Data Architect (Data Governance SME)

Fearless is looking for Data Architect / Data Governance SME to add to our diverse team of 250+ employees (and counting!).

What you’ll be doing

The Data Architect coordinates the development of large-scale, data-centric platforms by applying a wide range of big data and cloud technologies. They lead the development of data models, policies, rules or standards that govern which data is collected, and how it is stored, arranged, integrated, and put to use in data systems and in organizations. They participate in a hands-on manner within a team and operate with the contextual knowledge of the full portfolio.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a data governance role.

Organizational and Leadership Role 

• Guides the strategy for data solutions and plans, navigating strict regulatory landscapes and addressing key risks and controls.
• Learn new technologies independently.
• Displays personal leadership and works collaboratively with others to create a positive team environment.

Functional Role 

• Mentors and guides Engineering herd members to achieve greater impact for our customers, culture, and community. 
• Leads the program or portfolio’s data architecture, working in close collaboration with the Practice Director(s) and Portfolio Director to align with the portfolio’s strategy and vision.
• Strengthens strategic relationships with peers, leaders, customers, users, and stakeholders, interfacing directly with our customers as a technical SME.
• Guides the planning and development of new features in collaboration with Designers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Engineers to ensure alignment with the product vision.
• Grows portfolio stakeholders’ technical understanding through coaching and mentorship.

Advanced Contribution

• Sets appropriate high-level architecture direction, keeping in mind scale, portfolio strategy, and technical reusability. 
• Advises on and provides independent verification and validation of data management related activities, including data architecture, systems integration, data migration, data quality and data technologies
• Supports customers in defining a data roadmap that considers business, technical and functional requirements, and budget constraints.
• Oversees the migration of data from legacy applications to new system solutions, keeping the data accurate and in sync throughout the migration.
• Provides technical, strategic advice to clients and develops technical resources that support the creation and implementation of new data standards and data storage mechanisms.
• Develops, implements, and manages effective data governance models, processes, procedures, and documentation and promotes these policies.
• Develops and recommends data management policies, standards, practices and security measures to ensure effective and consistent data management operations.

• Proficient in creating conceptual, logical data models, data flows, and data management specifications.
• Proficient in leading data operations teams to develop architecture, policies, extract-transform-load (ETL) data pipelines, and data models.
• Proficient in working with real-time and batch centric Big Data patterns and solutions on the cloud.

Exemplary Contribution 

• Demonstrated knowledge of large databases, data warehousing environments.

• Ability to effectively diagnose, isolate and expediently resolve complex problems pertaining to data infrastructure.
• Manages an enterprise data catalog for a large organization
• Expert in data architecture, data warehousing/lakes, and data governance.
• Understands design thinking and human centered design.
• Contributes in business development activities like technical or design challenges.
• Carries out implementation of Service Level Indicators (SLIs) for effective observability of critical systems.

Must-Have Skills

• Deeply experienced in at least one engineering domain (software, site reliability, data, testing, etc) with a foundational knowledge in the others.
• Understanding of application architecture, system architecture, and enterprise integration patterns.
• Experience working closely with Software Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers, Test Engineers and Data Engineers.
• Experience with the entire development process from conception to production operations.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in creating harmony among all elements of software creation.
• Ability to discuss abstract software development concepts like single-responsibility, cohesion, data immutability, and other paradigm appropriate design patterns.
• Deep understanding of DevOps principles and experience integrating them into team processes.
• Ability to inspire Engineers and build cohesion on a team.
• Ability to understand and respond to customer needs and collaborate as part of a cross-functional team.
• Proficient in at least one programming language like Node.js, Python, Go, Java 8+, Ruby, Bash.
• Proficient with building applications in containerized development environments.
• Ability to operate and manage work, strategically reason, and build relationships and influence others.

