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Ascension is seeking an experienced Data Architect / Database Lead to support mission-critical data modernization, governance, and analytics initiatives for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This role is responsible for designing, improving, and governing enterprise data structures that enable PHMSA to establish trusted data assets, improve operational decision-making, and support risk-based safety oversight.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced data professional who can bridge the gap between complex technical database environments and mission-driven business requirements. The candidate will apply expertise in database architecture, data modeling, schema redesign, metadata management, data governance, data quality improvement, and enterprise information management to help PHMSA transform fragmented data sources into reliable, actionable information.

This position is critical to supporting PHMSA’s efforts to enhance the Master Company Hub (MCH) and related data capabilities by improving enterprise data structures, strengthening data integrity, establishing governance practices, and enabling analytics-driven regulatory and safety decisions. The successful candidate will have the ability to independently analyze complex data environments, identify improvement opportunities, design practical solutions, and communicate technical recommendations to both technical teams and Government stakeholders.

Ascension is seeking a professional who is analytical, detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable operating in an environment requiring independent problem solving, technical leadership, and continuous improvement.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Data Architect / Database Lead will provide senior-level technical expertise supporting PHMSA’s data management and analytics objectives, specifically focusing on enterprise data architecture, database optimization, and governance capabilities.

The contractor will assess existing database structures, identify data quality and architecture challenges, redesign database schemas, define relationships and metadata standards, and support implementation of improved data environments. The role will contribute to the development of trusted data assets that support risk analytics, operational decision-making, regulatory oversight, and mission performance improvement.

This role directly supports PHMSA’s requirement to enhance the Master Company Hub (MCH) by analyzing current database structures, resolving inconsistencies, improving table relationships, standardizing metadata, organizing Datamart outputs, and establishing interim operating capabilities. The position will also support broader PHMSA data governance activities, including data standards, lifecycle management, documentation, and process improvements.

The Data Architect / Database Lead will work closely with program managers, analysts, engineers, risk SMEs, and Government stakeholders to ensure that data solutions are technically sound, sustainable, scalable, and aligned with PHMSA mission needs.

The position supports requirements identified within PHMSA’s Data Management and Analysis service area, including evaluating and improving data management processes, resolving data quality issues, developing database schemas, standardizing metadata, and supporting governance artifacts.

Position Responsibilities / Day-to-Day Activities

The Data Architect / Database Lead will:

• Analyze existing enterprise database environments to identify structural issues, data quality concerns, redundant data elements, outdated tables, unclear relationships, and metadata deficiencies.
• Assess PHMSA Master Company Hub (MCH) database structures and recommend improvements to enhance data reliability, usability, and scalability.
• Design logical and physical database models, including normalized schemas, entity relationships, data dictionaries, and metadata structures.
• Develop database architecture recommendations that improve interoperability, consistency, and accessibility of enterprise data assets.
• Define data governance standards, including naming conventions, metadata requirements, ownership responsibilities, and data quality controls.
• Evaluate existing data sources and integration processes to identify opportunities for improved data exchange and analytics capability.
• Create technical documentation including:
  • Data models
  • Database schema designs
  • Data dictionaries
  • Metadata documentation
  • Governance procedures
  • Data lifecycle documentation
• Collaborate with data analysts, engineers, risk SMEs, and program stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical data solutions.
• Support development of Interim Operating Capability (IOC) improvements for PHMSA database environments, including standardized fields, improved table organization, and improved Datamart outputs.
• Validate data structures and relationships to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Recommend improvements to data architecture, database performance, data quality management, and enterprise information management practices.
• Assist with testing and implementation activities associated with database restructuring and modernization efforts.
• Participate in technical meetings, working sessions, and stakeholder discussions to communicate architecture recommendations and resolve technical challenges.
• Prepare technical briefings and presentations explaining database improvements, governance recommendations, and implementation approaches.