Data Modernization Lead

Position Summary

The Data Modernization Lead will guide the Defense programs through the design, implementation, and sustainment of a modern, scalable data ecosystem. This leader will define the data modernization strategy, stand up the modernization team, direct multi‑workstream execution, and serve as a trusted advisor to Defense client programs delivering rapid technical recommendations and an integrated cost, schedule, and performance plan for transforming the enterprise data environment.

This individual must possess strong technical depth across data architecture, cloud ecosystems, governance, migration, and modern engineering practices, but will operate primarily as a technical orchestrator. In most cases, they will hire, mobilize, or bring in the right specialists to deliver modernization components—but must also be capable of hands‑on contribution when needed to accelerate progress or validate complex solution elements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy Development & Leadership

• Define and maintain a comprehensive Data Modernization Strategy for Defense client programs, aligned to program mission priorities and modernization initiatives.
• Establish and lead the Data Modernization Team, including architecture, engineering, migration, governance, and operational SMEs.
• Develop a phased modernization roadmap using best‑practice federal data modernization playbooks.

1. Advisory & Client Engagement

• Serve as Defense client programs primary data advisor, providing rapid technical recommendations and solution options based on evolving needs
• Conduct workshops, technical discovery sessions, and architecture reviews to guide decision‑making.
• Coordinate with Defense program leadership, program teams, and partner vendors (Databricks, Palantir, Vantage, etc.).

1. Program Planning – Cost, Schedule & Performance

• Build and maintain the data modernization implementation plan, including cost models, staffing plans, dependencies, risks, and sequencing.
• Define KPIs and integrate quality, monitoring, and governance approaches consistent with program standards.

1. Data Governance

• Establish and operationalize a data governance framework inclusive of roles, policies, stewardship, metadata, lineage, privacy, and security controls.
• Build processes to ensure ongoing data quality, compliance, and risk‑based data management.

1. Data Architecture & Migration

• Lead design of the target data architecture supporting multi‑cloud, data mesh, and analytics/AI workloads.
• Direct data migration planning and execution, including legacy assessments, mapping, transformation rules, quality remediation, and phased migrations.
• Evaluate platform strategies and recommend the target-state environment (Databricks, WDP, Palantir/Vantage).

1. Training & Change Management

• Develop and deliver training, onboarding materials, and capability‑building resources for Defense client programs personnel and program users.
• Support organizational change and adoption of new governance models, tools, and workflows.

1. Operations & Sustainment

• Define the operating model for ongoing data ecosystem support, including SLAs, monitoring, support workflows, and continuous improvement cycles.
• Establish and oversee the Data Support Team responsible for daily operations, troubleshooting, and enhancements.

1. Technical Leadership & Team Orchestration

• Apply strong technical expertise across data strategy, architecture, governance, cloud platforms, and migration to guide solution direction and validate