Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect - REMOTE
Why you want to work at Flexion:

We’re looking for a Lead Data Architect with an unwavering passion for designing data systems that are accurate, reliable, and built to last. Most of the work we do is on large-scale, enterprise-wide systems (both commercial and government)—this project in particular will help ensure the uninterrupted, secure, and compliant operation of critical federal acquisition and assistance systems, including a government system of record for federal contract award data.

At Flexion (an agile software company that’s been delivering excellence for over 25 years), our company culture is built on autonomy, trust, and transparency. We empower teams to remain self-sufficient and self-directed by hiring people who can solve complex problems through collaboration—this means lending a hand and flexing your multi-skilled muscles (database engineering, data analysis, DevOps, technical writing, etc.) as needed. Every member of a cross-functional team is a leader who takes responsibility for the entire team’s success, mirroring the company’s overall low-bureaucracy structure.

We believe that growth comes from working together—and that includes supporting each other through thoughtful, constructive feedback. Flexion team members are expected to help each other grow, challenge ideas respectfully, and integrate feedback as a normal part of the workday.
What the job looks like:

You’ll be the data architecture lead on a multi-disciplinary, agile team operating and enhancing an enterprise federal acquisition system. You’ll own how the system’s data is modeled, stored, moved, validated, and shared, and you’ll guide the team’s technical decisions so the data stays trustworthy for the agencies and public users who rely on it. The system runs in AWS, with PostgreSQL [and HP Vertica—confirm current stack] databases hosted on EC2.

- Own the system’s data architecture, including logical and physical data models, schemas, and the data dictionary for contract action data
- Design and evolve the transactional and analytical/reporting data stores, balancing performance, integrity, and cost
- Define and maintain data validation rules, data quality standards, and processes for finding and correcting data issues
- Architect data integrations and exchanges with other federal systems (such as SAM.gov and USAspending), including web services and data feeds
- Lead data modernization planning, including migration strategies, phased roadmaps, and risk reduction for changes to a live system of record
- Set data governance, security, and access standards that meet federal security and compliance requirements
- Partner with the Database Administrator, System Administrator, and engineers on performance, backup and recovery, and high availability
- Work with the Functional SME and product manager to translate business and policy rules into sound data designs
- Collaborate with your team to design, test, deploy, and document changes in an agile environment.

Collaboration will mean pair programming, ensemble programming (“Mobbing”), or swarming with teammates for some of the day
- Mentor team members and spread data architecture knowledge across the team so it isn’t held by one person
- Communicate architecture decisions, tradeoffs, and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Why we want to hire you:

You can deliver in small pieces as you go, while still thinking about how they fit into the whole. You welcome change as a positive (instead of viewing it as “rework”) and never consider anything you deliver “final.” Although you understand that what you deliver may not be complete, you never knowingly deliver something that is wrong or of poor quality. You actively contribute to a learning team culture, offering and receiving feedback with curiosity and respect.

You have:
- A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience
- [10+] years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or database design for enterprise systems, including time in a lead or architect role
- Deep experience with relational data modeling and PostgreSQL in production environments
- Experience designing analytical or reporting data stores (columnar or MPP databases such as Vertica, Redshift, Snowflake, Greenplum, or Teradata)
- Experience architecting data integrations, ETL/ELT pipelines, and data exchange through APIs or web services
- Experience planning and executing data migrations or modernization of live production systems
- Strong understanding of data quality, data governance, and data security practices
- Hands-on experience with data platforms in AWS
- Experience working in an agile environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical tradeoffs to non-technical audiences
- A “can do” attitude devoid of ego

Nice to have:
- Experience with federal procurement and spending data systems (such as SAM.gov, USAspending, or eSRS)
- Familiarity with federal acquisition concepts and contract award reporting
- Experience working in a federal or other regulated environment (FISMA, FedRAMP, or similar)
- Experience with Java-based enterprise applications or SOAP web services
- [Public Trust or clearance eligibility—confirm if required]

At Flexion, we live by these principles:
- Speak openly and honestly with your colleagues and clients about problems and proposed solutions
- Welcome and handle changing requirements and priorities with little or no warning
- Collaborate online in small groups about 50% of the time
- Encourage simple and minimal solutions that keep options open
- Expect and vocally advocate for quality first
- Offer and welcome constructive feedback as a tool for continuous team and individual growth
- Learn new practices and techniques as the situation demands
- Ensure the teams develop demonstrable software every week or two
- Do what needs to be done to deliver the product or project without ego or attitude
- Dig deep to find the root causes of problems so we can create the right solutions
- Relentlessly improve yourself, your team, and your processes
- Embrace AI assistants (e.g., ChatGPT, Notebook) as force multipliers to accelerate innovation, iterate faster, and maintain high-quality output. -

The most efficient way to reach our recruiting team is to submit your resume through the URL provided.

At Flexion, employees enjoy comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan. Our people-first culture supports balance and growth with generous paid time off, referral bonuses, and a commitment to well-being and career success.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact us at 608-205-8868 for assistance.