Data Architect Lead - GSA (Remote)

The Data Architect leads the design and development of large-scale, data-centric platforms by applying a wide range of big data and cloud technologies. This role is responsible for defining data models, policies, and governance standards to determine how data is collected, stored, integrated, and utilized across the organization. The Data Architect participates in technical implementation while also providing strategic leadership, aligning data initiatives with portfolio strategy and vision.

The Data Architect ensures that organizational and customer data strategies are scalable, compliant, and secure. By establishing governance models and data architecture standards, this role drives data consistency, quality, and accessibility. Their leadership directly impacts business decision-making, system integration, and the efficiency of enterprise data operations, while coaching teams and stakeholders to build long-term technical maturity.

• Lead the business unit's data architecture strategy in alignment with program goals and vision.
• Set architecture direction with a focus on scale, reusability, and compliance.
• Guide strategy for data solutions while navigating regulatory requirements and risk management.
• Provide independent verification and validation of data architecture, migration, integration, and quality efforts.
• Define and support customer data roadmaps, balancing requirements with budgets.
• Oversee migration from legacy applications to modern systems, ensuring accuracy and synchronization.
• Develop and implement governance models, policies, standards, and documentation for consistent data management.
• Collaborate with Designers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Engineers to ensure alignment with product vision.
• Provide technical and strategic advice to clients on new data standards and storage solutions.
• Mentor and coach stakeholders to strengthen their technical understanding.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, sharing expertise and best practices to build their skills and competencies.
• Conduct performance reviews, manage team resources, and drive continuous improvement to enhance team performance and outcomes.
• Use metrics and data analysis to track team progress, allocate resources effectively, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Build credibility as a subject matter expert within the customer's organization, influencing stakeholders at all levels to support strategic initiatives.
• Actively engage with clients to ensure satisfaction, resolve issues, and counter competitive threats, building strong, long-term relationships.

• Must already have or have the ability to obtain Public Trust Clearance
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical field.
• Certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Data Analytics - Specialty, or Machine Learning certifications (AWS or equivalent).
• CISSP, Security+, or other information security certifications preferred.
• Familiarity with design thinking and human-centered design methodologies.
• Experience with enterprise data cataloging solutions.
• Expertise in data architecture, data governance, and data warehousing/lakes.
• Proficient in designing conceptual and logical data models, flows, and specifications.
• Expert knowledge of relational and non-relational databases.
• Proficiency in cloud-based big data patterns (real-time and batch).
• Experience leading teams to build ETL pipelines, policies, and scalable data models.
• Familiarity with agile development processes and data integration practices.
• Strong problem-solving and diagnostic skills for complex data infrastructure issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Proven track record in leading enterprise data initiatives and teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of large-scale databases and warehousing environments.
• Experience working with regulated industries and/or government clients preferred.

Key Qualifications Required:

Leadership & Project Management

• Strong prioritization and delegation skills for managing a high volume of reporting and ad-hoc data analysis requests.
• Ability to coordinate across roles (analysts, engineers, scientists) and ensure timely delivery of tasks.

Technical Expertise in Data Modeling

• Proficiency in data modeling methodologies in a data warehouse
• Experience with dbt (data build tool) for developing data marts and implementing:
• Data transformations & aggregations
• Custom views/tables for reporting
• dbt testing frameworks for data validation

Data Engineering Skills

• Strong in building and maintaining data pipelines.
• Competence in SQL, with an emphasis on performance optimization for scalability.
• Experience in AWS Redshift operations, including collaboration with infrastructure teams.

Data Quality & Governance

• Understanding of data quality dimensions: accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, and transparency.
• Ability to develop and monitor data quality reports, validation tools, and observability practices.

Analytics & Business Intelligence (BI) Awareness

• Awareness of how end-users and analysts consume data to better support reporting and insight generation.
• Experience with BI tools and building user-centric dashboards and reports.

Documentation & Communication

• Comfortable using GitLab for tracking tasks, priorities, and metrics (e.g., KPI reports).
• Ability to document projects and share insights across platforms (Google Drive, Insights Reports, etc.).

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer or during meetings.
• Must be able to travel occasionally to client sites or company meetings, which may involve driving or flying.
• Ability to communicate effectively via phone, email, and in-person, requiring clear speech, listening, and written communication skills.
• Ability to move within an office environment, including reaching for files, using office equipment, and occasional light lifting (up to 10 pounds).

Life at Fearless

We're a digital integration consultancy on a mission to build a better tomorrow. At Fearless, we combine technology, people, and organizational development to solve meaningful problems. Through iterative development, we deliver smart, user-friendly solutions that make tech work better-for everyone.

But great tech is just part of the story. What really makes us Fearless is our Purple Culture.

What Makes Us Purple?

Being Purple means you:

• Are valued as a whole person-not just a job title
• Get matched with work that plays to your strengths and passions
• Are supported by coaches, not micromanagers
• Have the autonomy and clarity to make decisions and drive impact
• Join a community that celebrates equity, curiosity, and innovation
• Do work that matters-every day

We believe in flexibility, growth, and balance. Our benefits and culture are designed to support you in doing your best work-while making space for what matters to you outside of it.

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At Fearless, we're building a workplace that welcomes and respects everyone-across race, gender, age, religion, identity, background, and ability.

Compensation at Fearless

Fearless is committed to providing a competitive compensation package that will meet your current and future needs. Our philosophy is aimed at rewarding team member contributions, supporting long-term financial growth and security, and overall well-being.

We believe in paying people fairly, so we've established a compensation model aimed to ensure everyone at Fearless - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, nationality, or willingness/ability to negotiate - is consistently paid fairly based on alignment to the needs and requirements of the role.

The salary range for this position is:

• Min: $114,844
• Mid: $149,299
• Max: $183,752
• Hiring range: $114,844 - $161,000

Benefits at Fearless

At Fearless, we take care of our team-because when you're supported, you can do your best work. We offer a flexible, family-friendly environment with benefits designed to support your health, growth, and life outside of work.

For Full-Time Team Members (Starting Day One):

• Flexible, life-friendly schedules
• 100% coverage for our medical HSA plan + HSA contributions
• Dental & vision covered 100% for you and your dependents
• Competitive premiums for HMO/PPO and dependent coverage
• 401(k) with 4% match & immediate vesting
• Paid Parental Leave and 12 weeks paid FMLA
• Generous PTO, 11 Federal Holidays, a Birthday Holiday, and Sick Leave
• Up to 15 days for Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave
• Education, wellness, and tech allowances
• Referral bonus: $6K-$12K for each successful referral
• Pet insurance & discount plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Legal support, life insurance, disability coverage

Part-Time & Interns:

• 8.75 days of safe & sick leave annually
• Eligible for our 401(k) plan with employer contributions

Reasonable Accommodations

Fearless is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@fearless.tech.

So, What's Next?

We've refined our hiring approach to make sure every team member is a great fit for Fearless-and that we're a great fit for you, too. If there's alignment, we'll reach out to kick off the interview process. Depending on the role or project, your experience may vary slightly, but it typically includes:

Introductory Interview

You'll connect with a recruiter to:

• Build rapport and get to know each other
• Review your experience and skills
• Talk through salary expectations and role details
• Set expectations for the rest of the process

Skills + Business Fit Interview

This is where we dig deeper to:

• Review findings from any technical assessments
• Walk through situational and values-based questions
• Explore how your approach aligns with Fearless culture and project needs

Some roles may also include customer interviews based on specific project requirements in addition to background check and security clearance requirements.