Database Engineer US Intelligence Community
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
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).
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience building and optimizing both relational and object-oriented databases, developing database parser and loading software, and driving data architecture decisions that balance performance, scalability, and security in cloud-enabled environments.
Work on data systems that directly enable U.S. Intelligence operations. Your work will help analysts and decision-makers protect national interests..
These positions will be part of our Defense and Intelligence Business unit serving the U.S. Intelligence Community as our primary customer., * 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 Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent professional 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.
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.
Benefits & conditions
- Mission-Driven Work: Support the U.S. Intelligence Community by building secure, scalable data systems that enable real-time insights.
- Career Stability: We hire for careers, not contracts-our work is growing.
- People-Focused Culture: We value work-life balance, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Ownership Mindset: Every employee is a shareholder through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
- Competitive Pay & Benefits:
- Typical salary range: $160K-$200K, depending on experience and contract labor category
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid parental leave and flexible PTO
Ready to make an Impact? Message our recruiting team directly at: recruiting@datamininglab.com, The likely salary range for these positions is $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.