Data Architect (DV Security Clearance)

Position Description:

The Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build, and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across the breadth of space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client.

CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List and has been named one of the ‘World’s Best Employers’ by Forbes magazine. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you’ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We’ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.

*** Applicants Must be solely UK National and already hold HMG HLC clearance ***

Role Location: Gloucester

We’re seeking a highly skilled Data Architect to join our Secure Innovation & Advisory team within the CGI Space Defence & Intelligence business unit. You will play a pivotal role in designing and managing robust, secure, and scalable data infrastructure that supports our advanced space, defence, and intelligence missions.

Your future duties and responsibilities:

• Working HANDS-ON on client engagements and managing E2E client engagements as the Senior Data Architect and Tech Lead- Creating data architectures, data pipelines, and data flows for requirement at hand-
• Delivering on areas of data preparation and transformations and ETL or ELT development on Azure/AWS/GCP/Snowflake- Strong knowledge on Data Warehousing, Data Lakes and Delta Lakehouse Architectures and building strong Solutions Architecture
• Creating client proposals for ML/AI and Data projects- Mentoring junior Data Engineers, Data Scientists and Data professionals in the team
• Thought leadership amongst clients and the industry

Other responsibilities:
• Strategically collaborating with the clients to explore and deliver key foundational data-driven solutions
• Delivering strong Solution Architectures for clients and CGI-
• Delivering on areas of data preparation and transformations and ETL or ELT development both on-prem or on-cloud
• Building Data Engineering pipelines and architectures on cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP and others)
• Working in a business environment with large-scale, complex and big data datasets and dispersed data sources
• Using Advanced SQL and Python skills as necessary
• Gathering client requirements, coding and implementing data solutions while leading a small team
• Implementing proof of concepts to show value and then package and scale to full data engineering scale on both on-prem and cloud environments

Required qualifications to be successful in this role:

• Proven experience in enterprise-scale data modelling (conceptual, logical, physical).
• Deep knowledge of relational and non-relational databases, data warehouses, data lakes, and ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with Python, Java or equivalent for integration processes.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), including technologies like Redshift, BigQuery, Synapse, Snowflake, or equivalents.
• Competency in metadata management tools, governance frameworks, and data catalog solutions (e.g., Sparx, ER/Studio, ArchiMate).
Domain-Specific Experience
• Worked on data architecture in defence, intelligence, or highly secure regulated sectors. Familiarity with accreditation, classification, or government-standard protocols preferred.
• Proven ability to design secure, compliant data systems catering to mission-critical or intelligence workflows.

The position requires team members to work from client-site to ensure the reliability and availability of critical systems.

Skills: