Senior System Administrator/SQL Server DBA

Caelum Research Corporation; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense contracting firm is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator to manage and secure SQL Server databases for the US Army. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience, including a Security+ certification. Responsibilities include overseeing database installations, optimizing performance, and implementing security measures. Additional experience with open-source databases and Azure Cloud is preferred. This role requires a DoD Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in database administration.
• Education or certification in IT discipline related to program area.
• Proven experience with database consolidation and migration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee installation, configuration, and management of database servers.
• Implement security measures to protect databases.
• Develop backup procedures to safeguard against data loss.
• Monitor database performance and optimize operations.
• Collaborate with developers to design databases.

Skills

SQL Server Database Administration

Database engineering tasks

Understanding of open-source databases

Database structures and design

Education

Master’s Degree in a related field

Security+ certification

Tools

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

Azure

Job description

POSITION: Sr. Systems Administrator

LOCATION: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

SECURITY CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance (Interim Secret accepted)

SCOPE: Serves as a Senior Systems Administrator with technical expertise in SQL Server Database Administration and implementation for the US Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) Information Systems Directorate (G6). Responsible for assessing, evaluating, installing, managing, maintaining, and securing databases to ensure optimal performance and data integrity, within a defined physical, virtual and/or Azure cloud environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the technical assessment, evaluation, installation, configuration, and upgrading of database servers/instances and applications dependent on database services, such as SharePoint and ADFS. Ensure databases are functional, efficient and secure.
• Implement robust security measures (both STIG and best practices) to protect databases from unauthorized access and threats.
• Develop and manage backup procedures to safeguard against data loss, above and beyond enterprise backup implementation.
• Continuously monitor database performance and optimize operations by tuning SQL queries, adjusting indexes, and configuring virtual or cloud hardware resources.
• Manage required local users of databases and maintain system security by controlling database access.
• Collaborate with developers and data analysts to design databases that support applications and ATEC reporting requirements.
• Generate various reports by querying the database as per organizational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:
  • Master’s Degree in a directly related field and at least 5 years’ experience; Lower-level degrees in relevant fields will be considered with additional experience.
  • Education or certification must be in an IT discipline related to the assigned program area (e.g., Network Engineering, Network Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer or Software Engineering, Management Information Systems, Computer Forensics/Security, etc.).
• Baseline Security Certification:
  • Must possess current Security+ (or equivalent DOD Directive 8570.1 IAT II).
  • Computing Environment Certification (can be achieved within 6 months of hire).
  • Certifications such as Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) or Azure Database Administrator Associate or similar legacy certification.
• Skills and Experience:
  • Proven experience with database engineering tasks such as database consolidation/migration, redesign, new platform transition (e.g. SQL Server to alternative database solution).
  • Understanding of application specific alternative database solutions, particularly open-source databases (such as PostgreSQL or MariaDB) deployed in the ATEC environment is required.
  • Strong understanding of database structures, theories, principles, and practices. Familiarity with database design, effective documentation, and coding is vital.
• Additional preferred skills and experience:
  • Azure Cloud Database Administration experience is a plus.