Data Architect / Data Engineer_ Only W2

Job Role: Data Architect / Data EngineerLocation: Washington, D.C. (100% Onsite)Work Authorization: Only USC Position OverviewThis role focuses on designing and building scalable data platforms, modernizing data architecture, optimizing ETL/ELT pipelines, and enabling advanced analytics for economic research and policy teams. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in data engineering, cloud technologies, distributed systems, database architecture, and software engineering practices.This is a highly hands-on role requiring deep technical expertise, architectural ownership, and the ability to support mission-critical research and analytics environments. Key ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Data ArchitectureDesign and implement scalable enterprise data architectures supporting research, analytics, and policy initiatives.Build conceptual, logical, and physical data models for enterprise platforms.Develop and optimize large-scale data processing systems, data lakes, and warehouse solutions.Architect high-performance distributed data systems capable of handling high-volume workloads.Data Engineering & Pipeline DevelopmentDesign, build, automate, and maintain robust ETL/ELT pipelines.Develop scalable batch and real-time data ingestion frameworks.Implement Change Data Capture (CDC) methodologies for enterprise data warehousing.Improve and modernize existing data infrastructure and workflows.Ensure reliable and efficient data delivery across multiple teams and systems.Cloud & Platform EngineeringDevelop and maintain cloud-native data platforms using AWS, Azure, and Snowflake.Support migration of data workflows between on-premise and cloud environments.Implement workflow orchestration solutions using tools such as:Apache AirflowPrefectDagsterAWS Step FunctionsBuild and maintain CI/CD and DataOps pipelines for data applications and services.Database & Data Platform ManagementDesign, optimize, and maintain relational and NoSQL database systems.Work extensively with:PostgreSQLMicrosoft SQL ServerMySQLNoSQL databasesGraph databasesOptimize database performance, scalability, and reliability.Analytics & Machine Learning SupportProcess and integrate structured and unstructured datasets.Support economists and research teams with scalable analytical data environments.Perform root cause analysis and data quality investigations.Work with time-series and economic/financial datasets.Assist in developing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning models.Software Engineering & DevOpsDevelop data applications and backend services using modern engineering practices.Work within Linux-based development environments.Utilize GitHub/GitLab for version control and collaboration.Support automated testing, deployment, monitoring, and production support activities. Required QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in:Computer Science Or Information Technology Engineering Or related technical disciplineMaster’s degree preferred.Experience7+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or related fields.Strong experience designing enterprise-scale data platforms and distributed systems. Required Technical SkillsData Engineering & ArchitectureEnterprise Data ArchitectureData ModellingETL/ELT DevelopmentData WarehousingData LakesCDC ImplementationWorkflow AutomationDistributed Data ProcessingProgramming LanguagesAdvanced SQLPythonRExperience with one or more:JavaScalaJavaScriptPerlDatabasesPostgreSQLSQL ServerMySQLNoSQL DatabasesGraph DatabasesCloud & DevOpsAWSMicrosoft AzureSnowflakeCI/CD PipelinesDataOpsGitHub/GitLabLinuxOrchestration ToolsApache AirflowPrefectDagsterAWS Step FunctionsAnalytics & MLMachine Learning Model DeploymentTime Series AnalyticsForecasting TechniquesEconomic/Financial Data Analysis