Senior Database Developer (5480)
SMX· enterprise· Defense· Aug 3, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 85 days ago
Washington, DC
In office
Full-time
Senior
$120K–$176K est.
8+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open 85 days.
Job description
Are you a Senior Database Architect who thrives at the intersection of enterprise cloud infrastructure, high-performance data warehousing, and mission-critical availability? We are seeking a Senior Cloud Database Developer to serve as the core database authority for the Business Intelligence Suite. In this role, you will support the health, performance, security, and scalability of the FFD Data Warehouse and underlying cloud database ecosystems (e.g., AWS Redshift, PostgreSQL/Aurora). You will not simply be executing routine O&M; you will actively lead data architecture modernizations, optimize high-volume analytical query performance for BI engines (like WebFOCUS), and enforce the security posture. If you are looking to engineer and maintain an enterprise data platform for executive federal decision-makers, this is the position for you. This position is on site in Washington, DC and requires an active Top-Secret clearance.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Database Architecture & Provisioning: Lead the engineering, configuration, performance tuning, and lifecycle management of cloud-native analytical data stores (Amazon Redshift, AWS Aurora PostgreSQL, RDS)
Performance Optimization & Query Tuning: Proactively monitor system performance, optimize database parameters, design indexing/partitioning/distribution strategies, and refactor complex SQL stored procedures to accelerate query execution for reporting tools like WebFOCUS.
Database Migration & Integration: Oversee the migration, replication, and synchronization of legacy data assets into modern cloud repositories using tools such as AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) and containerized pipeline orchestrators (e.g., Apache Airflow).
DevSecOps & Automation: Write operational automation scripts (using Python, Bash, or Infrastructure-as-Code frameworks like Terraform/CloudFormation) for automated schema deployments, DDL/DML migrations, health checks, and database maintenance tasks.
Collaborative Data Support: Partner directly with Data Engineers, Business Analysts, and Software Architects to review schema designs, enforce data modeling best practices, and resolve complex data integration bottlenecks.
Required Skills & Experience
Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in database development and administration, with at least 4+ years dedicated to cloud database platforms (AWS preferred) supporting high-volume data warehouses or BI environments.
Core Technical Stack: Advanced expertise in Amazon Redshift and PostgreSQL / Aurora administration.
ETL & Orchestration: Direct experience configuring database targets and connection pools for Apache Airflow, AWS Glue, or similar modern orchestration platforms.
SQL Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in advanced SQL, query plan analysis, query tuning, stored procedures, and schema optimization.
Scripting & Automation: Strong hands-on scripting skills in Python or Bash for automating database maintenance, monitoring alerts, and data pipeline tasks.
Backup & Security: Deep knowledge of cloud DB security practices and HA/DR strategies.
Security Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance.
Desired Skills & Experience
BI Tool Integration: Familiarity with optimizing database performance specifically for TIBCO WebFOCUS or similar enterprise BI reporting engines.
Federal Financial Domain: Domain awareness of federal financial data structures (e.g., UFMS, procurement datasets) and government data governance policies.
Certifications: AWS Certified Database - Specialty, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or relevant database industry certifications
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement. The proposed salary for this position is: $95,600 — $160,700 USD
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
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Health Insurance
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