Database Architect

At 4A Consulting, we turn complexity into opportunity. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Baltimore, MD, we are a women-owned, boutique consulting firm specializing in delivering innovative, data-driven solutions to both the Federal Government and Fortune 500 clients. Our team blends deep industry knowledge with advanced technologies to design tailored strategies that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes. We pride ourselves on an agile, collaborative approach that helps organizations navigate challenges and seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Database Architect to design, build, and optimize scalable, high-performance, and secure database solutions. In this role, you will lead the architecture and management of our cloud data infrastructure across AWS and Snowflake, leveraging automation and advanced database technologies to support our enterprise analytics and data processing pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate AWS database and processing services across RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, Redshift, EMR, and Neptune.
• Manage, optimize, and integrate high-performance AWS EMR clusters to minimize costs.
• Architect scalable, high-performance, and secure database solutions.
• Integrate databases with other AWS services such as Lambda, S3, EC2, and Glue.
• Apply IAM, encryption, VPC, and Security Group best practices to meet data compliance standards.
• Design backup, disaster recovery, high availability, and failover solutions (Multi-AZ, read replicas).
• Troubleshoot AWS-related issues and incidents.
• Design, implement, and manage virtual data warehouses in Snowflake.
• Write complex SQL queries for data analysis, transformation, and reporting.
• Optimize queries, manage caching, clustering, and leverage auto-scaling to handle workloads.
• Ensure compliance with client security, privacy, and data management policies.
• Deliver tailored technical briefings to management, clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Provide guidance and support to junior and mid-level developers.

Requirements

• Master’s with 5+ years, Bachelor's 7+ years, or 13+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s in CS or STEM discipline; Master’s/Doctorate may offset experience requirements.
• 7+ years of Database Architect experience across relational/NoSQL design and schema optimization.
• Hands-on experience with RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, Redshift, ElastiCache, EMR, and Neptune.
• Proficient in IAM, encryption, VPCs, Security Groups, and data storage compliance.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for AWS-related issues and incidents.
• Skilled in optimizing queries, managing caching, clustering, and leveraging auto-scaling to handle workloads.
• Proficient in Terraform, CloudFormation, AWS CLI, Python, Bash, or PowerShell for database automation.
• Skilled in both relational and NoSQL database management, data modeling, normalization, and schema design.
• Experienced in deploying, tuning, and integrating cost-effective EMR clusters across diverse data sources.
• Skilled in designing backup, disaster recovery, high availability, and failover solutions (Multi-AZ, read replicas).
• Advanced skills in writing complex SQL queries for data analysis, transformation, and reporting.

AWS Experience

• Proven ability to architect scalable, high-performance, and secure database solutions, with proficiency in query optimization, indexing, caching, and performance tuning using AWS tools.
• Experienced in integrating databases with other AWS services such as Lambda, S3, EC2, and Glue.
• Adept at securing AWS clusters, managing IAM roles, implementing encryption, and monitoring jobs using AWS tools (CloudWatch, CloudTrail).

Snowflake Experience

• Proficient in designing, implementing, and managing virtual data warehouses in Snowflake, with a strong understanding of micro-partitions.
• Experienced in schema design, normalization, and building efficient data structures in Snowflake.
• Familiar with data ingestion, transformation, and loading using Snowflake’s features and integration tools.
• Knowledgeable in Snowflake’s role-based access control, data encryption, and security best practices.
• Experienced in integrating Snowflake with BI tools (Tableau, Power BI) and using Python for data pipelines and machine learning applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leads requirements gathering, solution design, and implementation across complex projects.
• Experience scripting in a Linux environment to automate ETL solutions and data migration jobs.
• Proficient in quality techniques and practices (automated testing, TDD, performance analysis, CI/CD).
• Assists in defining architectural tactical roadmaps, data solutions, and core architectural standards.
• Detail-oriented and committed to consistently completing repetitive production-like tasks on-time and error-free.
• Prior experience working in a federal agency or public sector environment.
• Communicates effectively across data science, analytics, and business stakeholder teams.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into non-technical terms for business stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and deliver within deadlines.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Why Join 4A

• Be part of a mission-driven, women-owned consulting firm with a reputation for excellence.
• Work on high-impact projects across federal and commercial clients.
• Collaborate in an inclusive, growth-oriented culture where innovation is valued.
• Access career development programs, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, flexible work options, and a focus on work-life balance.