SQL Database Administrator

HireClearedTalent; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

HireClearedTalent in Bethesda, MD, is seeking a Microsoft SQL Server Administrator to manage MSSQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL databases in a high‑security, government contracting environment. This hybrid role requires TS/SCI with Poly or willingness to obtain it.

You will optimize performance, implement disaster recovery, manage access controls, and collaborate with Agile teams to deliver reliable, secure data services for government customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of DB admin experience, or Master’s with 8+ years.
• 8+ years hands-on MS SQL Server database administration.
• Proficiency with MSSQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL databases.
• Experience with database performance monitoring, tuning, and optimization.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Backup strategies and shell scripting for database management.
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must meet DoDM 8140.03 IT System Admin Intermediate certifications (Cloud+, GICSP, SSCP, Security+ CE, GSEC, or higher).

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain MSSQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL databases for performance and availability.
• Perform database lifecycle activities: installation, configuration, upgrades, patching, monitoring.
• Implement disaster recovery strategies and index maintenance.
• Monitor database health with tools like SQL Server Management Studio, tracking CPU, memory, and disk usage.
• Enhance configurations to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Manage access controls, audit logs, and user accounts for security.
• Produce documentation, SOPs, reports, and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Troubleshoot database issues in a high-security government environment.
• Build and maintain relationships with government customers and diverse teams.

Skills

MSSQL

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Performance tuning

Docker

Kubernetes

Backup strategies

Shell scripting

Agile methodologies

Security compliance

Communication

Teamwork

DoDM 8140.03 (Cloud+, GICSP, SSCP, etc

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Job description

Microsoft SQL Server Administrator - Top Secret/SCI

Bethesda, Maryland (Hybrid)

Location: Bethesda, MD

Travel Required: No

Remote Type: Hybrid

Clearance: Top Secret/SCI

In this role, you will manage and optimize enterprise databases, ensuring system reliability, security, and peak performance. You will also support database lifecycle activities, implement performance enhancements, and collaborate in an Agile environment to meet customer goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Administer and maintain databases (MSSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL) to ensure optimal performance and availability.

Perform database lifecycle activities, including installation, configuration, upgrades, patching, and monitoring.

Implement disaster recovery strategies, index maintenance, and database performance optimization.

Monitor database health using tools like SQL Server Management Studio, ensuring CPU, memory, and disk usage remain within thresholds.

Enhance database configurations to improve performance and reduce costs.

Manage access controls, audit logs, and user accounts to uphold database security and integrity.

Produce documentation, SOPs, reports, and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Troubleshoot database issues in a high-security environment.

Build and maintain strong relationships with government customers, communicating effectively across diverse teams.

Basic Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, or Masters degree with 8+ years of experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

8+ years of hands-on experience in MS SQL Server database administration.

Proven expertise with MSSQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL databases.

Proficiency in database performance monitoring, tuning, and optimization.

Experience with containerization (e.g., Docker) and orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).

Skilled in backup strategies and shell scripting for database management.

Knowledge of Agile methodologies and experience working in Agile environments.

Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a track record of achieving project objectives.

Candidate must, at a minimum, meet DoDM 8140.03 (previously DoD 8570) – IT System Admin Intermediate certification requirements (Cloud+, GICSP, SSCP, Security+ CE, GSEC, or higher)

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the government contracts we support, US Citizenship is required.

TS/SCI with Poly is required for position or a TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a Poly.

Preferred Qualifications

MCSA SQL Server certification.

AWS certification or hands-on experience with cloud services (e.g., AWS).

Familiarity with NMEC operations or related agency experience.

Experience troubleshooting in secure environments.

Proven ability to lead teams and manage project deliverables.