Database Administrator (Active Top Secret Clearance)

ICF; Huntsville (AL); Remote; USD 98,614 - 167,644; Full time

Job summary

A mission-driven company is seeking a Database Administrator with an active Top Secret Clearance to support database operations for a government program. The role focuses on optimizing production databases and ensuring high availability and data integrity. Ideal candidates will have 7+ years as a DBA, strong compliance knowledge, and proficiency in SQL Server, Oracle, or PostgreSQL. This is a full-time remote position within the United States, offering a competitive salary range of $98,614–$167,644.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance required.
• 7+ years of experience as a DBA in federal environments.
• Security+ or equivalent certification required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor database performance and implement tuning strategies.
• Ensure data integrity, backups, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Collaborate with development teams on schema design and data modeling.
• Support database security and access controls in compliance with DoD standards.
• Lead database upgrades and migrations.

Skills

Database optimization

Data integrity management

Collaboration with development teams

Database security compliance

Scripting in PowerShell

Performance tuning (query tuning)

Cloud-based DB solutions (AWS RDS)

Networking fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer Science/IT/Engineering

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

SQL Server

Oracle

PostgreSQL

Terraform

Ansible

Job description

Database Administrator (Active Top Secret Clearance)

Job Location: Remote role – must be performed within the United States and support U.S. Eastern Time Zone hours. ICF monitors employee work locations, restricts access from foreign IP addresses, and prohibits the use of personal VPNs.

Description

Please note: This role is contingent upon a contract award. While it is not an immediate opening, we are actively conducting interviews and extending offers in anticipation of the award.

ICF is a mission‑driven company filled with people who care deeply about improving the lives of others and making the world a better place. Our core values include Embracing Difference; we seek candidates who are passionate about building a culture that encourages, embraces, and hires dimensions of difference.

The Engineering and Emerging Technologies (EET) team works side by side with customers to articulate a vision for success and then make it happen. We are looking for a seasoned DBA who will be a key driver in supporting daily operations of IT systems for a government program. The selected candidate will manage and optimize production databases supporting the DoD MCC JAS program, ensuring high availability, performance, and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Monitor database performance and implement tuning strategies.
• Ensure data integrity, backups, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Collaborate with development teams on schema design, query optimization, and data modeling (OLTP/OLAP).
• Support database security and access controls in compliance with DoD standards.
• Maintain documentation and change control procedures.
• Lead database upgrades and migrations.
• Automate routine tasks (backups, patching, user provisioning) with versioned scripting and CI/CD.
• Participate in on‑call rotation, incident response, root‑cause analysis, and capacity planning.
• Integrate monitoring and alerting.

Required Qualifications

• Candidate must have an active DoD Top Secret Clearance.
• Security+ or equivalent certification required.
• 7+ years of experience as a DBA in federal environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in CS/IT/Engineering or equivalent experience; advanced degree a plus.
• Vendor certifications (AWS, Oracle, Microsoft, etc).
• Expertise in SQL Server, Oracle, or PostgreSQL.
• Experience with cloud‑based DB solutions (AWS RDS, Azure SQL).
• Strong understanding of database security and compliance requirements.
• Hands‑on performance tuning (query tuning, indexing strategy, stats maintenance, I/O and memory pressure analysis).
• Solid understanding of networking, OS fundamentals (Windows/Linux), and storage concepts relevant to databases.
• Scripting ability in at least one: PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
• Experience hardening and accrediting systems under DoD RMF.
• Familiarity with data integration & messaging (ETL/ELT tools, CDC, Kafka), and supporting analytics/BI workloads.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code and configuration management (Terraform, Ansible) for DB infrastructure and parameter baselines.
• Experience building database observability: custom metrics, log pipelines, SIEM integration (Splunk/Elastic).
• Prior work in FedRAMP IL4/IL5 or impact‑level cloud environments.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting‑edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range – The pay range for this position based on full‑time employment is:
$98,614.00 – $167,644.00
Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Information Technology
• Industry: Business Consulting and Services