Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director, Data Operations Strategy, the Principal Data Architect serves as the Office of Data & Innovation’s (ODI) primary technical authority for data engineering platforms and services and is responsible for defining and maintaining technical policies, standards, and architectural frameworks that govern ODI’s data engineering work. The Principal Data Architect establishes authoritative architectural standards, engineering patterns, and implementation guidance for ODI’s data engineering work. The position provides technical direction for complex initiatives that enable reliable and scalable data systems across ODI and partner departments. The incumbent exercises broad discretion and independent judgment in evaluating architectural approaches, authorizing engineering solutions, and ensuring that technical implementations meet program requirements and long-term sustainability needs.

The Principal Data Architect provides expert technical guidance, peer review, and architectural oversight across ODI engineering efforts and contributes to the development of shared technical resources, documentation standards, and engineering frameworks. This position plays a critical role in advancing ODI’s mission to improve services and outcomes for Californians by strengthening the State’s capacity to use data effectively, responsibly, and sustainably.

Need help understanding the hiring process or have questions about ODI? We'd love to talk to you! Before applying contact us at odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov . Please include the position title in the subject line.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit:

• A resume 
• A Statement of Qualifications

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required as part of the examination process. Please include a completed SOQ in your own words, providing specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate your capabilities. The SOQ should not exceed two pages, single spaced, using Arial 12-point font size.

1. Describe your experience shaping technical policy standards or practices for data engineering that applied across teams, programs, or partner organizations. Include examples, positions, and years held. 
2. Describe a project where you influenced a high-impact technical decision. Describe how you evaluated options, ensured organizational buy-in, and implemented the solution. 
3. Describe your experience developing staff in a quickly-evolving technical domain. How did you approach developing their expertise while continuing to meet project deliverables? 

Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered a response to the SOQ. Applications submitted without an SOQ will be excluded from consideration.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/29/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Office of Data and Innovation

CalHR

Attn: Human Resources Office - Class & Hiring

1515 S Street

North Building, Suite 500

Sacramento , CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Office of Data and Innovation

CalHR

Human Resources Office - Class & Hiring

1810 16th Street

Sacramento , CA 95811

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required as part of the examination process. Please see the Special Requirements section for further information.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:

Human Resources Contact:
Jennifer Catalano
(916) 879-4946
Jennifer.Catalano@calhr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
RA Coordinators
(916) 322-6997
RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

• Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
• U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Job Tags

Full time, Work at office

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