Database Architect

Applications for this position will be accepted through November 30, 2026 Koniag Data Solutions, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking an experienced Data Architect to support the USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Commodity Treatment Information System – Modernization (CTIS‑M) program. This fully remote role will support the data architecture design and modernization efforts required to implement the Regulated Garbage (RG) Module, replacing manual, paper‑based workflows with an integrated digital compliance capability inside CTIS‑M. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement. The Data Architect will work closely with the CTIS‑M DME team, USDA APHIS leadership, and cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver enterprise data modeling, workflow‑aligned data structures, FOIA‑ready audit capabilities, and integration frameworks that comply with USDA, APHIS, FEA, and federal ICT standards. This position also participates directly in Agile sprint execution, documentation, requirements analysis, and Section 508 compliance processes. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. Essential Job Functions Enterprise Data Architecture & Modeling

Guide the design and optimization of the CTIS‑M Azure SQL data architecture supporting all Regulated Garbage (RG) workflows. Develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models, ER diagrams, metadata structures, lineage rules, and retention policies. Ensure all data structures are compliant with USDA, APHIS, PPQ, FEA, federal regulatory, audit, and reporting requirements. Define and enforce enterprise data modeling standards, naming conventions, and governance practices.

Workflow, Compliance, and Regulatory Data Support

Translate APHIS Regulated Garbage Program Manual requirements into sustainable, automated data flows and scalable relational schemas. Support electronic workflows for Compliance Agreements, inspections, monitoring checklists, direct observations, incidents, escalations, and enforcement records. Enable FOIA‑ready audit trails and data structures aligned to regulatory workflows. Support integration and data exchange with external systems, including CBP Agricultural Workspace, APHIS ARM, IPHIS, FMD, and enterprise authentication systems (eAuthentication, UMS, Login.gov).

Technical Delivery, Cloud Architecture & Performance

Optimize T‑SQL queries, indexing, performance tuning, partitioning, and cloud SQL configuration. Ensure solutions comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements for system‑generated content, forms, and documents. Support performance, load, and stress testing for data-layer components. Collaborate with developers to ensure secure, compliant, vulnerability‑free data implementation.

Agile Delivery & Documentation Requirement

Participate in Agile ceremonies including backlog grooming, sprint planning, sprint review, and retrospectives. Create and maintain user stories, functional and non‑functional requirements, data requirements, process flows, and technical design documentation. Support required Azure DevOps/TFS artifact population: backlog items, documentation, code repositories, burn‑down/velocity reports, and deployment artifacts. Contribute to architecture reviews and ensure alignment to CTIS‑M modernization strategy.

Collaboration

Provide technical guidance to developers implementing data‑layer features. Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering, business, and federal stakeholder teams. Communicate complex data architecture concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences. Support knowledge transfer and training activities as part of CTIS‑M deployment.

Education & Experience (Minimum)

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience). Extensive experience in enterprise data architecture, relational modeling, and designing data solutions for large, workflow‑driven systems. Expertise in Azure SQL, T‑SQL, performance tuning, and cloud data engineering. Experience working in Agile Scrum environments with Azure DevOps/TFS. Experience with integration platforms (MuleSoft or similar).

Required Qualifications

Experience Developing T-SQL Stored Procedures, Triggers, and Functions Experience writing Python scripts using Pandas Extensive experience in enterprise data architecture and relational data modeling. Deep expertise in Azure SQL, T‑SQL, indexing, and cloud-based data performance tuning. Experience supporting large-scale workflow, inspection, or compliance-driven systems. Familiarity with MuleSoft or comparable enterprise integration platforms. Experience delivering solutions within an Agile Scrum environment. Proficiency in using Azure DevOps for work management and technical documentation.

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Excellent communication skills for presenting complex data concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional technical and business teams. High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Ability to lead, mentor, and guide team members. Experience working with government clients.

Security Requirements

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance. Must meet all Federal suitability requirements.

Good to Have – But Not Required

Experience working specifically with USDA APHIS or other federal compliance systems. Advanced experience with MuleSoft or other enterprise integration platforms. Experience designing data architectures supporting inspection, incident, compliance, or regulatory workflows. Background in cloud security, data lineage tooling, or large-scale data governance frameworks. Experience mentoring junior data engineers or architects.

Originally posted on Himalayas