Principal Data Architect

Overview

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.

• Lead the definition and evolution of enterprise data architecture supporting L-CAP

• Architect and govern data mesh-aligned solutions
  , enabling domain-driven data ownership and interoperability

• Develop and oversee conceptual, logical, and physical data models for complex, mission-critical systems

• Define 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 services

• Establish and enforce data governance, metadata management, and data quality standards at enterprise scale

• Partner with senior stakeholders, systems engineers, and product leadership to align data strategy with mission objectives

• Ensure architecture compliance with security, safety, and regulatory requirements for air traffic systems

• Guide and influence Agile Release Trains (ARTs), contributing to SAFe ceremonies and cross-team architectural alignment

• Evaluate and drive adoption of emerging technologies and architectural patterns to enhance platform capabilities

• Mentor architects and engineers, fostering best practices in data architecture, Data Ops, and engineering excellence

• 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 platforms

• Demonstrated experience operating at a Principal or Lead Architect level on large, complex programs

• Deep expertise in distributed data architectures and large-scale data systems

• Advanced proficiency in data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)

• Strong experience with hybrid cloud architectures and modern data platforms

• Proficiency 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 frameworks

• Experience working within Scaled Agile (SAFe) or similar Agile frameworks

• Proven ability to influence technical direction and communicate effectively with executive and technical stakeholders

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust

• U.S. citizenship required

• Successful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer

• Experience supporting air traffic management systems
  , FAA programs, or other safety-critical environments

• Familiarity with data mesh or data fabric architectures in enterprise settings

• Experience designing real-time/streaming data solutions for mission-critical systems

• Knowledge of Dev Sec Ops /Data Ops practices and CI/CD pipelines

• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and/or architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)

• Experience working in large-scale federal or defense programs

• Active security clearance is desired but not required

• Play a key role in shaping next-generation air traffic automation systems with national impact

• Lead architecture within a cutting-edge hybrid cloud, data mesh environment

• Influence technical direction across a large-scale Agile enterprise

• Work alongside top-tier engineers and mission experts

Pay Range

Pay Range: $ - $

The 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 responsibilities of the job,…