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Data Lead Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site +1

$100K - $120K/yr

Lead performance tuning efforts across pipelines, warehouses, and workloads. * Ensure data pipelines are resilient, observable, and production ready. * Implement enterprise-grade error handling ...

Data Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Lead performance tuning efforts across pipelines, warehouses, and workloads. * Ensure data pipelines are resilient, observable, and production ready. * Implement enterprise-grade error handling ...

Lead Data Architect

Mclean, VA ยท Hybrid

$160/hr

Lead Data Architect Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Salary Range ...

Data Curation Lead

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Data Curation Lead Location: National Capital Region Category: Contingent Schedule (FT/PT): FT Travel Required: NA Shift: Day Remote Type: Remote Clearance required: Active Secret Clearance required ...

Data Architect, Lead

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Data Architect, Lead The Opportunity: For an organization to transform in today's digital world, it needs to properly collect, store, and organize its data. Effective data management can enable more ...

Data Architect, Lead

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site +1

$99K - $225K/yr

Share Data Architect, Lead The Opportunity: For an organization to transform in today's digital world, it needs to properly collect, store, and organize its data. Effective data management can enable ...

Lead Data Architect

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Summary The Lead Data Architect will design, build, and operate enterprise data platforms that power GenAI and AI/ML use cases. This is a highly technical, hands-on role responsible for data platform ...

Lead Data Architect

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Summary The Lead Data Architect will design, build, and operate enterprise data platforms that power GenAI and AI/ML use cases. This is a highly technical, hands-on role responsible for data platform ...

Data Architect, Lead

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Data Architect, Lead The Opportunity: For an organization to transform in today's digital world, it needs to properly collect, store, and organize its data. Effective data management can enable more ...

The Lead Data Architect provides strategic and hands-on leadership across divisional data initiatives, guiding delivery teams in building scalable data solutions within a modern cloud-based data ...

The Lead Data Architect provides strategic and hands-on leadership across divisional data initiatives, guiding delivery teams in building scalable data solutions within a modern cloud-based data ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Lead information

See Virginia salary details

$30

$69

$95

How much do data lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for data lead in Virginia is $69.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.05 and $77.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Data Lead vs Data Analyst?

AspectData LeadData Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Analytics, or related fieldsBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related fields; certifications like Google Data Analytics are common
Work EnvironmentLeads data projects, manages teams, collaborates with stakeholdersAnalyzes data sets, creates reports, supports decision-making
Industry UsageUsed across industries for strategic data managementCommonly used for data analysis and reporting roles

The main difference between a Data Lead and a Data Analyst lies in their responsibilities and scope. Data Leads oversee data projects, manage teams, and align data strategies with business goals, while Data Analysts focus on analyzing data, generating reports, and supporting decision-making. Both roles require strong analytical skills and relevant credentials, but Data Leads typically have more leadership responsibilities and a broader strategic focus.

How does a data lead typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

As a Data Lead, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, product management, and business stakeholders to ensure data solutions align with organizational goals. This involves translating business requirements into technical data solutions, guiding data engineers and analysts, and communicating project progress to non-technical stakeholders. Regular meetings, clear documentation, and proactive communication are essential to facilitate alignment and deliver effective data-driven outcomes. This collaborative environment not only enhances project success but also supports professional growth through exposure to diverse perspectives and challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Lead, you need expertise in data analysis, data management, and a strong understanding of database systems, often supported by a degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as SQL, Python, data visualization platforms (like Tableau or Power BI), and experience with ETL processes or cloud data solutions is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills enable effective team management and cross-functional collaboration. These skills are crucial for ensuring data integrity, driving data-driven decision-making, and leading high-performing analytics teams.

What is a data lead?

A Data Lead is a professional responsible for overseeing a team of data analysts, engineers, or scientists and managing data-related projects within an organization. They ensure the quality, integrity, and security of data, and often develop strategies to leverage data for business insights and decision-making. Data Leads coordinate between technical teams and business stakeholders, set data governance standards, and may also be involved in designing data architectures or analytics solutions. Their role is critical in helping organizations make data-driven decisions and maintain competitive advantage.
What are popular job titles related to Data Lead jobs in Virginia? For Data Lead jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Data Lead job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,522 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

CSDR Subject Matter Expert (Lead)

