Job Title: SAS Technical Architect
Clearance Required: Active SC
Duration: 6 months
Location: Telford - 2 days on site
Job Description:
* 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