We are seeking a Senior Data Architect to align with a major, high-profile implementation currently in flight. In this role, you will report to the Director of Data Interoperability and Data Architecture, and focus on data interchanges surrounding claims and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) member data. You will work closely with large System Integrators (SIs) within the PBM and claims processing spaces, designing robust data structures that support both analytical and operational requirements.

As a Senior Data Architect, you must be a strategic thinker who can not only design complex architectures but also clearly articulate the "why" behind your technical decisions to executive leadership, VPs, stakeholders, and cross-functional business partners.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the data architecture strategy and design for a massive, active implementation focused on claims, enrollment, and PBM pharmacy data interchanges.
- Architect and model high-performance data environments utilizing multiple architectural styles, including Data Warehouse (DWH), Data Lakehouse, FHIR, APIs, and Event-Based systems.
- Collaborate with large System Integrators (SIs) to ensure seamless data integration across PBM, claims processing, provider services, and member services domains.
- Translate complex technical frameworks into actionable business value, confidently presenting architecture justifications and long-term value to VPs and key stakeholders.
- Work cross-functionally with business partners to ensure data architectures meet strict operational, compliance, and analytical standards.

This position is primarily remote with 1-2 quarterly visits to our clients site in Reston VA. Approved states for this position are as follows: Wash DC, VA, MD, WV, NC, PA, DE, NY, NJ, TX, FL.

This position is a 7-month contract to permanent opportunity offering career growth and stability.

Required Skills

Required Qualifications & Experience
- Professional Experience: 8+ years of experience in the Data Architecture domain, successfully leading complex enterprise architecture initiatives.
- Education: Bachelor-s degree in Computer Science, Info Systems, or a related field. (An additional 4 years of relevant work experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree).
- Healthcare Payer Industry Experience: Direct, extensive experience in the healthcare payer sector is strictly mandatory.
- Domain Expertise: Deep operational knowledge of Claims/Enrollment systems (highest priority), PBM/Pharmacy systems (secondary), and Provider/Member services (tertiary).
- Architecture & Integration: Strong mastery of API design and Event-Based Architecture within clinical or financial data stores and claims adjudication systems.
- Key Technologies: Proven, hands-on architectural experience with one or both: Snowflake, MuleSoft (Snowflake experience is highly preferred).

Preferred Qualifications (Pluses)
- Hands-on experience with HL7 FHIR standards.
- Prior experience spanning both clinical and financial domains within healthcare.
- TOGAF certification or alignment with enterprise architecture frameworks.