Database Architect Level 2 or 3 (AHT)

Job Description

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Aurora, CO
Workplace Type: On-site
Employment Type: Full-time
Pay / Compensation: $83,400.00 – $155,400.00

About the Role

Northrop Grumman is seeking a level 2 or 3 Database Administrator / Software Engineer with strong Postgres database experience to design, implement, and maintain backend databases and multiple stored procedures. You will make key technical decisions and collaborate closely with the Program Product Owner and software development team in an Agile environment using GitLab for version control and CI/CD. (Note: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility is required).

What You’ll Do / Key Responsibilities

• Database Design and Architecture: Design, development, and maintenance of Production and Test PostgreSQL databases, architecting and maintaining DB instances in multiple runtime environments.
• Deployment & Operations Support: Guide and support deployments of databases using Docker Swarm and related tooling while handling operations support, investigating production issues, and carrying out follow-up actions.
• Automation & Access Layers: Design and implement database access layers and automation tooling in close collaboration with the development team utilizing Python (and Rust as a nice-to-have).
• Engineering Best Practices: Define and promote coding/procedure standards, testing, and code reviews while participating in or facilitating Agile ceremonies.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Collaborate via GitLab for source control and code reviews, partner with product owners, QA, and DevOps, and mentor junior and mid-level engineers.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education & Experience (Level 2): Bachelor’s degree in Science with 2+ years of relative experience (0+ years with a Master’s; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Education & Experience (Level 3): Bachelor’s degree in Science with 5+ years of relative experience (3+ years with a Master’s; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Clearance: Candidate must have an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility at the time of application.
• Core Database Skills: Significant professional experience as a Database Engineer with relational databases (schema design, SQL, indexing, performance tuning) and PostgreSQL (advanced querying, optimization, migrations, ORMs).
• Technical Stack & Environment: Experience with Python, working in Linux environments, and using GitLab for version control, merge requests, and basic CI pipelines.
• Methodologies: Solid understanding of modern software development lifecycles, including Agile practices, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps collaboration, and automated testing, along with practical experience using Jira and Confluence.

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications (if applicable)

• Containerization: Familiarity with Docker (Dockerfiles, image builds, local development) and Docker Swarm or similar container orchestration platforms.
• Alternative Languages: Familiarity with Rust for performance-critical components.
• Agile Leadership: Experience or certification as a Scrum Master facilitating Agile ceremonies and coaching teams.
• CI/CD: Advanced familiarity with CI/CD pipelines covering tests, packaging, and deployment automation.

Benefits & Perks (if applicable)

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan and company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Discretionary annual bonuses and relocation assistance (may be available)

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance.