PostgreSQL Database Administrator

Saic; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Database Subject Matter Expert (SME) with strong PostgreSQL (RDS) capabilities to join our team in Ashburn, VA. The role focuses on deployment, administration, query tuning, and proactive monitoring to support application development teams. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of experience, AWS RDS proficiency, and familiarity with PostGIS.

DHS Public Trust clearance or the ability to obtain one is required; U.S. citizenship is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience with RDS PostgreSQL including deployment, maintenance, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of query tuning and indexing strategies.
• Experience with PostGIS queries.
• Experience with database monitoring tools such as Dynatrace.
• Scripting for automation (Python, Bash).
• Understanding of AWS RDS and cloud database architectures.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and database version control.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Design tables and write functions/stored procedures.
• Performance tuning and index checking.
• Partitioning strategies.

Responsibilities

• Configure and administer managed PostgreSQL instances in AWS.
• Maintain database security policies including RBAC and encryption.
• Analyze and optimize SQL queries for large tables.
• Collaborate with development teams to improve database-related code.
• Set up and monitor Dynatrace alerts for reliability.
• Investigate and resolve performance issues from monitoring or users.
• Develop scripts for deployments, scaling, and maintenance.
• Assist CI/CD processes for database updates.
• Monitor health and resolve connectivity or capacity issues.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for incidents and implement fixes.
• Contribute to data modeling and schema design discussions.
• Create and maintain database documentation and best practices.
• Provide training to developers and stakeholders on database topics.

Skills

Database administration

Query optimization

Monitoring

Automation scripting

CI/CD familiarity

Troubleshooting

Data modeling

Performance tuning

Indexing strategies

Partitioning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AWS RDS

PostgreSQL

PostGIS

Dynatrace

Python

Bash

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Database Subject Matter Expert (SME) with strong Database Administrator (DBA) capabilities to join our team. The ideal candidate will specialize in PostgreSQL (RDS), bringing expertise in deployment, administration, query tuning, and database monitoring.

This role requires a proactive professional capable of managing database operations, optimizing performance, and supporting application development teams.

Responsibilities:

• Database Administration:
  • Configure and administer managed PostgreSQL instances in the AWS environment.
  • Maintain database security policies, including role-based access control and data encryption.
• Query Tuning and Optimization:
  • Analyze and optimize SQL queries for performance improvement, particularly on large tables.
  • Work with development teams to review and enhance database-related code.
• Monitoring and Alerts:
  • Set up and monitor Dynatrace alerts to ensure database reliability and availability.
  • Investigate and resolve performance issues identified through monitoring tools or reported by users.
• Automation and Deployment:
  • Develop and implement database automation scripts for routine tasks such as deployments, scaling, and maintenance.
  • Assist in Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes for database updates.
• System Health and Troubleshooting:
  • Proactively monitor database health and resolve capacity or connectivity issues.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis for database incidents and implement preventive measures.
• Database Design and Support:
  • Provide input on data modeling and schema design for new and existing applications.
  • Collaborate with developers and data engineers to ensure efficient data access patterns.
• Documentation and Best Practices:
  • Create and maintain detailed documentation of database environments, procedures, and standards.
  • Enforce database best practices and policies.
• Training and Guidance:
  • Act as a technical mentor to junior team members.
  • Provide training to application developers and other stakeholders on database-related topics.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Bachelors and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Certifications such as AWS Certified Database - Specialty, PostgreSQL DBA Certification, or similar are a plus.
• Extensive experience with RDS PostgreSQL, including deployment, maintenance, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of database tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies.
• Experience with Postgres GIS queries using the PostGIS addon.
• Experience with database monitoring tools, particularly Dynatrace or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for database automation.
• Understanding of cloud database architectures and services, such as AWS RDS.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and database version control.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Design tables.
• Writing functions, stored procedures.
• Performance tuning and optimization.
• Checking indexes.
• Partitioning.
• AWS environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of ETL pipelines and data warehouse architecture.
• Familiarity with analytics/modeling tools.
• Exposure to data replication and sharding strategies.
• Knowledge of government regulatory compliance standards.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.

BI Requirement:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Current holder of a DHS Public Trust clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Note: Employment will be contingent upon having/obtaining a DHS Public Trust clearance prior to starting.

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