Enterprise Database Architect, Virginia

Job Title: Enterprise Database Architect
Job Type: Contract

Department: [IT / Data Management / Architecture]

Reports to: [Chief Data Officer / Director of IT / CTO]

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Enterprise Database Architect to lead the design, implementation, and management of our organization's enterprise-wide data architecture. This role is responsible for ensuring data solutions align with business needs, are scalable, secure, and support decision-making and digital transformation efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and maintain the enterprise database architecture strategy in alignment with business objectives.

Develop models and standards for database structures, access, and governance.

Lead the selection and implementation of database technologies (relational, NoSQL, cloud databases, etc.).

Evaluate and optimize database performance, security, and scalability across platforms.

Collaborate with data engineers, developers, analysts, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality data solutions.

Ensure data integrity, quality, and availability across all systems and platforms.

Establish policies and procedures for database development and usage.

Provide guidance on data migration, data warehousing, and cloud integration.

Conduct regular system audits and implement best practices in database management and security.

Mentor team members and provide architectural oversight for large-scale data initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

8+ years of experience in database architecture, design, and development.

Strong knowledge of relational (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL) and non-relational (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra) databases.

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native database services.

Deep understanding of data modeling, normalization, and data warehousing concepts.

Proficiency in SQL and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Shell).

Strong knowledge of database security, backup and recovery, high availability, and disaster recovery strategies.

Familiarity with data governance and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

Preferred Qualifications:

Certifications such as AWS Certified Database – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, or equivalent.

Experience with enterprise data lake and big data platforms (e.g., Hadoop, Spark).

Strong project management and stakeholder communication skills.

Soft Skills:

Analytical and strategic thinking.

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.