Senior Data Architect

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Aerospace is the trusted partner to the nation's space enterprise, solving the hardest problems with innovative solutions. We are at the forefront of advanced technology development, systems engineering, and research, providing trusted, objective technical expertise across the entire space enterprise.  Within Aerospace’s Office of the CIO, the newly constructed Data and AI Services team provides advanced modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics capabilities that inform enterprise services operations and facilitates strategic decision-making across the corporation.

As our enterprise data and knowledge management needs continue to grow in scale and complexity, we are looking for a Senior Data Architect. This role will design, implement, and govern enterprise-scale data solutions that support operations—including the integration of identity management, ERP, digital libraries, and AI-powered knowledge management systems. This position sits at the intersection of data engineering, AI/ML, and enterprise architecture, giving the selected candidate the opportunity to shape how the corporation manages and leverages data.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design enterprise data architecture frameworks that integrate identity management, ERP, digital libraries, and AI/ML applications
• Develop data models, schemas, and ontologies to enable semantic interoperability and knowledge graphs
• Architect data pipelines and semantic layers supporting Graph RAG and AI-driven knowledge management systems
• Lead integration architecture for enterprise systems, including the design of ETL/ELT pipelines, real-time synchronization, master data management (MDM), and data quality monitoring solutions
• Define and enforce governance policies for CUI, proprietary, and classified information, including classification frameworks (CUI, ITAR, export control) and role-based access control architectures
• Architect scalable solutions capable of supporting 90,000+ documents with ongoing growth, while optimizing cost-effectiveness across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments
• Partner with IT, cybersecurity, library services, and mission teams while providing technical leadership and mentorship, and communicating architecture decisions to diverse stakeholders (Engages with Impact, Fosters Innovation)

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Data Architect IVs:

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• 8 - 10+ years of experience in data architecture or data engineering, including 5+ years designing enterprise-scale data solutions
• Proven experience with cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, or GCP), data modeling, data governance, and API design
• Hands-on experience with SQL/NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Neo4j) and pipeline orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, Prefect)
• Working knowledge of data formats and standards such as JSON, XML, Parquet, and RDF/OWL
• Experience addressing AI/ML data requirements, including vector databases and semantic search
• Familiarity with data security, encryption, and compliance frameworks
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Data Architect V  include: 

• A minimum of 10 or more years data engineering, software engineering, or a related technical field
• Familiarity with streaming data architectures and real-time data processing

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Experience with LLM/AI architecture, knowledge graphs, ontologies, and semantic web technologies (RDF, SPARQL, OWL)
• Experience with SAP 4/HANA, Workday, ServiceNow
• Background in aerospace, defense, or government environments
• Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Google Data Engineer)
• Proficiency in Python, Java, or Scala, along with DevOps/Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) experience

 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$120,300.00 - $202,800.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.