Data Architect (Cleared) at ICF in Washington, DC

Data Architect (Cleared)
Location: Ashburn, VA
Please note: This role is contingent upon a contract award. While it is not an immediate opening, we are actively conducting interviews and extending offers in anticipation of the award.
Overview
We are seeking a Data Architect to support federal government trade, analytics, and mission transformation priorities by planning, designing, and guiding data architectures that enable advanced analytics, business intelligence, reporting, machine learning, and operational decision support across complex data environments. This role will support the development of integrated data structures, data models, database designs, and platform recommendations that help transform high-volume data into reliable, accessible, and actionable information for government stakeholders.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with enterprise data architecture, data modeling, database design, cloud-based data structures, business intelligence platforms, data acquisition, data governance, and secure analytical solution delivery. This role requires a technical leader who can evaluate current and future architecture needs, recommend appropriate hardware and software infrastructure, define data standards and structures, and work closely with data scientists, engineers, analysts, developers, UX/UI designers, and project managers to deliver scalable and mission-focused data capabilities.
Location
This role will primarily support work in the Washington, DC Metro area, with work expected at or near the client site in Ashburn, VA as required by the contract. Telework may bepermittedonly with prior government approval.
Security Requirement
Must be a U.S. Citizen with a recent DHS Public Trust, DoD Secret, or DoD Top Secret clearance, and must be able to obtain andmaintaina CBP background investigation or other required government suitability determination.
What You Will Do
Plan, design, analyze, and develop specifications for systems, databases, and data architectures that support end-user analysis, reporting, business intelligence, and advanced analytics
Evaluate and recommend computer systems architecture, data platforms, business intelligence tools, and supporting infrastructure to meet mission, operational, and analytical requirements
Develop andmaintainan understanding of current architecture, future IT plans, enterprise standards, and emerging technology trends to recommendappropriate hardwareand software infrastructure
Define physical and cloud-based data structures, data models, attributes, nomenclature, and database designs to satisfy stakeholder and analytical requirements
Support the design and implementation of integrated, shared software and database systems that enable data science, machine learning, reporting, visualization, and operational decision support
Develop strategies for data warehouse implementation, data acquisition, data access, data integration, data archiving, and data recovery
Build conceptual, logical, and physical data models and define the structure, attributes, relationships, and naming conventions for data elements
Evaluate new data sources for adherence to organizational quality standards, integration feasibility, and suitability for analytical use
Provideexpertisein system architecture, system design, data architecture, database design, and systems management processes
Assistwith recommendations for platforms, end-user business intelligence tools, design standards, quality assurance standards, and performance standards
Perform functional and data requirements analysis and translate requirements into scalable data architecture designs and implementation recommendations
Analyze customer requirements and provide solution recommendations that align with enterprise architecture, security, data governance, and analytical needs
Support development of organization-wide data architecture for integrated, shared software and database systems
Collaborate with data engineers, data scientists, data analysts, application developers, UX/UI designers, project managers, and government stakeholders to deliver end-to-end analytical capabilities
Support quality assurance, performance review, troubleshooting, issue resolution, and continuous improvement of data architecture and analytical platform components
Create andmaintainarchitecture documentation, data models, data dictionaries, standards, interface specifications, data flows, and technical design artifacts
Participate in Agile delivery activities, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, task estimation, demonstrations, technical reviews, and issue resolution
WhatThis Role Requires
U.S. Citizenshiprequireddue to federal contract requirements
Recent DHS Public Trust, DoD Secret, or DoD Top Secret clearancerequired
Ability to obtain andmaintaina CBP background investigation or other required government suitability determination
Six (6) years of relevant experience in data architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline in applied data science research or big data analytics
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Architecture, Data Science, Analytics, or another related technical discipline
Analyze business, functional, and data requirements and recommend solutions
Design and support enterprise data architectures, models, and governance frameworks
Architect data warehouses, data lakes, lakehouses, and large-scale data solutions
Evaluate and integrate data sources, platforms, and infrastructure to meet business needs
Design secure data integrations, APIs, and data exchange solutions in federal environments
Develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models for reporting and analytics
Experience with AWS, Azure, Databricks, Spark, Snowflake, and related cloud data technologies
Experience with Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, and other enterprise databases
Support analytics, business intelligence, machine learning, and data science initiatives
Experience working in DHS, CBP, or other federal environments, with Agile and relevant technical certifications
Cloud, data architecture, enterprise architecture, AWS, Azure, Databricks, Agile, or related technical certifications
Professional Skills
Strong architecture and technical problem-solving skills with the ability to design practical, scalable, secure, and maintainable data solutions
Strong communicationskills with the ability to explain data architecture concepts, technical tradeoffs, risks, standards, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Detail-oriented with a focus on data quality, architecture consistency, standards, documentation, performance, security, and maintainability
Ability to translate stakeholder requirements and analytical needs into data structures, architecture designs, models, standards, and implementation recommendations
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in an Agile environment
Collaborative and proactive with the ability to work effectively with data engineers, data scientists, analysts, developers, project managers, security teams, and end users
Self-motivated with the ability to work under little or no supervision and provideexpertiseon complex architecture projects
Mission-focused with a commitment to delivering reliable, secure, and high-quality data architecture that improves government decision-making and operational outcomes
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEOpolicy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$67,063.00 - $114,008.00
Ashburn, VA (VA28)
Additional Locations: Washington, DC, Reston, VA (VA30)