Senior Database Administrator (DBA) – z/OS/DB2

NOVA Corporation; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

NOVA Corporation is looking for a Senior Database Administrator (DBA) – z/OS/Db2 to lead enterprise database administration in a DoD environment. This role involves optimizing legacy and modernized systems, requiring hands-on experience with DB2, system analysis, and compliance management. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in database modernization initiatives and support for mission-critical applications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years DBA experience with DB2 on z/OS including JCL and SQL.
• 3+ years in large-scale RDBMS and database administration.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance and IAT Level II Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain high-performance DB2 databases.
• Conduct health checks and performance tuning quarterly.
• Manage compliance with DoD mandates and security strategies.

Skills

DB2 on z/OS

RDBMS concepts

Performance tuning

Database backup and recovery

Troubleshooting

SQL

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Tools

DB2 for z/OS

IBM Z/OS

CICS

SQL Server

Oracle

REXX

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Database Administrator (DBA) – z/OS/Db2 to lead enterprise database administration and optimization efforts supporting legacy and modernized systems within a Department of Defense portfolio. Serve as the senior technical expert on DB2/zOS platforms, ensuring high performance, compliance, and resilience of mission-critical systems. Work collaboratively with government stakeholders, system developers, and infrastructure teams to sustain and evolve a hybrid mainframe-to-cloud ecosystem. This position requires hands-on database engineering, system analysis, and lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience advising on and leading database modernization initiatives, including migrations to modern architectures and adoption of emerging best practices.

*This positionis contingent upon contract award*

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain high-performance DB2 databases across z/OS mainframe systems.
• Conduct quarterly Health Checks, performance tuning, and system variable optimizations.
• Support legacy modernization and Db2 version upgrades (e.g., Db2 12+ function levels).
• Recommend DBMS architecture improvements and assist in COTS integration support.

Security & Compliance

• Apply DISA STIG checklists and ensure database compliance with DLA and DoD mandates.
• Manage encryption strategies for data at rest and in flight, and review access control policies.
• Prepare audit readiness documentation and provide direct support for evidence collection.

Incident Management & System Support

• Troubleshoot Db2/database application connectivity issues; support distributed access configurations.
• Analyze backup, recovery, and disaster recovery (DR) strategies, making improvement recommendations.
• Lead root cause analysis for production incidents and test phase IRs.

DevOps & System Lifecycle

• Collaborate with system developers and analysts on database integration during SDLC phases.
• Perform database design, performance regression testing, and documentation updates.
• Provide input to Configuration Management (CM) processes, change control, and versioning.

Training & Documentation

• Develop technical specifications, user manuals, training guides, and white papers.
• Deliver briefings to stakeholders on system posture, STIG findings, and remediation progress.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements (Education/Skills/Experience):

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with DB2 on z/OS, including JCL, SQL, and system utilities.
• 3+ years of experience with RDBMS concepts and database administration on large-scale systems.
• Proven history of supporting secure, mission-critical environments (DoD or equivalent).
• Demonstrated involvement in at least two enterprise-scale database support or modernization projects.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II Baseline Certification (e.g., Security+ CE).
• Must meet IT-I Critical Sensitive (Tier 5) requirements.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Technical Skills

• Mainframe: DB2 for z/OS, IBM Z/OS, CICS, TSO, ISPF, JCL.
• Database backup and recovery
• Database design and modeling
• Tools: CA-Endevor, CA InterTest, IBM Query Management Facility, IBM WebSphere MQ.
• Platforms: z/OS, Micro Focus EDZ, Windows Server, SQL Server, Oracle.
• Scripting/Automation: SQL, DDL, DML, PL/SQL, REXX (desirable).
• DevOps: Familiarity with Configuration Management, Agile environments, and version control systems.

Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that delivers IT, professional, and environmental solutions to advance the missions of federal, state, and tribal government agencies. As thought leaders and innovators, our team of specialists build client-centric solutions that solve critical challenges faced by defense, civilian, and healthcare organizations. Employing a mission-focused approach, we deliver value that not only enhances current operations, but also drives future change. Closely aligned with this approach is our commitment to advancing the Navajo Nation and its People. Through economic development and community empowerment, we elevate the Navajo Nation to provide lasting impact and sustainable growth for future generations. DDC’s ability to unite legacy-inspired technologies, industry best practices, and proven methodologies has contributed to our success for twenty years.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.