Data Manager

Overview

Data Manager to support the Missile Defense Agency Information Management and Software Services (AIMSS) program. This role is critical to managing the full lifecycle of test, mission, and program data across MDA systems. The Data Manager ensures the implementation of data governance practices, oversees tactical and operational data handling, and serves as a liaison between data stakeholders, program offices, and technical teams. This position supports enterprise-level decision-making and operational readiness by enhancing data quality, accessibility, and mission impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve Integrated Data Management Plans (IDMPs) and Data Handling Plans (DHPs), addressing data lifecycle stages including collection, validation, storage, dissemination, and archival in accordance with DoD and MDA policies.
• Coordinate data integration and interoperability across programs, elements, and mission systems; ensure authoritative data sources are registered, accessible, and properly linked across classification domains.
• Establish and enforce data governance practices to ensure data quality, security, access, and compliance with DoD data strategy, federal regulations, and MDA data policies.
• Coordinate with MDA mission stakeholders to define data requirements and collection plans for test events.
• Define and maintain organizational data models to support cross-functional access, reuse, and mission alignment of MDA datasets.
• Execute and document secure, accurate data collection, retention, dissemination, and archival processes throughout the data lifecycle.
• Support mission execution through pre-test validation of data systems, coordination of data flows, and rapid post-mission data turnaround for decision makers and analysts.
• Conduct assessments to identify data gaps, inconsistencies, and improvement opportunities in data access, quality, or integration.
• Interface with MDA programs to identify essential data assets and ensure data is accurate, secure, and governed in line with agency policy.
• Curate, validate, and maintain metadata and data records to meet defined standards of quality, traceability, and mission utility.
• Implement and oversee data classification, access controls, and retention in accordance with DoD cybersecurity and security domain transfer policies.
• Support auditing, inspection, and incident response efforts related to data protection and access management.
• Support data readiness for advanced analytics, business intelligence, and AI/ML initiatives by ensuring data accessibility, interoperability, and reliability.
• Participate in planning meetings and technical reviews; deliver briefings and written reports on data readiness, delivery status, and performance metrics.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of MDA’s data governance practices, including development of processes, technical documentation, and stakeholder training.
• Implement configuration management practices for controlled data release, ensuring security, traceability, and compliance.
• Use centralized repositories and standard formats to improve consistency, access, and reuse of authoritative data sources.
• Translate business and mission requirements into functional workflows and support the development of dashboards, reports, and other presentation-layer products.
• Lead efforts to validate that data is complete, timely, and accurate across domains and aligned with architectural and security guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Management, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
• 7+ years of experience in data management, data governance, or related disciplines, preferably in a defense or federal environment.
• Experience with test event support, configuration management, or systems engineering in a mission-critical setting is highly desirable.
• Prior experience supporting MDA, DoD acquisition programs, or complex system-of-systems environments is strongly preferred.
• Active Secret clearance required; must be able to maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Must reside within a 50-mile radius of Redstone Arsenal or be willing to relocate prior to start date.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Knowledge/Skills

• Deep understanding of data lifecycle management, including collection planning, validation, storage, dissemination, and archival practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and govern structured and unstructured data across operational, test, and enterprise environments.
• Strong familiarity with data governance frameworks, metadata standards, and data quality practices.