Database Engineer (U.S. Intelligence Community)

About the role

We are seeking mid and senior level Database Engineers to design, develop, and optimize mission-critical data systems that support complex national security objectives. This position focuses on the front end of the system lifecycle — from requirements development through system acceptance testing and Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

Responsibilities

• Develop relational and object-oriented databases, database parser software, and database loading utilities.
• Translate complex business and mission requirements into optimized database schemas and data models.
• Analyze, design, and implement database solutions from concept through deployment.
• Project long-term requirements for database administration, design, and scalability.
• Direct the development of complex systems using queries, tables, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and cloud-based data storage and retrieval methodologies.
• Design and document data flow, data structures, and data access patterns that support analytics and operational needs.
• Develop and maintain automated scripts, macros, and ad hoc queries to manipulate data into master files.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement system improvements, optimizations, and modernization initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity, security compliance, and performance tuning.

Requirements

• Required Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Poly.
• Required Education: A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Required Skills / Experience:
  • Proficiency in designing and managing relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) databases.
  • Demonstrated experience with database query languages (e.g., SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
  • Experience developing and managing databases using cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
  • Hands-on experience with database parser software, ETL tools, and data migration in cloud or hybrid environments.
  • Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
  • Experience with database security, access control, and encryption techniques.
  • Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or Ansible.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across teams, document data systems, and present technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Preferred Skills And Qualifications:
  • Experience with containerized database deployments (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Knowledge of big data technologies (e.g., Apache Spark, Hadoop, Kafka).
  • Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for data infrastructure.
  • Experience with database performance tuning and query optimization in high-volume environments.
  • Background in data replication, backup, and disaster recovery planning.

Skills

• Proficiency in designing and managing relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) databases.
• Demonstrated experience with database query languages (e.g., SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Experience developing and managing databases using cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Hands-on experience with database parser software, ETL tools, and data migration in cloud or hybrid environments.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
• Experience with database security, access control, and encryption techniques.
• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or Ansible.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, document data systems, and present technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with containerized database deployments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of big data technologies (e.g., Apache Spark, Hadoop, Kafka).
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for data infrastructure.
• Experience with database performance tuning and query optimization in high-volume environments.
• Background in data replication, backup, and disaster recovery planning.

Benefits

Typical salary range: $149,000-$220,000, depending on experience and contract labor category. Elder Research values continuous learning, a supportive work environment, and a healthy work-life balance. We provide family health, dental, and vision benefits, employer-paid disability, paid-time off, and paid parental leave. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contribution as well as an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). Our employees enjoy reasonable hours, solid pay, low travel, and extremely flexible time off.