Database Engineer

Job Description

Company: GCI
Location: Tysons Corner, VA
Workplace Type: On-site
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

GCI is seeking a seasoned Database Engineer to join our team in Tysons Corner, VA. In this on-site role, you will deliver mission-critical database engineering solutions across relational and cloud platforms, driving modernization, architecture transformation, and operational reliability for vital defense and intelligence initiatives.

What You’ll Do / Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the relational database Subject Matter Expert across PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server platforms.
  • Architect, deploy, configure, optimize, and maintain database platforms across on-premises and hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Design and maintain High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) architectures.
  • Implement database security controls, data encryption, compliance hardening, and access governance.
  • Execute backup and recovery strategies, database patching, and upgrades.
  • Conduct in-depth performance tuning, index optimization, and query troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with software engineers, data engineers, infrastructure teams, and ISSOs to align database systems with enterprise standards.
  • Develop automation scripts using PowerShell, Bash, or Python to streamline operational deployments.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (U.S. Citizenship required).
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related discipline (or equivalent experience/training).
  • Minimum of 10 years of hands-on relational database technologies experience.
  • Deep expertise in PostgreSQL (on-prem and cloud), MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
  • Proven experience implementing HA/DR strategies, backup/recovery, and performance tuning.
  • Strong scripting and automation background in Bash, Python, or PowerShell.

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications

  • Experience with database containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation).
  • Knowledge of Massively Parallel Processing (MPP) architectures such as Greenplum or Cloudberry.
  • Familiarity with enterprise monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Redgate, OEM) and CI/CD pipelines.

GCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.