Lead Data Architect

Role: Lead Data Architect (DB2 for z/OS /Oracle/SQL Server/Cloud)
Depth in DB2 for z/OS is non-negotiable.
Location: Tallahassee, FL (onsite)
Client: State of Florida
Rate: $70/hr C2C
Experience: 12+
VISA: H1B (I94 should fetch H1B), GC
Passport Number is must for submission.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
*Candidates must possess the majority of the following. Depth in DB2 for z/OS is non-negotiable.*
Core Mainframe & DB2 Expertise (Advanced/In-Depth):
DB2 for z/OS: Application integration, performance management, administration, version upgrades, catalog maintenance, sub-system point-in-time recovery.
z/OS Platform: Deep understanding of the integrated platform, including started task creation/management, IBI service support, AFOPER commands, and EXITs.
JCL & COBOL: Advanced knowledge of JCL; working knowledge of COBOL for code interpretation and impact analysis.
CA GEN: In-depth knowledge of model management and application object support.
Tooling: ISPF, ASG Scheduler, IOF, DB2 monitoring tools, z/OS software monitoring tools.
Cross-Platform Database Administration (Solid Working Knowledge):
Oracle: Application integration, performance management, administration.
MSSQL: Application integration, performance management, administration (including SSMS, SSRS, SSIS).
GIS Database experience is a plus.
Infrastructure & Security:
RACF: Solid working knowledge.
CICS: Solid working knowledge.
Disaster Recovery: Technical requirements and verification testing techniques for infrastructure change management.
Modern Data & Cloud (Working Knowledge):
Windows Servers
Azure cloud-based data integration solutions
BJS (BMC Job Scheduler)

Experience Requirements
10+ years of broad experience working with large and complex database management systems (DB2, Oracle, SQL Server).
8+ years of experience acting as a Data Architect or Senior Data Analyst, specifically designing, implementing, and maintaining data models and ETL processes.
Proven background in financial data systems (General Ledger, Work Program, or similar ERP financial modules).
Demonstrated experience with data warehousing, ETL tools, and automation of data processes.
Experience with data visualization/reporting best practices (Power BI, Tableau, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications (Standout Candidates)
Experience with Informatica, Cloud Data Governance and Catalog, or Cloud Data Integration (CDI).
Experience working with State Government or large-scale public sector financial transformations (PALM, ERP replacements).
Ability to translate complex business requirements into precise technical specifications.
Excellent communication skills—able to explain a DB2 deadlock to a mainframe operator and a data lineage issue to a Project Manager in the same day.

About the Role
We are seeking a Lead Data Architect with deep specialization in DB2 for z/OS to serve as the technical bridge between legacy mainframe financial systems and the future state of cloud-ready data architecture.

This role is critical to the Florida PALM (Planning, Accounting, and Ledger Management) transition. You will not be a passive administrator; you will actively redesign data models, optimize ETL workflows, and ensure the integrity of General Ledger and Work Program Datamart interfaces during one of the largest financial system modernizations in the state.

If you speak fluent JCL, CA GEN, and CICS but can also architect scalable data models for Azure or Snowflake, we want to talk to you.

What You’ll Do (Primary Duties)
Enterprise Data Architecture & PALM Integration:
Analyze and verify existing data models and interfaces in the Work Program Datamart and General Ledger to assess impacts and identify potential disruptions caused by the Florida PALM transition.
Design and implement comprehensive data models, integrating new PALM data elements to ensure compatibility with business processes and state reporting requirements.
Database Administration & Performance Engineering:
Perform hands-on DB2 for z/OS administration, including catalog maintenance, sub-system point-in-time recovery, and version upgrades.
Conduct advanced performance monitoring and tuning using DB2 and z/OS software monitoring tools.
Develop and maintain database administration procedures, documentation, and SQL Code review standards.
ETL, Data Quality, & Cloud Strategy:
Review and enhance ETL processes to improve data quality, timeliness, and accuracy.
Align current data systems with the state’s cloud-first initiative, ensuring data models are scalable and compatible with modern cloud architecture (Azure/Snowflake).
Implement robust data quality measures to maintain high standards of production data integrity.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration:
Mentor and provide technical leadership to team members, guiding best practices in data integration, architecture, and quality management.
Act as a liaison between OIT, business stakeholders, and development teams to ensure clear communication regarding data architecture changes and aggressive project timelines.
Define strategic roadmaps for continuous improvement in data processes.