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Principal Data Architect Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dark Wolf Solutions

Data Engineer - SME

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$185K - $240K/yr

As the principal technical authority, you will set the enterprise data architecture strategy, design high-assurance data topologies for classified enclaves, govern data mesh architectures, and advise ...

Dark Wolf Solutions

Data Engineer - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site

$185K - $240K/yr

As the principal technical authority, you will set the enterprise data architecture strategy, design high-assurance data topologies for classified enclaves, govern data mesh architectures, and advise ...

Dark Wolf Solutions

Data Engineer - SME

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$185K - $240K/yr

As the principal technical authority, you will set the enterprise data architecture strategy, design high-assurance data topologies for classified enclaves, govern data mesh architectures, and advise ...

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All JobsPrincipal Data Architect JobsPrincipal Data Architect Jobs in Virginia

Principal Data Architect information

See Virginia salary details

$106.1K

$165.1K

$215.1K

How much do principal data architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal data architect in Virginia is $165,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,300.00 and $190,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal data architect?

A Principal Data Architect is a senior-level role responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing an organization's data architecture. They develop data strategies, ensure data integrity, and align systems with business goals. This role involves collaboration with IT teams, data engineers, and business leaders to create scalable and efficient data solutions. They also establish best practices for data governance, security, and compliance. Strong expertise in cloud platforms, databases, and big data technologies is typically required.

What are some typical challenges a principal data architect may face in their day-to-day work?

Principal Data Architects often navigate complex challenges such as integrating disparate data sources, ensuring data quality and security, and staying ahead of rapidly evolving technologies. They may also be tasked with guiding teams through large-scale data migrations or modernizing legacy systems while minimizing disruptions to business operations. Collaborating with stakeholders from different departments to align data strategies and adhering to regulatory compliance requirements are common aspects of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires both technical expertise and strong problem-solving skills, making the work dynamic and highly impactful.

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

To thrive as a Principal Data Architect, you need deep expertise in data modeling, database design, systems architecture, and data governance, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of tools such as SQL, NoSQL, ETL frameworks, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and certifications like CDMP or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are common requirements. Strong leadership, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure robust, scalable data solutions that align with organizational goals and drive business value.

How much does a principal data architect get paid?

A principal data architect typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in data modeling, cloud platforms, and leadership responsibilities, which can influence compensation levels.

How much does a principal data architect make?

The average salary for a principal data architect in Texas ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and company size. Senior roles often require expertise in data modeling, cloud platforms, and leadership skills, with additional compensation such as bonuses or stock options common in larger organizations.

What does a principal data architect do?

A principal data architect designs and oversees an organization’s data strategy, ensuring data is collected, stored, and used effectively. They develop data models, establish data governance standards, and work with teams to implement data solutions using tools like SQL, cloud platforms, and data management frameworks. This role often requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and experience with data architecture best practices.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Data Architect jobs in Virginia?

For Principal Data Architect jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Data Architect jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Data Architect jobs in Virginia are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Principal Data Architect job openings:

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Principal Data Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Data Architect job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,073 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Principal--Data, Analytics & AI Architect

Reston, VA • On-site

Fannie Mae
Finance and Insurance • 5 - 10K employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Fannie Maeexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Playing an essential role in the U.S. economy, Fannie Mae is foundational to housing finance. Here, your expertise can help fuel purpose-driven innovation that expands access to homeownership and affordable rental housing across the country. Join Fannie Mae to grow your career and help people find a place to call home.
Job Description
THE IMPACT YOU WILL MAKE
As Principal, Data, Analytics & AI Architect, you will provide strategic architecture leadership for Fannie Mae's enterprise data and AI platforms. You will define standards and roadmaps, guide key technology decisions, and ensure solutions are secure, scalable, resilient, and aligned with risk, and regulatory priorities. You will partner with business and technology leaders to guide investment decisions, evaluate architectural trade-offs, and ensure platform capabilities deliver measurable business outcomes.
  • Provide Data, Analytics & AI architecture leadership and oversight for mission-critical data, analytics, AI/ML, and generative AI platforms.
  • Define and maintain Data, Analytics & AI architecture strategies, reference architectures, technology standards, reusable patterns, and multi-year transformation roadmaps.
  • Participate/ Lead architecture reviews and assess solutions for scalability, security, resilience, interoperability, cost efficiency, technical debt, and build-versus-buy considerations.
  • Lead/ Establish architecture and AI governance in partnership with cybersecurity, risk, compliance, legal, data governance, and platform teams.
  • Serve as an advisory to senior leadership on technology investments, platform modernization, architectural risks, and alignment with business and regulatory objectives.

