Senior Database Administrator

Kentro; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with employer match

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Kentro in Washington, DC is seeking a Senior Database Administrator to design, implement, and secure mission‑critical databases in a DoW environment. The role requires TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly, 5+ years of DBA experience, and expertise across MS SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.

You will lead SOP development and support BI/reporting integrations. Responsibilities include optimization, security hardening, DR testing, and collaboration with developers and analysts.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph (required at time of application — non‑negotiable).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field; equivalent experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience programming, operating, and maintaining databases.
• Demonstrated prior experience and expertise in developing procedure/SOP manuals for database systems.
• Proficiency with one or more RDBMS platforms: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or MySQL.
• Experience with database security hardening in accordance with DISA STIGs.
• Solid understanding of backup/recovery strategies, replication, and high‑availability configurations.
• Experience writing and optimizing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and triggers.
• Familiarity with scripting/automation (PowerShell, Python, or Bash) for routine DBA tasks.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain relational database management systems in a secure, classified environment.
• Design and implement database schemas, indexing strategies, and data models to support applications and analytics.
• Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize queries, stored procedures, and jobs for efficiency.
• Perform routine backup, recovery, and disaster recovery testing to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Implement and maintain database security controls in accordance with DoW/IC security requirements (STIGs, RMF, ATO).
• Support data migrations, integrations, and ETL processes between systems.
• Collaborate with developers, systems administrators, and data analysts to support dashboard and reporting tool requirements.
• Develop and maintain documentation for database architecture, SOPs, and configuration baselines.
• Participate in capacity planning and forecasting for database growth and infrastructure needs.
• Respond to and resolve database‑related incidents and service requests within SLAs.
• Support patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance activities tied to program security requirements.
• Develop and update the DSR SOP Manual with prior experience authoring database procedures.

Skills

PowerShell

Python

Bash

Performance tuning

SOP development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SQL Server

Oracle

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Job description

Overview

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities.

By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is hiring for Senior Database Administrator (DBA) to support a Department of War (DoW) agency. The DBA will be responsible for the design, implementation, security, performance, and maintenance of mission‑critical database systems supporting analytics, reporting, and business process applications, as well as development and maintenance of the DSR Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual. This position requires a candidate with an active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph and demonstrated experience ranging from mid-level to advanced/top‑tier DBA skill sets.

Location: Washington, D.C. (JBAB)

Compensation Range: The pay range for this position is $150,000-$165,000 annually. Kentro determines compensation by evaluating current government contracting and commercial market conditions, as well as the role’s specific requirements. Final salary placement within this range will be based on the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, education, certifications, location, and security clearance level, where applicable.

This Job Description reflects the primary duties of the role; however, it is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Team members may be asked to take on additional responsibilities in alignment with customer expectations, business needs, and Kentro’s culture of collaboration and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain relational database management systems (RDBMS) in a secure, classified environment.
• Design and implement database schemas, indexing strategies, and data models to support application and analytics requirements.
• Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize queries, stored procedures, and jobs for efficiency.
• Perform routine backup, recovery, and disaster recovery testing to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Implement and maintain database security controls, including access permissions, encryption, and auditing, in accordance with DoW/IC security requirements (STIGs, RMF, ATO documentation).
• Support data migrations, integrations, and ETL processes between systems.
• Collaborate with developers, systems administrators, and data analysts to support dashboard and reporting tool requirements (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SharePoint-integrated data sources).
• Develop and maintain documentation for database architecture, standard operating procedures, and configuration baselines.
• Participate in capacity planning and forecasting for database growth and infrastructure needs.
• Respond to and resolve database‑related incidents and service requests within defined SLAs.
• Support patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance activities tied to program security requirements.
• Develop and update the DSR Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual, drawing on demonstrated prior experience authoring procedure manuals for database systems.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph (required at time of application — non‑negotiable).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field; equivalent experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience programming, operating, and maintaining databases.
• Demonstrated prior experience and expertise in developing procedure/SOP manuals for database systems.
• Proficiency with one or more RDBMS platforms: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or MySQL.
• Experience with database security hardening in accordance with DISA STIGs.
• Solid understanding of backup/recovery strategies, replication, and high‑availability configurations.
• Experience writing and optimizing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and triggers.
• Familiarity with scripting/automation (PowerShell, Python, or Bash) for routine DBA tasks.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, mission‑focused environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificates and/or education in the following are highly desired:
• Java
• Oracle
• Tableau
• Biometrics SQL
• NoSQL
• High‑Performance Computing (HPC)

Additional Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting DoW or Intelligence Community (IC) programs.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, Oracle OCP, CompTIA Security+ for DoD 8570 compliance).
• Experience integrating databases with business intelligence/reporting platforms (Power BI, SharePoint, Tableau).
• Familiarity with cloud database services (Azure SQL, AWS RDS) in classified or air‑gapped environments.
• Experience supporting HR analytics, workforce management, or similar enterprise business systems.

Clearance Requirement

• Candidates must currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph. Candidates without an active clearance at this level will not be considered, as the position requires immediate, unescorted access to classified systems and facilities.
• US Citizen

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more. We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in‑person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

The Company

We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long‑term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let’s solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015), two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC) and CMMC Level 2 Certification.

Industry Recognition

Growth | Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C.

Culture

Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner – Mid‑Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor’s HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

We encourage protected veterans to self‑identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends beyond legal compliance. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees, including protected veterans, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email [e-mail].