Lead Senior Data Architect

Lead Senior Data Architect Job Type: Full-time Overview Tanaq Technical Services (TTS), part of St. George Tanaq (SGT) Corporation, is a distinguished 8(a) Alaskan Native Small Business dedicated to providing innovative Enterprise Integrated Technology Solutions and Support Services to the Federal Government. We are committed to delivering exceptional solutions while fostering a supportive environment for our team members. About the Role We invite you to take a leading role as a Lead Senior Data Architect, where you will be instrumental in supporting the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of the Chief Information Officer (HUD OCIO). As a key authority in our enterprise, you will define and implement the data architecture required for the agency's AI, analytics, and cloud modernization initiatives. This role requires a blend of strategic insight and technical skill in developing scalable, secure, cloud-native data ecosystems that bolster mission-critical AI and ML operations. In this role, you will take charge of extensive data governance initiatives, creating frameworks for metadata management, data lineage, quality assurance, and data stewardship. You will ensure compliance with essential federal mandates such as FISMA, FedRAMP, NIST, and privacy regulations. Further, you will lead the development of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) AI agent knowledge layer and establish modernization standards that aid collaborative efforts among Data and AI Engineers. This position is fully remote and supports a federal government contract that requires a federal background check and NACI clearance. Candidates must reside in the United States. Responsibilities Formulate and guide the agency's enterprise data architecture strategy for AI, analytics, and cloud modernization. Design and oversee the creation of cloud-native data platforms, transitioning legacy systems into secure, scalable environments. Develop and maintain enterprise-wide data models and standards for enhanced interoperability across various programs and systems. Lead organization-wide data governance initiatives, with a focus on metadata management, data lineage, and quality frameworks. Work closely with AI/ML teams to build data pipelines, feature stores, and model-ready datasets for advanced analytics. Advise senior management on data strategies, modernization roadmaps, and emerging technologies. Ensure strict compliance with federal security and privacy regulations, including FISMA, FedRAMP, NIST, and the Privacy Act. Establish integration patterns and interoperability standards for enterprise data systems. Serve as the technical authority in cross-functional working groups addressing data architecture challenges. Mentor junior architects, data engineers, and analysts to cultivate a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Manage AI/ML-ready cloud infrastructure using AWS Bedrock and Azure OpenAI. Oversee the development of data catalogs and master data management solutions. Requirements Required Experience and Skills: 7+ years of experience in data architecture, enterprise architecture, or large-scale data engineering. Experience with enterprise data modeling within contexts of grants, housing, and expansive program areas. Expertise in metadata management, lineage, and governance using policy-as-code methodologies. Able to design an AI-ready knowledge layer with document schemas, embedding strategies, and explainability metadata. Knowledge in implementing access, retention, and privacy controls following ABAC/RBAC and Zero Trust principles. Familiarity with Lakehouse architectures, data contract patterns (e.g., Delta/Iceberg), master data management, and PII minimization techniques. Experience with event-driven architectures and CDC-based solutions to decouple legacy systems. Understanding of FISMA and FedRAMP compliance, including auditability and ATO evidence requirements. Proficiency in cloud-native data systems and methodologies for large-scale data processing. Experience in designing and implementing AI/ML pipelines and compliant systems. Ability to pass federal background verification and maintain the necessary government clearance. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Technical Skills: Proficient in cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS. Experience with cloud-native services like AWS Bedrock and Azure OpenAI. Extensive knowledge of relational, NoSQL, and distributed data systems. Strong capabilities in ETL/ELT frameworks such as Airflow, Spark, Databricks, and API-driven architectures. Ability to support AI/ML initiatives, understanding model lifecycle data requirements. Expertise in data modeling, schema design, and optimization for AI applications. Programming skills in Python, SQL, Scala, Java, Terraform, Kafka, and Bash/Powershell. Version control experience with Git/GitHub/GitLab. Thorough understanding of data governance, metadata management, and data quality practices. Proven experience in governing enterprise data architectures within complex, multi-system environments. Core Competencies: Exceptional communication skills for effective interaction with senior stakeholders and technical teams. In-depth expertise in data governance and quality frameworks. Strong problem-solving abilities for scalable AI/ML pipeline challenges. Experience working with federal agencies or in regulated environments with strict compliance needs. Familiarity with federal data standards and frameworks (e.g., CDM, FIBF, NIST). Knowledge of master data management, data virtualization, and knowledge graph technologies. An agile mindset with a focus on iterative improvement. Strong awareness of security, privacy, and compliance considerations. Education and Training: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred. Certifications in cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure) are highly regarded; AWS Solutions Architect and Azure Data Engineer certifications are preferred. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer; occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Benefits Information: Based on your employment status with Tanaq, benefits may vary. Full-time employees in the U.S. can access a range of healthcare benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), life and disability insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, educational reimbursement, and paid time off. Who We Are: Tanaq Technical Services (TTS) strives for excellence through a thorough understanding of client visions and needs, enabling us to deliver effective solutions and uphold our commitments to clients, employees, and partners. Our Commitment to Non-Discrimination: Tanaq Technical Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing consideration without regard to disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Compliance with the Drug-free Workplace Act and E-Verify is a priority. If you have a disability and require assistance with the application process, please contact us via email for reasonable accommodation requests only, not for application status inquiries. Notice on Candidate AI Usage: Tanaq is dedicated to maintaining an equitable interview process based on candidates' skills and experiences. The use of AI tools in interviews to generate responses is prohibited. Candidates needing accommodations related to AI should reach out prior to their interview. To apply for this position and explore other opportunities, please visit our recruiting page.

Created: 2026-03-04