Data Architect Maritime

We are seeking a Data Architect who can take ownership of maritime data architecture, shape data strategy and design decisions, and enable the delivery of secure, scalable, and interoperable data solutions into live operational environments.  We are building data-driven capabilities that support a hybrid navy, combining crewed platforms, uncrewed systems, sensors, and digital services. This role focuses on turning complex maritime data into trusted, timely insight that supports operations, autonomy, and decision-making.

You’ll work closely with clients, architects, engineers, and analysts to design end to end data solutions that support decision-making, operational effectiveness, and mission outcomes — balancing architectural rigour with the realities of delivery in security constrained and mission critical contexts. You will be central to translating operational and user needs into robust data architectures, guiding engineering teams, and ensuring data is trusted, accessible, and fit for purpose across web, hybrid, and deployed platforms.

The Work

As a Data Architect, you will define and lead the data architecture underpinning a hybrid navy, integrating crewed platforms, uncrewed systems, sensors, and digital services across ship, shore, and cloud environments.

You will set the technical direction and architectural standards for how data is collected, secured, processed, and exploited to deliver operational advantage. This role balances strategic design with hands-on technical leadership, working closely with engineers, security teams, and operational stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Define and own the end-to-end data architecture for hybrid naval capabilities. Designing architectures for low-bandwidth, denied, or intermittent connectivity.
  
• Design secure, resilient, and scalable data platforms spanning edge, tactical, and cloud environments
  
• Establish architectural patterns for real-time data ingestion, streaming, and analytics.
  
• Lead the integration of sensor, platform, and mission data using common data models and standards
  
• Ensure data architecture aligns with defence security (JSP452), accreditation, and interoperability requirements
  
• Provide architectural governance, including design assurance, technical decision making, and risk management
  
• Mentor engineers and influence delivery teams to implement architectural best practice
  
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to MOD clients, translating operational needs into architectural decisions.‍

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‍Life at DIGI2AL

At DIGI2AL, you’ll be more than just an employee – you’ll be a core part of our team. You’ll work closely with other digital, data, and technology (DDaT) professionals and have the opportunity to:

• Shape the design of future defence solutions and influence wider company initiatives.

• Contribute to bids, business automation projects, and strategic innovation efforts.

• Work in our HQ Labs to develop prototypes and proof-of-concepts that address complex defence and security challenges.

• Be part of a team that values professional growth, collaboration, and mutual support.

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive environment where you can thrive professionally and make a tangible impact.

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Experience and Skills

Essential

• Proven experience as a Senior Data Architect delivering solutions in complex, regulated, disconnected or mission critical environments, with accountability for end-to-end data architecture.
• Strong understanding of data modelling, data warehousing and data lake architectures (e.g. lakehouse patterns), and data integration using event driven and API led approaches.
• Experience designing architectures across hybrid cloud and on-premise / edge environments, using platforms such as AWS or Azure, with a strong understanding of distributed systems and event-driven architectures (e.g. Apache Kafka, AWS Kinesis, messaging and streaming patterns).
• Experience designing architectures for high volume, time critical, or sensor driven data, including streaming, time series, and geospatial data (e.g. PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Elasticsearch, InfluxDB).
• Strong technical leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to set architectural direction, assure designs, and influence multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Knowledge of data security, information assurance, and access control in high-security contexts, including secure data pipelines, encryption, identity and access management, and awareness of Zero Trust principles.

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Desirable

• Experience working with MOD, Defence Digital, SDA, or wider UK public sector defence clients.
• Familiarity with targeting, intelligence, situational awareness, or command and control (C2) data domains.
• Ability to communicate complex architectural and data concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Hands-on experience with modern cloud native data platforms, such as:
  • MODCloud - ICE, ACE environments
  • AWS data services (e.g. S3, Redshift, EKS, Kinesis)
  • Azure data services (e.g. Data Lake, Synapse, AKS)
  • GCP
  • Kubernetes-based platforms and containerised data services
  • Telicent
• Understanding of NATO data standards, interoperability requirements, or multi-national data sharing constraints.
• Experience supporting systems operating in degraded, denied, or disconnected environments, including low bandwidth architectures and edge processing patterns.

Ways of Working

• Comfortable working in agile, multi‑disciplinary teams
• Pragmatic and outcomes focused, balancing architectural rigour with delivery pace.
• Security first mindset, with an appreciation of operational realities.

Most importantly, we value a strong eagerness to learn, a willingness to work as part of a team, and the drive to contribute to our mission.

We're not just building technology; we're building a team. If you're passionate about what you do and ready to work in an environment that values learning and collaboration, we want to hear from you.

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