Database & IT Systems Specialist

Astrion; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Database & IT Systems Specialist to support RF/RCS measurement data and IT infrastructure. You will manage database systems, data ingestion software, servers, storage, backups, and security.

The role requires strong troubleshooting across databases, software, servers, and networks. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in relevant roles, solid SQL/database skills, Python scripting, Linux/Windows experience, and the ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in databases, systems, or IT infra.
• Strong working knowledge of SQL and database management.
• Programming or scripting experience, preferably Python.
• Experience administering Linux and/or Windows systems.
• Experience with servers, NAS/storage, backups, and data recovery.
• Networking knowledge including TCP/IP, VPN, remote access, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical problems independently.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain DuckDB database schema, integrity, performance, backup, and recovery.
• Maintain and improve Python-based data ingestion and processing pipelines.
• Support and enhance Python/Streamlit web app used to search and analyze measurement data.
• Maintain data-pipeline automation using Dagster or similar tech.
• Administer Linux and Windows systems supporting databases and data collection.
• Manage servers, NAS/storage, RAID, backups, permissions, and capacity.
• Troubleshoot laboratory IT infrastructure, including networking and VPN/RDP access.
• Develop scripts to automate system administration and data-management tasks.
• Improve data organization and metadata traceability between raw and processed data.
• Apply cybersecurity practices: access control, patching, credential management.
• Maintain technical documentation for architecture, servers, storage, networks, and backups.
• Coordinate with engineering, IT, and cybersecurity teams as required.

Skills

SQL

Python

Linux

Windows

Networking

Data recovery

Documentation

U.S. citizenship

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

DuckDB

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

MySQL

SQLite

Dagster

Streamlit

Git

Synology NAS

Job description

Overview

Database & IT Systems Specialist

LOCATION: Huntsville, AL

JOB STATUS: Full-time

TRAVEL: As Needed

We are seeking an experienced Database & IT Systems Specialist to support the data and IT infrastructure associated with an RF/Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement environment. This position will be responsible for maintaining and improving database systems, data-ingestion software, servers, network storage, backups, and supporting IT infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is a self-directed technical professional capable of independently troubleshooting and resolving databases, software, server, storage, and network issues with minimal supervision.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in database administration, systems administration, software development, IT infrastructure, or a combination of these disciplines.
• Strong working knowledge of SQL and database management.
• Programming or scripting experience, preferably Python.
• Experience administering Linux and/or Windows systems.
• Experience with servers, NAS/network storage, backups, and data-recovery processes.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts including TCP/IP, IP addressing, VPN, remote access, and network troubleshooting.
• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex technical problems with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government SECRET security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Active U.S. Government SECRET security clearance.
• Experience with DuckDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, SQLite, or similar database technologies.
• Experience with Dagster, Streamlit, or comparable Python/data-platform technologies.
• Experience administering Synology NAS, RAID storage, or similar storage platforms.
• Experience with Git/source control and software configuration management.
• Familiarity with National Instruments LabVIEW, Keysight VEE, Matlab or other engineering/data-acquisition software.
• Experience supporting scientific, engineering, RF, radar, laboratory, or test-and-evaluation environments.
• Experience with automated data-ingestion, ETL/ELT, or large scientific datasets.
• Experience/Familiarity with Laboratory Equipment automation (SCPI, NI VISA, VEE).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and maintain the existing DuckDB database, including database schema, data integrity, performance, backup, recovery, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain and improve Python-based data ingestion and processing pipelines used to catalog raw and calibrated measurement data.
• Support and enhance the existing Python/Streamlit web application used to search, analyze, and retrieve measurement records.
• Maintain data-pipeline automation and orchestration using Dagster or similar technologies.
• Administer Linux and Windows systems supporting databases, laboratory, and data-collection operations.
• Manage servers, NAS/network storage, RAID configurations, backups, permissions, and storage capacity.
• Support and troubleshoot laboratory computers and computer-enabled equipment (Oscilloscopes, Network Analyzers, Antenna Positioners, etc.), engineering applications, network connectivity, VPN/RDP access, and related IT infrastructure.
• Develop scripts and utilities to automate system administration and data-management tasks.
• Improve data organization, metadata management, and traceability between raw and processed measurement data.
• Apply appropriate cybersecurity practices, including access control, patching, credential management, system hardening, and data protection.
• Maintain technical documentation for database architecture, servers, storage, networks, software, backups, and recovery procedures.
• Coordinate with engineering, corporate IT, cybersecurity, and other technical personnel as required.

Desired Candidate

The successful candidate will be a hands-on, self-motivated technical professional capable of taking ownership of the database and supporting IT infrastructure. The individual should be comfortable moving between database management, Python development, server administration, storage, networking, and troubleshooting while proactively identifying opportunities to improve system reliability, automation, security, and data integrity.

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