Data Architect

Founded in 2007, Initiate Government Solutions (IGS) a Woman Owned Small Business. We are a fully remote IT services provider that delivers innovative Enterprise IT and Health Services solutions across the federal sector. Our focus is on data analytics, health informatics, cloud migration, and the modernization of federal information systems.
 

IGS uses ISO 9001:2015, 20000-1:2018, 27001:2013, 28001:2007, CMMI/SVC3, CMMI/DEV3 best practices, and PMBOK® methods to provide clients with a strategy to build solid foundations to grow capabilities and revenue. Our range of IT services and delivery methodologies are tailored to our customers’ unique needs to achieve maximum value.

IGS is currently recruiting for a remote Data Architect  to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in designing and optimizing structured and cloud-native database solutions. This role is critical to ensuring secure, scalable, and high-performance data infrastructure that supports API integration, analytics, and mission-critical applications. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in relational and NoSQL databases, data modeling, ETL pipelines, and cloud platforms.  

Assignment of Work and Travel:

This is a remote access assignment. The Candidate will work remotely daily and will remotely access VA systems and therein use approved VA provided communications systems. Travel is not required; however, the candidate may be required to attend onsite client meetings as requested.

This program is a transformative initiative by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aimed at modernizing and streamlining access to VA data and services through secure, reliable, and scalable APIs. As a member of the team, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and supporting API solutions that empower veterans, partners, and internal stakeholders to access critical information and services efficiently.

In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product managers, engineers, security specialists, and business analysts—to deliver high-quality API products in alignment with federal standards and VA objectives. You will contribute to the program’s mission of improving veteran experiences by enabling digital innovation, ensuring compliance, and promoting best practices in API development and platform management.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on veteran care and benefits delivery, while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities and Duties (Included but not limited to):

• Database Architecture & Modeling: Design scalable, secure, and highly available cloud database solutions. Choose appropriate database types (relational, NoSQL, etc.) based on application needs. Develop data models and schema designs to support API integration and data consumption.
• Cloud Database Provisioning: Provision and configure cloud-managed database instances (e.g., Amazon RDS, Azure SQL, Oracle Autonomous DB, DynamoDB, Redis/Elasticache). Migrate on-premises databases to the cloud with minimal downtime and full data integrity.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Monitor database performance using cloud-native and third-party tools. Identify and resolve bottlenecks such as slow queries and resource constraints. Implement indexing, partitioning, and caching strategies.
• Security & Compliance: Implement access controls, encryption, and auditing mechanisms. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations such as HIPAA, HL7, and FISMA. Regularly review and update security policies.
• Backup & Disaster Recovery: Set up automated backup and disaster recovery solutions. Test and document recovery procedures. Configure replication, failover, and clustering for high availability.
• Infrastructure Automation: Automate database provisioning and configuration using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation. Develop scripts for routine maintenance, monitoring, and optimization.
• Collaboration & Support: Work closely with developers, DevOps, and IT teams to support application requirements. Oversee data engineers and troubleshoot database-related issues. Document database environments and operational procedures.
• Cost Optimization: Monitor and optimize database resource usage to control cloud costs. Recommend right-sizing and cost-saving measures. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience designing and optimizing structured databases: MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Amazon RDS.
• Experience with cloud-managed NoSQL and caching solutions: DynamoDB, Redis/Elasticache.
• Strong ability to write complex SQL queries and optimize performance.
• Experience building schemas, data pipelines, and ETL processes.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and infrastructure automation tools.
• Understanding of data governance, compliance standards, and security best practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance
• Strong organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications and Core Competencies:

• Active VA Public Trust
• Prior experience supporting federal agencies, especially the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Familiarity with VA Lighthouse tools and infrastructure.
• Certifications in cloud architecture, data engineering, or database administration.
• Experience with Backstage.io, OpenAPI, and OpenTracing.
• Prior, successful experience working in a remote environment

Successful IGS employees embody the following Core Values:

• Integrity, Honesty, and Ethics: We conduct our business with the highest level of ethics. Doing things like being accountable for mistakes, accepting helpful criticism, and following through on commitments to ourselves, each other, and our customers. 
• Empathy, Emotional Intelligence: How we interact with others including peers, colleagues, stakeholders, and customers’ matters. We take collective responsibility to create an environment where colleagues and customers feel valued, included, and respected. We work within a diverse, integrated, and collaborative team to drive towards accomplishing the larger mission. We conscientiously and meticulously learn about our customers’ and end-users’ business drivers and challenges to ensure solutions meet not only technical needs but also support their mission.
• Strong Work Ethic (Reliability, Dedication, Productivity): We are driven by a strong, self-motivated, and results-driven work ethic. We are reliable, accountable, proactive, and tenacious and will do what it takes to get the job done. 
• Life-Long Learner (Curious, Perspective, Goal Oriented): We challenge ourselves to continually learn and improve ourselves. We strive to be an expert in our field, continuously honing our craft, and finding solutions where others see problems.  

Compensation: There are a host of factors that can influence final salary, including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications.

Benefits: Initiate Government Solutions offers competitive compensation and a robust benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care, matching 401K and profit sharing, paid time off, training time for personal development, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid life insurance, employer-paid short and long term disability coverage, an education assistance program with potential merit increases for obtaining a work-related certification, employee recognition, and referral programs, spot bonuses, and other benefits that help provide financial protection for the employee and their family.

Initiate Government Solutions participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.