Data Architect

Data Architect (Deployed Systems) Bristol & Andover (50/50 Onsite) Ncounter are supporting a specialist consultancy delivering a major Defence programme focused on distributed and deployed technology environments. We are seeking an experienced Data Architect who understands the realities of operating data platforms beyond traditional enterprise environments. This is not a role for someone who has spent their career as a Systems Engineer and recently moved into data. We are looking for a genuine Data Architect who has designed and delivered data solutions within deployed operational environments, where connectivity is intermittent, infrastructure is distributed, and data consistency cannot be taken for granted. The programme consists of multiple deployed nodes operating in isolated environments, each generating and consuming data independently before synchronising back to a parent environment. Data sources can appear, disappear, reconnect, and resynchronise at any point, creating complex challenges around consistency, integrity, governance, and architecture. You'll be responsible for designing the architectural approach that enables reliable movement and synchronisation of data across numerous distributed platforms, working closely with engineering, infrastructure, and programme stakeholders. Key experience sought: • Proven Data Architecture experience on complex Defence, MOD, maritime, land, or deployed technology programmes • Strong understanding of distributed data architectures and data synchronisation challenges • Experience designing solutions where nodes operate independently before reconnecting and reconciling data • Knowledge of multiple data sources and data stores rather than single database architectures • Experience working with containerised environments and Kubernetes • Understanding of data governance, modelling, integration, and resilience within operational environments • Ability to engage senior stakeholders and provide architectural leadership across large programmes • Experience working within secure or classified environments Whilst some cloud technologies are utilised, this is not a cloud-first architecture role. The real challenge lies in designing data solutions that continue to function effectively when deployed systems become disconnected, reconnected, and required to resynchronise at scale. Candidates must hold active SC Clearance and be willing to split their time between Bristol and Andover throughout the contract. If you have previously architected data solutions for deployed Defence systems and enjoy solving complex distributed data challenges, we'd be keen to discuss the opportunity in more detail.