experience implementing Change Data Capture (CDC) methodologies
• Experience with NoSQL or graph database technologies
• Experience with machine learning model deployment and maintenance
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and DataOps practices
• Knowledge of Java, Scala, JavaScript, or Perl
• Experience supporting enterprise analytics and visualization platforms

For more details reach at View email address on click.appcast.io