FamilySearch

The Enterprise Data Architect (Software Dev Engineer 5) is a principal-level technical role requiring extensive knowledge of industry practices and organizational policies. This individual sets the technical direction for records data modeling and infrastructure and drives execution through implementation, bringing deep, hands-on expertise managing petabyte-scale genealogical data including images, trees, full-text, and indexed records.
The role exercises sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for designing, defining, developing, testing, purchasing, implementing, and analyzing technical products and systems of diverse scope. Success in this position requires the ability to sequence and de-risk large-scale legacy-to-modern platform migrations while integrating AI/ML capabilities across both legacy and modern environments.
As a technical leader and individual contributor, the architect influences multiple engineering teams and leaders in areas such as software development, project planning, DevSecOps initiatives, work breakdown and estimation, and engineering peer reviews. Responsibilities include providing technical leadership in architecture, design, implementation, software quality, and ongoing engineering support for the organization's technology applications.
Working with divine guidance, this individual helps provide and support technology that furthers the mission of the Church and reflects the eternal impact of the gospel.
We encourage all applicants who possess the posted skills and abilities to apply.
Responsibilities
Work with the technical lead in the establishment of architectures, standards, and best practices
Act as a technical lead and, if assigned, mentor other developers
As a member of a software engineering team, participate in team meetings, team planning sessions, setting team goals, and all other team activities
Build and maintain relationships with other development teams to promote collaboration
Estimate the time to develop and deliver features as defined by product management
Participate in peer reviews of project software design and coding
Develop source code and unit tests according to technical designs
Contribute to the creation of team-wide development strategies
Be self-directed and provide classroom instruction in the areas of Church software development processes, industry best practices, and new technologies being adopted for the organization
Document new technical knowledge and train others on emerging needs and technologies
Provide formal training, mentoring, or pair programming with other less-experienced engineers
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, closely related field or equivalent experience
• Eight years of industry-recognized, progressive and relevant professional experience
• Three years of specialized experience in the technologies and methodologies of the product platform processes
• Prior experience in a software developer leadership role, leading a team (of four or more) through the first and subsequent releases of several (three or more) successful products, at least one of which must be a large-scale enterprise application
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to create, communicate, and direct work toward accomplishing an overall technical vision
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train peers
• Strong understanding of Agile Software Development methodologies and principles
• Ability to direct the work in defining logic and algorithms to create programming solutions and designing modules and implementing them within the overall architecture
• Significant engineering experience (multiple major releases) in the primary areas of an n-tier enterprise system, e.g., interface, domain logic and database layers.
• Expert-level skills in engineering/programming, analytical/diagnostic/troubleshooting, web technology, and programming methodology
• Ability to architect entire systems and subsystems
• Familiarity with Cloud Based Platforms and services
• High-level understanding of DevSecOps
• Leader of Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery principles
• Extensive knowledge of applicable software, computer languages, and code to perform the responsibilities of the role
• Proven aptitude and willingness to learn new technologies and programming languages

This job operates in a professional environment
To successfully perform the essential functions of the job there may be physical requirements which need to be met such as sitting for long periods of time and using computer monitors/equipment
Preferred:

1. Data Architecture & Infrastructure Direction - Sets the technical direction for data modeling and infrastructure and drives implementation across complex systems.
2. Petabyte-Scale Data Expertise - Deep, hands-on experience managing petabyte-scale genealogical data, including images, trees, full-text, and indexed records.
3. Governance & AI/ML Architecture - Expertise in data governance, compliance, and integrating AI/ML capabilities into both legacy and modern systems.
4. Migration & Modernization Strategy - Demonstrated ability to sequence and de-risk large-scale platform modernization efforts.
5. Technology Evaluation & Build-vs-Buy Judgment - Evaluates platforms and vendor solutions based on cost, risk, scalability, and organizational fit.
6. Systems Validation Rigor - Champions automated guardrails, validation, and quality controls over manual review processes.
7. Performance & Cost Discipline - Balances performance, scalability, and searchability with infrastructure cost considerations as data volumes grow.
8. Legacy Systems Expertise - Skilled at understanding, documenting, and modernizing inherited or undocumented systems.
9. Mentorship & Succession Planning - Develops others, shares knowledge, and reduces organizational dependency on individual contributors.
10. AWS Platform Fluency - Hands-on familiarity with core AWS services and cloud-native architecture patterns.
11. Master's degree in a related field

About Us
Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord's work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings- giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances-our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.
Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.
Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.