SAS Technical Architect - SC Cleared
Whitehall Resources require a SAS Technical Architect with active SC clearance to work with a key client on a 6 month initial contract.
*Inside IR35.
*This role will involve on site work in Shropshire 2 days per week.
*Active SC clearance required.
SAS Technical Architect - SC Cleared
We are seeking an experienced SAS Technical Architect to lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale analytics solutions using the SAS toolset, with a strong focus on SAS Viya 4 architecture.
The role will be responsible for defining end-to-end technical architecture, supporting migration from legacy SAS platforms, and ensuring alignment with enterprise cloud and data strategies.
This role is critical to supporting large-scale transformation programmes involving migration of SAS 9.4 / Viya 3.5 estates to Viya 4 platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Architecture & Design
* Define and own the end-to-end SAS architecture, ensuring alignment with programme and enterprise strategy.
* Design scalable, secure, and high-performing SAS Viya 4 solutions across cloud environments (AWS/Azure).
* Lead architecture reviews, governance gates, and design approvals.
SAS Viya 4 Platform
* Architect and implement SAS Viya 4 environments, including:
- CAS (Cloud Analytic Services)
- SAS Studio, Visual Analytics, and Model Studio
* Define deployment patterns using containerised environments (Kubernetes) for Viya 4.
* Ensure alignment with platform strategies (e.g. DPS / Minerva).
Migration & Transformation
* Lead migration of SAS 9.4 / Viya 3.5 workloads to Viya 4, including:
- Data integration flows
- Analytical models and reporting
- Configuration and scheduling
* Define migration approach covering:
- Code migration and refactoring
- Data validation and reconciliation
- Performance optimisation
* Support transformation of legacy solutions to modern, cloud-native patterns.
Technical Leadership
* Provide technical leadership to data engineers, developers, and testers.
* Support design for:
- CI/CD integration
- DevOps practices
- Automation and deployment pipelines
* Collaborate with architects, engineering teams, and SMEs across suppliers.
Governance & Stakeholder Management
* Present solutions to senior stakeholders (client and internal).
* Ensure compliance with:
- Security and data governance standards
- Cloud architecture principles
* Support commercial and delivery teams with estimation and solutioning.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
* Strong experience in SAS architecture and technical design
* Proven delivery experience with SAS Viya 4 platforms
* Deep knowledge of SAS toolset, including:
- SAS DI / Data Integration
- SAS Visual Analytics
- SAS Studio / Enterprise Guide
* Experience designing cloud-based SAS solutions (AWS / Azure)
* Experience with Kubernetes / containerised deployments for Viya 4
* Experience delivering large-scale migration programmes
Desirable
* Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
* Experience integrating SAS with:
- Airflow or alternative schedulers
- Data platforms (e.g. Snowflake, Databricks)
* Understanding of data security and access models
* Experience in public sector / regulated environments
Qualifications
* Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
* SAS certifications (Viya / Advanced Analytics) preferred
Key Behaviours
* Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
* Ability to operate at both strategic architecture level and hands-on design
* Analytical mindset with a focus on quality and delivery
* Collaborative approach across multi-supplier environments
Typical Deliverables
* Architecture design documents (HLD / LLD)
* SAS Viya 4 deployment and configuration designs
* Migration strategies and runbooks
* Governance artefacts and technical assurance inputs
Reporting Line
* Typically reports to Programme / Delivery Architect or Engagement Manager
* Works closely with:
- Technical Architects
- Data Engineers
- Platform / Cloud teams
- Client architecture teams
Context
* Migration of legacy SAS estates to Viya 4 cloud platforms is a key focus
* Solutions align to enterprise platforms such as Minerva / DPS