Icing-on-the-Cake Skills 

• Certified Data Governance Professional (CDGP)

What else you should know?:

Our people make us who we are. We believe that every member of the Fearless team has something to share, and we value the unique viewpoint you’ll bring to our community. But we value your community, too, so we offer fulfilling work that stays in balance with the rest of life. Because everyone has different needs, desires, and goals, our benefits offer the choices and flexibility that our team members need to live well and succeed. Here are a few highlights of our benefits package:

• Flexible schedule
• Family-friendly workplace
• 14 days of PTO allowance (not accrued so you get it up front!) PTO + 8.75 days sick leave + 11 federal holidays + your birthday off!
• HSA, HMO, or PPO plan and Employee Wellness Plan
• Tech, education / training, and snack allowances
• Free parking in downtown Baltimore / public transit coverage
• Safe Harbor 401(k) plan with employer contributions and immediate vesting

Location:

• In-person, hybrid, and remote options are available. Our offices are located in Baltimore and Montgomery.

Our Compensation System is designed to reward remarkable work, grow your impact and support the whole “you” over the course of your career.

We believe in paying people fairly, so we've established a compensation model aimed to ensure everyone at Fearless — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, nationality, or negotiation skills — is given equal pay for equal work.

Our approach to compensation is intended to ensure our total package serves all of your needs and includes base pay, medical and other benefits, performance rewards, 401k matching, plus a few perks (tech and wellness reimbursement programs)!

Our salary ranges are determined based on role, level and location and provide team members salary growth within a salary grade over time. Team members automatically progress within a salary range through annual increases (given to reward service at Fearless) or merit increases (given to reward and individual's demonstrated performance and growth within the position). Fearless team members are also eligible for discretionary bonuses based on company performance.

The salary ranges for this position based on location are listed below.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified as a part of our annual salary range review.

• AL, FL, GA, TN Residents:  $112,915 (min) - $146,789 (mid) -  $180,664 (max)
• NC Residents: $116,407 (min) - $151,329 (mid) - $186,251 (max)
• DE, MD, PA, TX, VA Residents: $122,227 (min) - $158,896 (mid) - $195,564 (max)
• DC Residents: $137,360 (min) -  $178,568 (mid) - $219,776 (max)
• CA & NY Residents: $142,016 (min) - $184,621 (mid) - $227,226 (max)

Within the range, starting pay for team members is based on the evaluation of the alignment with the position description requirements including job-related skills and experience or training.  This range reflects your earning potential over the course of your career at Fearless in this position.

So, what’s next?

Over the years, we’ve honed a 3-step interview process that helps ensure that every employee we hire is the right fit for us and that we’re the right fit for them. If we think you’re a good fit, we’ll get in touch and start scheduling your interviews!

• Culture Add Interview - We’re a people-first company, so we always start off by getting to know more about you, how you work, what your career goals are, and what you’re passionate about. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for Fearless, so don’t be shy!
• Technical Interview - This is where we get into the nitty gritty of the project. During the Technical Interview, you’ll be interviewed by our Practice Team and/or the team’s Project Lead to make sure your skills align with the project requirements.
• Business Interview - At this point, you’ve made it to the final frontier! The Business Interview is when you’ll meet with Fearless leadership to dot the i’s, cross the t’s, and determine whether or not we’ll be moving forward with the hiring process.

About Fearless Digital:

Fearless is a full-stack digital services firm in Baltimore that delivers sleek, modern, and user-friendly software designed to push the boundaries of possibility. It's our mission to build software with a soul — tools that empower communities and make a difference — so we can create a world where good software powers the things that matter.

That’s not our only goal, though. We also strive to create a purple culture that makes our employees excited to come to work every day. That’s why we encourage our employees to pursue their passions, both in and out of the office. With built-in company mentoring, continuing education support, flexible schedules, and a family-friendly work environment, we’ve created a culture that allows our team to thrive professionally and personally.

Fearless believes in equal opportunity employment. We won’t discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, gender, nationality, age, religion, disability, military status, or sexual orientation. As a company and as individuals, we’re committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for our team, our family members, our clients, our subcontractors, and our vendors.