• Job Description

  Req#: 5314848
  Salary : $102,264.00 - $137,520.00 Annually
  Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00438
  Department: Dept. of Transportation
  Division: Headquarters
  Opening Date: 04/20/2026
  Closing Date: 5/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  
  Description
  About WSDOT
  
  The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
  The Opportunity
  
  WSDOT is seeking a Data Architect to serve as the agency's principal professional on data architecture, data governance, and enterprise data modeling. This critical position will design and oversee modern, compliant data solutions across multiple technologies and environments; establish and maintain enterprise-wide data architectures, standards, and policies; and lead automated, reproducible database deployment practices. In this role, you will provide strategic technical consultation on database design, lead complex data architecture efforts, manage data-modeling tools and standards, and collaborate closely with database administrators, application developers, project managers, and business partners to align data solutions with WSDOT's strategic goals. A strong candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in data architecture and governance, proficiency with data-modeling tools, experience designing enterprise database solutions, knowledge of automated deployment practices, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate, lead, and influence across technical and non-technical teams.
  What to Expect
  
  Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT Data Architect will:
  
  • Act as lead subject matter expert on data architecture, tool stack, best practices, and engineering offerings of the Enterprise AI and Data Services (EADS) Team.
  • Act as liaison to both TSD teams and business customers on the best data architecture and solutions for ingestion patterns, consumption optimization, data security, access framework, governance, modernization, and innovation.
  • Implement and support automated, repeatable, reproducible deployment methodologies for data systems.
  • Collaborate closely with business and technical stakeholders to design scalable, secure, and maintainable data solutions that align with enterprise standards and strategic objectives of WSDOT.
  • Lead agency data governance, data architecture and data modeling in conjunction with business analysts, developers, database administrators, project managers, and clients.
  • Apply advanced strategic expertise and comprehensive technical business process knowledge in leading all aspects of Enterprise AI and Data Services (EADS) related to data architecture.
  • Direct the work of data modelers in EADS and consult with data modelers throughout the Department.
  • Establish and update agency wide data architecture and data standards and select technical tools to enable support and implementation of data standards; advise TSD and other agency managers on matters of data architecture.
  • Represent WSDOT, TSD, and EADS by communicating, presenting, and promoting data architecture standards to internal and external partners.
  • Lead and contribute to technical teams as an expert on the principles of data architecture and data modeling.
  • Create technical requirements documents and data models.
  • Create physical data models and Structured Query Language (SQL) scripts that will create data schemas and data objects.
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  
  Automated Deployment
  
  
  • Experience using Azure DevOps to build, maintain, implement reproducible automated database build and deploys.
  • Skills and ability to assist and train other team members in the best practices and use of automated deployments.
  
  
  Data Architecture, Management & Governance
  
  
  • Demonstrates ability to create Data science, engineering and Integration solutions using big data platforms and analytics including work on large scale data architectures or related areas.
  • Demonstrated experience architecting, implementing, and creating complex technology solutions.
  • Architect data solutions that support artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives, ensuring data is AI-ready, accessible and governed.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work independently and lead all phases of data management and/or application development, including requirements gathering, system design and architecture, development and coding, testing and quality assurance, change management and implementation and deployment.
  • Skills to apply logical problem-solving techniques to design and implement scalable and maintainable solutions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders using clear written and verbal communication.
  
  
  Data Platform Design
  
  
  • Experience producing proofs of concept with different technologies to accurately arrive at working solution to a defined opportunity
  • Demonstrates advanced skills in designing modern data platforms (cloud /hybrid), including creating conceptual, logical, and physical data models, normalizing data and defining relationships and constraints based on business requirements, and applying industry best practices for database performance, scalability, and integrity.
  • Experience developing data models for a client/server environment is required to perform as a leader and expert in the discipline.
  • Strong background in Data Warehousing, Data Marts, relational databases, the nuances of batch vs real-time data, distributed computing, Oracle, SQL Server, ODS, Analytics v/s transactional data systems, data security and data access frameworks.
  • Demonstrated understanding of standard data ingestion & consumption patterns.
  
  
  Data Technology Development & Administration
  
  
  • Experience with modern cloud data platforms (eg, Azure Synapse, Fabric, Snowflake, Databricks) and Python/Pyspark.
  • Proficient in using Microsoft Transact-SQL (T-SQL) to write queries for data selection, updates, inserts, and deletions, create and modify database schemas, tables, views, and indexes, and perform administrative tasks such as data migration, backups, and user permissions.
  • Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot and optimize SQL queries for performance.
  
  
  Business Requirement Analysis
  
  
  • Effectively elicits, documents, and analyzes business requirements through interviews and workshops with stakeholders.
  • Skills to translate business needs into data models, structures, or technical specifications.
  • Ability to independently ensure requirements are complete, consistent, and aligned with project goals and organizational strategy.
  
  
  Team Collaboration & Communication
  
  
  • Skills to work effectively within technical and cross-functional teams, contributing to shared goals.
  • Ability to facilitate open communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Demonstrates the ability to build consensus and incorporate diverse technical and business perspectives into design solutions.
  
  
  Technology & Analytical Thinking
  
  
  • Proven experience in quickly learning new technologies and methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability in effectively communicating technical concepts to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Ability to apply advanced analytical thinking and a strong foundation in mathematics or logical reasoning to solve complex technical problems.
  
  
  Leadership & Supervisory Skills
  
  
  • Ability to develop processes for database design work; ability to oversee data modeling project activities, conduct data model reviews to ensure compliance with existing strategies, standards and processes.
  • Ability to identify staff's needs for training and find suitable training.
  
  
  Growth Mindset
  
  
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  
  
  Service-Oriented
  
  
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.
  
