Data Architect

Join to apply for the Data Architect role at Initiate Government Solutions, LLC .

Founded in 2007, Initiate Government Solutions (IGS) is a Woman Owned Small Business. We are a fully remote IT services provider delivering innovative Enterprise IT and Health Services solutions across the federal sector, with a focus on data analytics, health informatics, cloud migration, and modernization of federal information systems.

Assignment of Work and Travel

This is a remote assignment. The candidate will work remotely daily and will access VA systems and VA‑provided communications systems. Travel is not required; however, the candidate may be required to attend onsite client meetings as requested.

Program Overview

This program is a transformative initiative by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aimed at modernizing and streamlining access to VA data and services through secure, reliable, and scalable APIs. As a member of the team, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and supporting API solutions that empower veterans, partners, and internal stakeholders to access critical information and services efficiently.

In this role, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including product managers, engineers, security specialists, and business analysts—to deliver high‑quality API products in alignment with federal standards and VA objectives.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on veteran care and benefits delivery while working in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Database Architecture & Modeling: design scalable, secure, and highly available cloud database solutions. Choose appropriate database types (relational, NoSQL, etc.) based on application needs. Develop data models and schema designs to support API integration and data consumption.
• Cloud Database Provisioning: provision and configure cloud‑managed database instances (e.g., Amazon RDS, Azure SQL, Oracle Autonomous DB, DynamoDB, Redis/Elasticache). Migrate on‑premises databases to the cloud with minimal downtime and full data integrity.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: monitor database performance using cloud‑native and third‑party tools. Identify and resolve bottlenecks such as slow queries and resource constraints. Implement indexing, partitioning, and caching strategies.
• Security & Compliance: implement access controls, encryption, and auditing mechanisms. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations such as HIPAA, HL7, and FISMA. Regularly review and update security policies.
• Backup & Disaster Recovery: set up automated backup and disaster recovery solutions. Test and document recovery procedures. Configure replication, failover, and clustering for high availability.
• Infrastructure Automation: automate database provisioning and configuration using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation. Develop scripts for routine maintenance, monitoring, and optimization.
• Collaboration & Support: work closely with developers, DevOps, and IT teams to support application requirements. Oversee data engineers and troubleshoot database‑related issues. Document database environments and operational procedures.
• Cost Optimization: monitor and optimize database resource usage to control cloud costs. Recommend right‑sizing and cost‑saving measures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience designing and optimizing structured databases: MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Amazon RDS.
• Experience with cloud‑managed NoSQL and caching solutions: DynamoDB, Redis/Elasticache.
• Strong ability to write complex SQL queries and optimize performance.
• Experience building schemas, data pipelines, and ETL processes.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and infrastructure automation tools.
• Understanding of data governance, compliance standards, and security best practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.
• Strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Active VA Public Trust clearance.
• Prior experience supporting federal agencies, especially the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Certifications in cloud architecture, data engineering, or database administration.
• Experience with Backstage.io, OpenAPI, and OpenTracing.
• Prior, successful experience working in a remote environment.

Core Values

• Integrity, Honesty, and Ethics : we conduct our business with the highest level of ethics, owning mistakes and following through on commitments.
• Empathy, Emotional Intelligence : we interact respectfully, creating an inclusive environment and learning deeply about customers’ needs.
• Strong Work Ethic (Reliability, Dedication, Productivity) : we are reliable, accountable, proactive, and tenacious.
• Life‑Long Learner (Curious, Perspective, Goal Oriented) : we continually learn, hone our craft, and find solutions where others see problems.

Compensation

The final salary is influenced by geographic location, federal contract categories, experience, skills, education, and certifications.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision care, matching 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, training time, flexible spending accounts, employer‑paid life insurance, short and long‑term disability coverage, an education assistance program, employee recognition, referral programs, spot bonuses, and other benefits.

Initiate Government Solutions participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.