Data Architect

Data Architect / Physical Data Modeller - 6-month contract - UK (Fully remote) - SC Clearance is a must Job Summary: On behalf of our client, a leading global IT services company , we are seeking an experienced Physical Data Modeler with deep expertise in PostgreSQL to join their growing data management team. This role will involve working on high-profile, sensitive projects, necessitating security clearance . The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of physical data models, ensuring the security, scalability, and performance of PostgreSQL databases in a mission-critical environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, database administrators, and security specialists, to deliver highly optimized and secure data solutions. As part of a global organization, you will be engaged in projects that have a real impact on business transformation, helping to build secure, scalable, and efficient database systems for enterprise applications. Key Responsibilities: Design and develop physical data models based on logical models and specific business requirements, with a focus on optimization for PostgreSQL. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into high-performing, scalable, and secure PostgreSQL database schemas. Work closely with development teams to design and implement tables, indexes, partitions, and other database objects that ensure high performance and meet project requirements. Conduct query optimization and database tuning to enhance the overall performance of PostgreSQL databases. Ensure compliance with data security requirements, including implementing encryption, access controls , and maintaining data integrity and availability. Implement backup and disaster recovery strategies, ensuring minimal data loss and high availability for critical systems. Participate in ETL and data migration processes , assisting with the design and execution of data integration tasks across different platforms. Maintain comprehensive documentation of data models, database objects, and design decisions. Work on cloud-based PostgreSQL solutions in environments like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud , ensuring secure and reliable database operations. Ensure PostgreSQL databases meet the required security and compliance standards in line with global regulations and best practices. Provide technical guidance to other teams and stakeholders on PostgreSQL best practices , ensuring the database architecture remains robust and adaptable. Contribute to the continuous improvement of database design and data architecture processes. Required Skills and Qualifications: 5 years of experience in physical data modeling, with a focus on PostgreSQL database design and implementation. Active security clearance (SC or equivalent) is mandatory for this role. Advanced knowledge of PostgreSQL database structures , including PL/pgSQL , advanced SQL , and performance optimization techniques. Proven experience in indexing, partitioning, and query optimization to ensure high-performing, scalable databases. Proficiency in working with JSON/JSONB data types and PostgreSQL extensions (e.g., PostGIS, pg_trgm ). Experience in backup and recovery strategies , including pg_dump , pg_restore , and replication in PostgreSQL. Expertise in data security best practices , including encryption, role-based access control (RBAC), and data masking. Experience working on cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, with a focus on PostgreSQL integration and performance. Experience with ETL tools and data migration processes in complex environments. Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with global teams and stakeholders. Preferred Skills: Experience with NoSQL databases and their integration with PostgreSQL. Knowledge of DevOps practices , including containerization tools like Docker for database deployment. Experience with CI/CD pipelines and database version control using tools like Liquibase or Flyway . Familiarity with data governance frameworks and compliance regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA . Exposure to big data technologies and integration with business intelligence (BI) tools such as Tableau, Power BI , or similar platforms.