There is 1 opening for this position which can be based in our Reston, VA office.
THE EXPERIENCE YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
Minimum Required Experiences
  • 8 years of progressively responsible experience across application development, data science and analytics, enterprise architecture, and technology strategy.
  • Deep expertise in cloud, data, and AI/ML concepts, supported by hands-on experience designing and architecting data and AI capabilities on cloud.
  • Proven expertise in leading large-scale, cross-functional enterprise-wide initiatives involving data and AI/ML platforms with measurable business outcomes.
  • Strong understanding of data governance, model risk, responsible AI, and regulatory expectations in financial services or similarly regulated environments.
  • Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives while aligning multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated success delivering complex, high-stakes enterprise solutions in regulated or risk-sensitive environments
  • Experience supporting executive leadership, governance committees, and strategic decision-making processes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information to executive audiences.
  • Shows curiosity and adaptability in learning and responsibly applying new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to reimagine how we work.

Desired Experiences
  • Proven experience architecting and providing enterprise-level oversight for AI, machine learning, generative AI, data, and analytics platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to define enterprise architecture strategies, reference architectures, technology standards, reusable patterns, and multi-year transformation roadmaps aligned with business objectives and measurable outcomes.
  • Strong expertise in AWS cloud and Databricks, including the architecture of scalable, secure, resilient, and mission-critical data and AI platforms.
  • Broad knowledge across application, integration, data, infrastructure, security, and business architecture domains, with the ability to evaluate architectural trade-offs, technical debt, platform maturity, and build-versus-buy decisions.
  • Knowledge of AI governance frameworks, responsible AI principles, model risk management, and industry-leading practices.
  • Experience establishing architecture governance, decision rights, and accountability across centralized platform teams, business units, and product teams.
  • Experience in financial services or similarly regulated environments, with a strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Strong executive communication and stakeholder-management skills, including experience supporting governance reporting, organizational change, and senior-level decision-making.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Enterprise Architecture - Data Architecture - Principal
200,000-269,000
JR2809
Qualifications
Active Directory (AD), Active Directory (AD), AI Governance, AI Platforms, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Atlassian JIRA, Authentication Management, Backup and Recovery (Software), Business Insight Skills, Business Process Management Skills, Calendar and Scheduling Tools, Cleaning and Transforming Data, Cloud Technology, Collaborating Cross-Functionally, Communicating in Technical Writing, Communicating Technical Information, Communication, Configuration Management (CM), Conflict Resolution, Coordination, Customer and Market Insights, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), CyberArk {+ 65 more}
Education:
Bachelor's Level Degree (Required)
The future is what you make it to be. Discover compelling opportunities at Fanniemae.com/careers.
For most roles, employees are expected to work onsite on a regular basis at their designated office location. In-office work cadence is determined by your manager. Proximity within a reasonable commute to your designated office location is preferred unless the job is noted as open to remote.
Fannie Mae is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, marital or parental status, or any other protected factor. Fannie Mae is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment, unless to do so would cause undue hardship to the company. If you need assistance using our online system and/or you need a reasonable accommodation related to the hiring/application process, please complete this form.
The hiring range for this role is set forth below. Final salaries will generally vary within that range based on factors that include but are not limited to, skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and other relevant qualifications. This position is eligible to participate in a Fannie Mae incentive program (subject to the terms of the program). As part of our comprehensive benefits package, Fannie Mae offers a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle, and other benefits and perks that enhance an employee's physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. See more here.
Requisition compensation:
200000
to
269000

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