Database Administrator

Columbus Technologies and Services; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Technologies and Services is seeking a database administrator for a 6-month contract at NASA JPL in Pasadena, onsite. Must be a US citizen and pass a background check and drug screen.

The role involves administering databases, evaluating access requirements, and ensuring performance across Oracle, MySQL, MS-SQL, and PostgreSQL environments. Typical duties include designing database structures, monitoring performance, implementing changes, and coordinating with developers and end-users.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree with minimum 4 years of IT experience, particularly with database administration expertise.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle, MySQL, MS-SQL and PostgreSQL in enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of database architecture, indexing strategies, query optimization, and execution plan analysis.
• Experience with backup and recovery methods, including snapshot-based solutions.
• Proficiency in SQL, PL/SQL, and shell scripting.
• Familiarity with application hosting middleware (WebLogic, Apache, Tomcat).
• Understanding of database security, hardening practices, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex database and application stack issues.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Administrates organization's database, using database management system to organize and store data.
• Typical Functions: Ascertains user requirements, creates computer databases, and tests and coordinates changes.
• Interacts with development and end-user personnel to determine application data access requirements, transaction rates, volume analysis, and other pertinent data required to develop and maintain integrated databases.
• Ensures performance of database. Excludes paraprofessional positions.
• Coordinates physical changes to computer databases; and codes, tests, and implements physical database, applying knowledge of database management system.
• Designs logical and physical databases or reviews description of changes to database design to understand how changes to be made affect physical database; i.e., how data is stored in terms of physical characteristics, such as location, amount of space, and access method.
• Establishes physical database parameters.
• Codes database descriptions and specifies identifiers of database to database management system or directs others in coding database descriptions.
• Calculates optimum values for database parameters, such as amount of computer memory to be used by database, following manuals.
• Specifies user access level for each segment of one or more data items, such as insert, replace, retrieve, or delete data.
• Specifies which users can access databases and what data can be accessed by user.
• Tests and corrects errors, and refines changes to database.
• Enters codes to create production database.
• Selects and enters codes of utility program to monitor database performance, such as distribution of records and amount of available memory.
• Directs programmers and analysts to make changes to database management system.
• Reviews and corrects programs.
• Answers user questions.
• Confers with co-workers to determine impact of database changes on other systems and staff cost for making changes to database.
• Modifies database programs to increase processing performance, referred to as performance tuning.
• Workers typically specialize in one or more types of database management systems.
• May train users.

Skills

Oracle

MySQL

MS-SQL

PostgreSQL

PL/SQL

Shell scripting

WebLogic

Apache

Tomcat

Security/compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT / Computer Science

Tools

WebLogic

Apache

Tomcat

Job description

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen
Duration: 6 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted
W2 with full benefits
Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.
Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite)
Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen
Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Administrates organization's database, using database management system to organize and store data.

Typical Functions: Ascertains user requirements, creates computer databases, and tests and coordinates changes.

• Interacts with development and end-user personnel to determine application data access requirements, transaction rates, volume analysis, and other pertinent data required to develop and maintain integrated databases.
• Ensures performance of database. Excludes paraprofessional positions.
• Coordinates physical changes to computer databases; and codes, tests, and implements physical database, applying knowledge of database management system.
• Designs logical and physical databases or reviews description of changes to database design to understand how changes to be made affect physical database; i.e., how data is stored in terms of physical characteristics, such as location, amount of space, and access method.
• Establishes physical database parameters.
• Codes database descriptions and specifies identifiers of database to database management system or directs others in coding database descriptions.
• Calculates optimum values for database parameters, such as amount of computer memory to be used by database, following manuals.
• Specifies user access level for each segment of one or more data items, such as insert, replace, retrieve, or delete data.
• Specifies which users can access databases and what data can be accessed by user.
• Tests and corrects errors, and refines changes to database.
• Enters codes to create production database.
• Selects and enters codes of utility program to monitor database performance, such as distribution of records and amount of available memory.
• Directs programmers and analysts to make changes to database management system.
• Reviews and corrects programs.
• Answers user questions.
• Confers with co-workers to determine impact of database changes on other systems and staff cost for making changes to database.
• Modifies database programs to increase processing performance, referred to as performance tuning.
• Workers typically specialize in one or more types of database management systems.
• May train users.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor degree with minimum 4 years of IT experience, particularly with database administration expertise.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle, MySQL, MS-SQL and PostgreSQL in enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of database architecture, indexing strategies, query optimization, and execution plan analysis.
• Experience with backup and recovery methods, including snapshot-based solutions.
• Proficiency in SQL, PL/SQL, and shell scripting.
• Familiarity with application hosting middleware (WebLogic, Apache, Tomcat).
• Understanding of database security, hardening practices, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex database and application stack issues.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Working knowledge of NetApp SnapCenter for database storage management.
• Experience supporting Oracle E-Business Suite environments.
• Experience with EM24ai and eBS plug-in configuration.
• Exposure to cloud database services (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, OCI).
• Scripting or automation experience using shell, Python, or similar tools.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.