  It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  
  Architectural Expertise
  
  
  • TOGAF
  • Azure and /or AWS Solutions Architect
  
  
  Modern Data Architectures
  
  
  • Demonstrates advanced proficiency in modern data architecture patterns (e.g. Data Lake, Data mesh, data fabric, etc.) and dimensional modeling (Kimball methodology), ETL processes, and star/snowflake schema design.
  • Highly organized with a demonstrated systematic approach to carrying out assignments.
  
  
  Geospatial Database Design and Integration
  
  
  • Demonstrates the ability to design, integrate, and manage databases that incorporate geospatial data for enterprise use.
  
  
  Professional and Effective Communication
  
  
  • Experience communicating technical and complex information clearly, concisely, and appropriately for diverse audiences, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.
  
  
  Technical Documentation and Knowledge Management
  
  
  • Experience creating comprehensive, accurate, and maintainable technical documentation that supports system development, implementation, and maintenance.
  
  
  Continuous Learning and Applied Knowledge Development
  
  
  • Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning in fields related to data architecture, analytics, and information systems through formal education and/or professional certifications.
  
  Important Notes
  
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov.
  
  
  Why WSDOT
  
  • Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
  • Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
  • Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.
  
  
  Check out this video to learn more:
  How to Apply
  
  Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
  
  In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
  
  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
  
  Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
  WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
  Contact Us
  
  For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00438 in the subject line.
  More than Just a Paycheck!
  Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
  
  We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
  
  Read about our benefits:
  The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
  
  Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
  
  Insurance Benefits
  Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
  
  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
  
  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
  
  Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
  
  Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
  
  The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
  
  Retirement and Deferred Compensation
  State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
  
  Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
  
  Social Security
  All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
  
  Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  Holidays
  Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
  
  Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
  
  Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
  
  Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
  
  Sick Leave
  Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
  
  Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  Vacation (Annual Leave)
  Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
  
  Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
  
  Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
  
  Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
  
  Military Leave
  Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
  
  Bereavement Leave
  Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
  
  Additional Leave
  Leave Sharing
  
  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  Leave Without Pay
  
  Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
  
  Updated 01-07-2026
  01
  
  Automated Deployment: Which best describes your experience with automated database deployments using Azure DevOps?
  • Designed and implemented enterprise-level CI/CD pipelines for databases, including governance, versioning, and rollback strategies; trained others
  • Built and maintained automated database deployment pipelines and contributed to best practices
  • Assisted with deployment pipelines and executed pre-built processes
  • Limited exposure; no hands-on implementation, building or maintaining
  
  02
  
  Have you trained or mentored others on automated deployment practices?
  • Yes - Led formal training and established standards
  • Yes - Provided informal guidance or peer support
  • No
  
  03
  
  Data Architecture, Management & Governance: Which best describes your experience designing large-scale data architectures?
  • Led enterprise-wide data architecture strategy including AI-readiness and governance frameworks
  • Designed and implemented complex data solutions using big data platforms
  • Contributed to components of data architecture under guidance
  • Limited or no experience
  
  04
  
  How have you supported AI-ready data environments?
  • Architected and governed enterprise data platforms specifically for AI use cases
  • Built or prepared datasets/pipelines for AI initiatives
  • Supported data preparation activities
  • No experience
  
  05
  
  Data Platform Design: What is your experience designing modern data platforms?
  • Designed enterprise cloud/hybrid platforms with full data modeling, performance optimization, and governance
  • Designed scalable platforms with strong modeling and performance considerations
  • Contributed to platform components or models
  • Limited or no experience
  
  06
  
  Which best describes your data modeling experience?
  • Led conceptual, logical, and physical data modeling across enterprise systems
  • Developed detailed logical/physical models
  • Assisted with modeling tasks
  • Limited or no experience
  
  07
  
  Data Technology Development & Administration: Which best describes your experience with modern data platforms (e.g., Synapse, Snowflake, Databricks)?
  • Architected and implemented enterprise solutions using multiple platforms
  • Developed and maintained solutions on at least one platform
  • Assisted with development or administration
  • Limited or no experience
  
  08
  
  What is your proficiency with T-SQL?
  • Advanced-performance tuning, schema design, administration, and optimization
  • Intermediate-queries, stored procedures, and basic optimization
  • Basic-data queries and minor updates
  • Limited or no experience
  
  09
  
  Leadership & Supervisory Skills: What is your experience leading data modeling or database design efforts?
  • Established standards, led governance, and oversaw multiple projects
  • Led project-level design and reviews
  • Contributed to design efforts
  • Limited or no experience
  
  10
  
  Architectural Expertise: Do you hold any architecture certifications? If yes, please list them in the space below. Otherwise, please enter N/A.
  11
  
  Modern Data Architectures: Which best describes your experience with modern data architecture patterns?
  • Designed and implemented Data Mesh/Fabric/Lake architectures at scale
  • Implemented modern architectures in projects
  • Familiar with concepts
  • Limited or no experience
  
  12
  
  Geospatial Database Design: What is your experience with geospatial data?
  • Designed enterprise geospatial data systems and integrations
  • Implemented geospatial components
  • Limited work with geospatial data
  • No experience
  
  13
  
  Technical Documentation & Knowledge Management: What is your experience with technical documentation?
  • Develop enterprise-level documentation standards and artifacts
  • Create detailed and maintainable documentation
  • Contribute to documentation
  • Limited or no experience
  
  14
  
  Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.
  • I have a master's degree or higher.
  • I have a bachelor's degree.
  • I have an associate's degree.
  • I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • None of the above
  
  15
  
  If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, enter N/A.
  16
  
  How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
  
  17
  
  If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
  Required Question

• About the company

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