Database Engineer – Senior Level (PostgreSQL/MongoDB/Oracle)

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Database Engineer to support the design, implementation, optimization, and sustainment of mission-critical database systems. This role emphasizes expertise in PostgreSQL and demonstrated experience with MongoDB and/or Oracle database systems.

The ideal candidate will possess strong database engineering skills, including database design, performance tuning, PL/SQL and PL/pgSQL development, and operational support, with additional experience in database migrations and modernization efforts. The candidate must excel in high-pressure, secure environments, supporting database performance, reliability, scalability, and security.

Note: This is a database engineering-focused role and not an ETL or data engineering role.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Database Engineer, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

1. Database Design & Development:
• Designing, developing, analyzing, and optimizing database systems (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle).
• Performing database modeling, relational database architecture, metadata, repository creation, and schema management.
• Designing and implementing complex database structures such as tables, indices, triggers, stored procedures, and schemas.
2. Database Tuning & Maintenance:
• Performing advanced performance tuning, query optimization, and high-reliability configurations.
• Conducting database monitoring and troubleshooting to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.
3. Operational Support:
• Developing and supporting PostgreSQL databases using SQL, PL/pgSQL, or procedural database languages like PL/SQL.
• Supporting database replication, backup, recovery, continuity solutions, and disaster recovery.
• Implementing and managing database upgrades, migrations, and modernization efforts.
• Developing and documenting system requirements, source analysis, and process analysis throughout the database lifecycle.
4. Security:
• Implementing Row-Level Security, database encryption, and STIG hardening to enhance compliance.
• Preparing for and supporting security and compliance audits in line with organizational and government requirements.
5. Technological Integration & Collaboration:
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced Agile environment, working closely with developers, testers, system engineers, and mission stakeholders.
• Participating in Oracle-to-PostgreSQL migration activities or integrating MongoDB into cross-domain systems.
• Supporting CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Git, and Artifactory.
• Evaluating and recommending technology components, including software, hardware, networking, and database management capabilities.
6. Monitoring & Automation:
• Implementing automated database testing using tools like Selenium or Robot Framework.
• Utilizing tools like AppDynamics or other monitoring platforms for real-time database performance oversight.
7. AWS Cloud Expertise:
• Working with AWS services (e.g., Amazon RDS) to manage, monitor, and optimize cloud-hosted database environments.

Required Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must have the following:

1. Education & Clearance:
• Bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to the position with 12 or more years of relevant experience; Master’s degree in an area relevant to the position with 10 or more years of relevant experience; or Ph.D with 8 or more years of relevant experience will also be considered. An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Active TS/SCI or SCI eligibility and active polygraph or ability to obtain a polygraph.
2. Certifications:
• Security+ or another IAT II/III level certification.
3. Technical Expertise:
• Strong expertise in PostgreSQL, including SQL and PL/pgSQL, as well as database design (tables, indices, schemas, triggers, stored procedures).
• Hands-on experience with either MongoDB or Oracle Database.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills, database performance analysis and optimization.
• Database migration experience (Oracle-to-PostgreSQL migrations are strongly desired).
• Ability to work full-time in a SCIF environment, with flexibility for travel as needed.
4. Soft Skills:
• Ability to work in a fast-paced Agile environment collaboratively with diverse technical teams.
• Strong technical communication and problem-solving abilities.

Desired Qualifications

The best candidates will bring experience in some of the following:

1. Familiarity with cross-domain systems and/or implementing Row-Level Security.
2. CI/CD practices with exposure to tools like Jenkins, Git, and Artifactory.
3. Monitoring experience with tools such as AppDynamics or similar.
4. Expertise with database upgrades and modernization efforts, particularly migrating legacy Oracle systems to PostgreSQL.
5. AWS experience—such as configuring and optimizing Amazon RDS databases or other AWS cloud services.
6. Experience with STIG hardening of databases or compliance auditing for secure environments.
7. Automated testing tools like Selenium or Robot Framework.