Database Engineer

Database Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Database Administrator Expert to lead enterprise database environments to AWS Cloud. The position requires expertise in AWS MySQL, with strong hands-on experience in MySQL cluster administration, PostgreSQL and SQL database technologies, including installation, configuration, maintenance, replication, backup/recovery, and performance tuning of enterprise database systems across both on-premises and AWS cloud environments.

This role ensures the security, availability, reliability, and scalability of mission-critical PostgreSQL and MySQL databases supporting enterprise applications. The Senior DBA will drive database architecture, capacity planning, high availability design, disaster recovery strategies, automation of operational workflows, and enforcement of robust security practices across AWS environments.

The candidate must be able to work independently and collaborate closely with stakeholders, application teams, and infrastructure engineers to streamline deployments, improve database reliability, and ensure consistent data operations across multiple environments. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are essential.

Must be able to multitask effectively and perform well under pressure in a fast-paced, high-urgency environment. Ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage multiple incidents concurrently, and maintain attention to detail in a high-tempo operations setting. Comfortable working under tight deadlines, handling frequent context switches, and remaining calm during critical production incidents.

Full time, on-site position at DOT Headquarters, Washington, DC.

Provide in-person support several days per week, with availability for either the early shift (starting 7:00 AM) or late shift (ending 7:00 PM) as needed.

Install, configure, and maintain enterprise-level PostgreSQL and MySQL database platforms and supporting infrastructure across on-premises and AWS cloud environments.

Configure, manage, and optimize AWS database services including Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL, Amazon RDS for MySQL, Amazon Aurora, and MySQL Cluster environments.

Plan and execute migrations of PostgreSQL and MySQL databases from on-premises environments to AWS cloud platforms (IaaS and PaaS).

Design, implement, and maintain MySQL clustering, replication, failover, and high-availability solutions.

Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning to ensure scalability, reliability, performance, and security.

Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery strategies for PostgreSQL and MySQL environments hosted on AWS.

Monitor the performance, integrity, and security of all database platforms and investigate anomalies and production incidents.

Perform routine database maintenance tasks including index optimization, query tuning, statistics updates, backups, and consistency checks.

Plan and perform database upgrades, patching, and migrations for standalone, clustered, and cloud-hosted database servers.

Oversee and lead migration projects, including lift-and-shift, modernization, and re-platforming efforts to AWS cloud environments.

Manage database accounts, roles, and permissions according to least privilege and compliance requirements.

Audit database activity and maintain comprehensive logs of configuration and schema changes for compliance and forensic analysis.

Implement encryption, secure connectivity (TLS/SSL), and other security controls for data at rest and data in transit.

Maintain detailed, version-controlled documentation for database environments, architecture diagrams, configurations, operational procedures, and runbooks.

Generate regular reports on database performance, capacity growth, availability, and usage trends for stakeholders.

Collaborate closely with development, infrastructure, cloud, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.

Mentor junior DBAs and establish operational best practices for AWS database administration, automation, and cloud migration initiatives.

Demonstrated success managing enterprise PostgreSQL and MySQL environments in hybrid (on-premises and AWS cloud) infrastructures.

Proven expertise in planning and executing cloud migration projects with strong hands-on experience in AWS cloud platforms.

Must be able to multitask effectively and perform well under pressure in a fast-paced, high-urgency environment while managing multiple priorities and production incidents concurrently.

Required Education and Experience:

Must have a minimum of 10 years of related experience as a database administrator, specializing in supporting SQL environment.

Typical requirements are bachelor's and 5-6 years of relevant experience. Additional experience is considered in lieu of a degree.

AWS Certified Database Specialty, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or equivalent cloud/database certifications preferred.

Strong expertise in PostgreSQL and MySQL administration across on-premises and AWS cloud environments.

In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in PostgreSQL and MySQL installation, configuration, optimization, clustering, replication, backup/recovery, and ongoing maintenance.

Proven ability to manage PostgreSQL and MySQL environments across multiple platforms including VMware, AWS EC2, Amazon RDS, Amazon Aurora, and on-premises infrastructure.

Strong experience with MySQL Cluster, replication technologies, failover configurations, and high-availability database architectures.

Capability to troubleshoot database performance issues, analyze execution plans, optimize SQL queries, and implement database performance tuning strategies.

Experience implementing database security solutions including encryption, IAM integration, SSL/TLS, and secure access controls.

Hands-on experience migrating PostgreSQL and MySQL clusters to AWS cloud environments, including assessments, planning, and providing technical recommendations.

Experience with backup and recovery tools, monitoring solutions, automation scripting, and disaster recovery planning.

Ability to participate in on-call rotations and perform mandatory maintenance activities during scheduled maintenance windows.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder who has resided in the U.S. for at least 3 years and the ability to obtain a public trust.

Preferred skills and qualifications:

Experience with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Aurora MySQL highly preferred.

Strong knowledge of AWS networking, storage, security, and infrastructure services supporting database environments.

Experience automating database administration tasks using shell scripting, Python, Terraform, Ansible, or similar automation tools.

Familiarity with DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, and monitoring tools such as CloudWatch and Prometheus.

Experience supporting large-scale, mission-critical enterprise database environments with strict uptime and performance requirements.

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills in high-pressure production environments.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline. SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives. We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.