Data Architect

Job Description

Overview

Shape the Future of Secure Government Data.

At AtkinsRéalis, we're helping some of the UK's most important organisations solve their most complex data challenges. From modernising legacy technology estates to enabling AI-driven decision making, our Data Architects work at the centre of digital transformation across Defence, Security and Government.

We're looking for curious, collaborative architects who enjoy solving complex problems, influencing technical direction and helping organisations make better use of their information.

Whether you're an experienced Data Architect, Solution Architect, Enterprise Architect, Data Engineer or Analytics Consultant looking to specialise in data architecture, this is an opportunity to work on some of the UK's most complex and rewarding programmes.

As part of our Secure Government Practice, you'll work alongside experts across Architecture, Cyber Security, Digital Engineering, Software, Cloud and AI, helping clients design secure, scalable and sustainable data solutions.

The Opportunity

As a Data Architect, you will work with clients to understand complex business challenges before designing modern, scalable data architectures that enable better decisions, stronger governance and future digital capability. You'll work across a wide variety of programmes, supporting organisations as they modernise legacy estates, migrate to cloud platforms, improve data governance and unlock the value of their information through modern data platforms and analytical services. Our architects work closely with Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, Security Architects, Business Analysts, Data Engineers and client stakeholders throughout the entire solution lifecycle.

Your role

• Define enterprise and solution-level data architectures.

• Design conceptual, logical and physical data models.

• Develop data strategies, governance frameworks and information management approaches.

• Design secure and scalable data integration patterns across complex technology landscapes.

• Produce architecture artefacts aligned to enterprise architecture frameworks and business strategies.

• Support cloud transformation and digital modernisation programmes.

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure architecture remains aligned from concept through delivery.

• Influence technical direction through Architecture Review Boards, Design Authorities and governance forums.

• Present technical recommendations and business cases to a variety of stakeholders.

• Support business development activities including technical proposals, client workshops and solution shaping where appropriate.

• Contribute to the continual development of the Secure Government Data Architecture Practice.

About you

Technical Expertise Area

Experience

• Enterprise Data Architecture; Solution Data Architecture; Data Strategy; Information Architecture; Data Modelling; Data Governance; Metadata Management; Master Data Management; Data Quality; Reference Data.

• Cloud Platforms.

• Microsoft Azure; AWS; GCP.

• Modern Data Platforms.

• Databricks; Microsoft Fabric; PostgreSQL.

• Data Integration.

• Azure Data Factory; API-led Integration; Kafka; ETL/ELT; Streaming and Event-Driven Architectures.

• Architecture & Modelling.

• TOGAF; DAMA; ArchiMate; Sparx Enterprise Architect.

• Data Governance.

• Microsoft Purview; Collibra; Informatica; Security by Design; Data Classification; Information Assurance.

We don't expect candidates to have experience across all above. We're looking for architects who understand architectural principles and can apply them using appropriate technologies.

Professional Skills

• Enjoy solving complex business problems.

• Can communicate confidently with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Influence technical decisions through evidence and collaboration.

• Challenge constructively and recommend pragmatic solutions.

• Enjoy mentoring and developing others.

• Continuously develop their own knowledge and technical expertise.

• Thrive within multidisciplinary delivery teams.

• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Industry Experience:

  • Defence.
  • Nuclear.
  • Critical National Infrastructure.
  • Transport.

What Success Looks Like.

• Senior Data Architect.

• Independently design and deliver data architecture across projects.

• Influence stakeholders through clear technical communication.

• Produce high-quality architecture artefacts and technical recommendations.

• Contribute to business development through technical input, client engagement and solution shaping.

• Principal Data Architect.

• Provide technical leadership across complex programmes.

• Shape client data strategy and enterprise architecture direction.

• Influence senior client stakeholders and governance boards.

• Develop capability across the Practice through coaching, mentoring and technical leadership.

• Lead architecture assurance activities across multiple teams.

• Contribute significantly to business development, technical proposals and strategic client engagements.

• Represent AtkinsRéalis externally through industry engagement, thought leadership and technical communities.

• Established existing network within an Industry.

Why Join Our Data Architecture Practice?

• Work on nationally significant programmes across Defence, Security and Government.

• Design modern cloud-based and AI-enabled data architectures.

• Help organisations modernise legacy technology estates.

• Influence enterprise transformation and strategic technical direction.

• Work alongside highly experienced architects across multiple disciplines.

• Contribute to business development and strategic client engagements.

• Mentor and develop future architects.

• Help define the future of Data Architecture within AtkinsRéalis.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

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Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.