Database Administrator (Entry Level to SME) TS/SCI with Poly REQUIRED
This role at Confidential Client involves managing and securing organizational databases to support national security missions, ranging from entry-level to subject matter expert responsibilities. The Database Administrator will monitor performance, manage backups, enforce security, optimize database systems, and provide technical leadership within a hybrid work environment. The position requires an active TS/SCI with Poly clearance and offers opportunities to work with advanced database technologies and cloud infrastructures.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Intelligence & National Security IT Services.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking Database Administrators at multiple experience levels (Entry → SME) to support intelligence and national security IT services in Fort Myer, VA. All candidates must hold an active TS/SCI with Polygraph. This position supports high‑availability, secure database environments (on‑premises and cloud) and uses a hybrid work model based in Fort Myer.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor database performance and capacity to prevent service disruptions
- Execute and verify backups; participate in DR planning and testing
- Manage user accounts, roles, and access controls in line with security policies
- Apply patches and security updates to database servers
- Troubleshoot and resolve routine to complex database issues; escalate as needed
- Document database configurations, procedures, and recovery protocols
- Collaborate with development, operations, and security teams to design scalable solutions
- Mentor and provide technical leadership (mid/senior/SME levels)
Responsibilities by Level
Entry Level
- System monitoring, basic backups, access control, routine troubleshooting, documentation
Junior / Moderate
- Routine maintenance, security and compliance tasks, performance monitoring, user support
Mid-Level
- Performance tuning, architecture support, backups & DR design, automation with scripts, team collaboration
Senior
- Advanced architecture and design (relational & NoSQL), deep performance tuning, HA/DR frameworks, security enforcement, technical oversight
SME
- Multi‑tier reference architectures, enterprise backup/replication strategies, final escalation point, cross‑domain training and strategy
Required Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (required for all levels)
- US work authorization
- Education / experience combinations as outlined:
- Entry Level: HS/GED + 4 yrs relevant OR Associate + 2 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 0 yrs
- Junior: HS/GED + 6 yrs OR Associate + 4 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 2 yrs OR Master’s + 0 yrs
- Mid: HS/GED + 8 yrs OR Associate + 6 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 4 yrs OR Master’s + 2 yrs
- Senior: HS/GED + 10 yrs OR Associate + 8 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 6 yrs OR Master’s + 4 yrs
- SME: HS/GED + 12 yrs OR Associate + 10 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 8 yrs OR Master’s + 6 yrs
- Technical fundamentals (varies by level):
- Relational DBs (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL)
- SQL / T‑SQL / PL/SQL competency
- Backup & recovery, HA/DR concepts
- Strong analytical problem solving and written/verbal communication
Preferred / Desired Skills
- Experience with NoSQL (MongoDB, Cassandra) and cloud DBs (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, GCP Cloud SQL)
- Scripting/automation: Python, PowerShell, Bash
- Linux/Unix and Windows Server administration; containerization familiarity
- Vendor certifications (e.g., Microsoft Azure DBA, Oracle OCP, MongoDB DBA) for senior/SME roles
- Experience with multi‑TB databases, replication/clustering, and forensic/audit capabilities
Location & Work Model
- Primary location: Fort Myer, VA — hybrid work model acceptable
- Must be able to attend on‑site as required for secure/mission work
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (U.S. estimate): $89,600 — $204,000 per year
- Benefits (eligible employees): competitive compensation, comprehensive insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off and parental leave, tuition assistance, wellness programs
Why Join
- Work on mission‑critical systems supporting national security
- Collaborative team culture with strong emphasis on technical excellence
- Opportunities for growth from entry level to SME and cross‑discipline collaboration
Notes & Hiring Process
- All offers contingent on successful background investigation (may include credit check when required)
- Confidential Client provides reasonable accommodations in application and hiring processes (contact provided by client upon request)
- Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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