Principal Data Architect

Description Leidos is seeking a Principal Data Architect / Scientist to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Leidos Common Automation Platform (L-CAP). L-CAP is a mission-critical, future-ready automation platform built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture, enabling next-generation air traffic management capabilities. As part of a large-scale Scaled Agile (SAFe) software development organization, you will serve as a technical leader and strategic architect, shaping enterprise data solutions that bridge mission needs, systems engineering rigor, and modern Agile delivery.This role is ideal for a highly experienced architect who can operate at both strategic and hands-on levels, influence across teams and programs, and drive the evolution of scalable, secure, and resilient data ecosystems. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.This position is located in either Gaithersburg, MD or Egg Harbor Township, NJ. This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that impact millions of air travelers.This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days working from home. This role focuses on building and modernizing real-time, safety-critical systems using a combination of traditional systems engineering and AI-augmented software development practices.What You’ll DoLead the definition and evolution of enterprise data architecture supporting L-CAPArchitect and govern data mesh-aligned solutions, enabling domain-driven data ownership and interoperabilityDevelop and oversee conceptual, logical, and physical data models for complex, mission-critical systemsDefine architecture for hybrid cloud data environments, integrating on-premises and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Provide technical leadership for real-time and batch data pipelines, integration frameworks, and data servicesEstablish and enforce data governance, metadata management, and data quality standards at enterprise scalePartner with senior stakeholders, systems engineers, and product leadership to align data strategy with mission objectivesEnsure architecture compliance with security, safety, and regulatory requirements for air traffic systemsGuide and influence Agile Release Trains (ARTs), contributing to SAFe ceremonies and cross-team architectural alignmentEvaluate and drive adoption of emerging technologies and architectural patterns to enhance platform capabilitiesMentor architects and engineers, fostering best practices in data architecture, DataOps, and engineering excellenceCore Technical Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)12+ years of relevant experience (10+ years with a Master's degree); particularly in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise data platformsDemonstrated experience operating at a Principal or Lead Architect level on large, complex programsDeep expertise in distributed data architectures and large-scale data systemsAdvanced proficiency in data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)Strong experience with hybrid cloud architectures and modern data platformsProficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, Scala)Hands-on experience with data integration and streaming/batch processing technologies (e.g., Spark, Kafka, Airflow, or similar)Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, and metadata management frameworksExperience working within Scaled Agile (SAFe) or similar Agile frameworksProven ability to influence technical direction and communicate effectively with executive and technical stakeholdersAbility to obtain and maintain a Public TrustU.S. citizenship requiredSuccessful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer Preferred / Desired QualificationsExperience supporting air traffic management systems, FAA programs, or other safety-critical environmentsFamiliarity with data mesh or data fabric architectures in enterprise settingsExperience designing real-time/streaming data solutions for mission-critical systemsKnowledge of DevSecOps/DataOps practices and CI/CD pipelinesCloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and/or architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)Experience working in large-scale federal or defense programsActive security clearance is desired but not requiredWhy Leidos?Play a key role in shaping next-generation air traffic automation systems with national impactLead architecture within a cutting-edge hybrid cloud, data mesh environmentInfluence technical direction across a large-scale Agile enterpriseWork alongside top-tier engineers and mission expertsIf you’re excited by solving complex problems in regulated, real-world environments — we’d like to talk.ATMCIf you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.Original Posting:May 1, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.Pay Range:Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.About LeidosLeidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit .Pay and BenefitsPay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at /careers/pay-benefits.Securing Your DataBeware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [email protected] you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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