ACT1 Federal

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Title: CSDR Subject Matter Expert (Lead)
Location: National Capital Region
Category: Contingent
Schedule (FT/PT): FT
Travel Required: NA
Shift: Day
Remote Type: Remote
Clearance required: Active Secret Clearance required
Division: Aviation
Salary: $150,000-195,000
***THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD***
Who is ACT1 Federal? ACT1 Federal LLC is a 100% employee-owned company. We've served the Department of Defense (DoD) for nearly thirty years. Our core missions include weapon systems engineering, logistics, space domain expertise, global defense and security, business and financial management for security assistance and major defense articles, as well as military training and arctic security. Join us!
Description: Provide support to AFCAA and the DAF Cost Centers in administering the CSDR process for ACAT I-level DAF programs and all programs delegated to AFCAA for CSDR plan approval, in accordance with DoDI 5000.73. Assist AFCAA, Center Cost Staffs, and PMOs across the full CSDR submission set, including the Contractor Cost Data Report (FlexFile and DD Form 1921-series and successor reporting structures), the Quantity Data Report, the Technical Data Report (form, fit, and function data), the Software Resources Data Report (SRDR), the Maintenance and Repair Parts Data Report (M&R), and the Contractor Business Data Report (CBDR).
Responsibilities:
  • Support AFCAA, Center Cost Staffs, and PMOs in the development and tailoring of CSDR Plans (DD Form 2794) for ACAT I-level DAF programs, all programs delegated to AFCAA and any other DAF non-ACAT I programs of interest to the DAF, ensuring that approved plans represent the broader cost community's data needs for future cost estimating.
  • Lead the Cost Working-Group Integrated Product Team (CWIPT) through the CSDR planning process. This includes proactively identifying upcoming RFPs and Industry Days to ensure timely kickoffs, scheduling kickoff meetings, and briefing a condensed version of the DAF CSDR Training to baseline the team.
  • Provide the first CSDR plan draft based on initial introductions to the program and the contract Statement of Work (SOW), ensuring plans adequately capture quantity reporting structures and form, fit, and function parameters for the Software Resource Data Report (SRDR) and Technical Data Report (TDR), which typically carry greater complexity than the cost-data submissions. This draft shall stem from the most appropriate CSDR Standard plan.
  • Review and provide recommendations on contractor-submitted CSDR Plans (DD 2794) prior to AFCAA approval, with attention to consistency with the approved Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), CADE Standard WBS templates, MIL-STD-881 mapping, and the cost estimating community's data requirements.
  • Track upcoming solicitations and Request for Proposal (RFP) releases to ensure timely CSDR Plan development are approved; track current CSDR planning activities against established RFP and contract award dates.
  • Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) guidance in the implementation of FF, QDR, TDR, SRDR, M&R, and organic data collection, as well as examine/document/discuss discoveries, and results in Lesson Learned/Best Practices paper. โ€ข Lead and facilitate the CSDR Readiness Review (including preparation materials) within 60 days of contract award.
  • Verify that submissions from defense contractors, major subcontractors, and government entities conform to the final approved CSDR Plan by comparing submissions to the plan and to prior submissions on the same program.
  • Validate the completeness, internal consistency, and reasonableness of the full submission set: the Cost Data Report (Flexfile and 1921 series), the Quantity Data Report, the Technical Data Report, the SRDR, M&R, and CBDR.
  • For the SRDR and TDR specifically, perform a more detailed validation review reflecting the higher complexity of these submissions, including review of quantity-time phasing consistency, technical parameter completeness across the reportable WBS elements, and traceability of form, fit, and function characteristics to the approved CSDR Plan.
  • Document discrepancies identified during V&V, coordinated resolution with the submitting contractor through the appropriate Government channels, and recommend disposition (acceptance, conditional acceptance with comments, or rejection). All received submissions events regardless of resubmission shall have an overall average processing time of 60 days.
  • Support the AFCAA CSDR Process Manager in management of the end-to-end CSDR planning, V&V, and compliance process for DAF programs. All actual report approvals shall be made by Government personnel; the contractor's role is strictly supported.
  • Track compliance and provide resolution support scaled to the expected volume of program CSDR compliance actions required each month.
  • Resolve CSDR compliance issues for DAF programs by proactively coordinating with PMO and PMO contracting officer and CWIPT.
  • Track DAF programs with CSDR compliance issues and document get-well resolution within three months or less. Actively track timelines, and if program fails to achieve resolution within the three-month threshold, the contractor shall escalate the issue by alerting the Cost Data Support Group (CDSG) and AFCAA.
  • Support CWIPTs for ACAT I-level and ACAT II-III level DAF programs, assisting in development of a final recommended CSDR Plan for Government approval.
  • Identify candidate issues for CRSB consideration and work with the AFCAA CSDR Process Manager on CRSB recommendations.
  • Coordinate with the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) Defense Cost and Resource Center (DCARC) for DAF ACAT I-level programs, and with the DAF Cost and Resource Center (DAFCARC) for ACAT II-III programs.

Key Skills and Experience:
  • CSDR Policy & Guidance: Expert knowledge of DoDI 5000.73, DoD 5000.04-M-1, and MIL-STD-881 work breakdown structures and mapping.
  • DoW Cost Data: Familiarity with various DoW cost data sources.
  • CADE Standard WBS:
  • Proven experience mapping 1921-series and FlexFile cost data to the CADE
  • Standard WBS templates for the planning and validation process to ensure accurate cost reporting. Contractor Cost Data Reporting (CCDR): Expertise with 1921 series and FlexFile cost reports and apply them to the CSDR planning and validation process.
  • Quantity Data Report (QDR): Experience reviewing, validating, and tailoring CSDR Quantity Data Reports, including quantity-time phasing and reconciliation to contract and program quantities.
  • Technical Data Report (TDR): Strong understanding and experience utilizing CADE Technical Data parameter lists for CSDR planning and validation, including extraction and review of form, fit, and function parameters.
  • Software Resources Data Reporting (SRDR): Expertise with SRDR submissions and applying them to the CSDR planning and validation process.
  • Maintenance and Repair Parts Data Report (M&R): Expertise with M&R submissions and applying them to the CSDR planning and validation process.
  • Contractor Business Data Report (CBDR): Expertise with CBDR submissions and applying them to the CSDR planning and validation process
  • Tools Proficiency: Working knowledge of CADE, DACIMS, cPet, PPM, and CSDR-SR systems, and any other tools the government identified as necessary.
  • Communication: Ability to present and effectively communicate complex information clearly and concisely with senior leaders.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Must have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in weapon systems acquisition and cost estimating, specifically on major DoW or Air Force ACAT I/II/III threshold-level programs.
  • CSDR experience is mandatory.
  • Expertise shall include a strong understanding of CSDR policy, planning, validation, compliance, and the CADE application.
  • Active Secret Clearance required.

Benefits:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • ACT1 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Company Paid Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 401K with employer match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Education, Training & Professional Development
  • Voluntary Accidental Injury/Critical Illness/Hospital Care
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and Identity Protection

https://act1federal.com/careers/
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely.
  • If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you'll periodically work from a ACT1 Federal or client site facility.
  • If this position is listed as onsite, you'll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for the specific role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.