Database Architect

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Database Architect to design, build, and manage secure, scalable, and high-performance database and data-processing solutions in support of a federal government client. This role owns the architecture of cloud-based relational and NoSQL database environments, leads the design of large-scale data warehousing solutions, and partners closely with engineering, data science, and business teams to translate requirements into resilient, well-governed data infrastructure. The ideal candidate combines deep AWS database expertise with strong Snowflake experience and brings a track record of solving complex performance, security, and reliability challenges at scale.

What You''ll Do

•     Architect scalable, high-performance, and secure database solutions across relational and NoSQL platforms.

•     Design, deploy, and manage database and data-processing environments using Amazon RDS, Aurora DB, DynamoDB, Redshift, ElastiCache, EMR, and Neptune.

•     Configure, launch, and manage EMR clusters, optimizing for performance and cost while integrating with multiple data sources.

•     Integrate databases with complementary AWS services, including Lambda, S3, EC2, and Glue, to support broader data pipelines and application architectures.

•     Apply AWS security best practices — IAM, encryption, VPC configuration, and security groups — and ensure alignment with data storage compliance requirements.

•     Design and implement backup, disaster recovery, high-availability, and failover strategies, including Multi-AZ deployments and read replicas.

•     Troubleshoot and resolve AWS-related database issues and incidents, minimizing downtime and data risk.

•     Design, implement, and manage virtual data warehouses in Snowflake, including schema design, normalization, and micro-partition strategy.

•     Write and optimize complex SQL queries supporting data analysis, transformation, and reporting.

•     Tune query performance and manage caching, clustering, and auto-scaling to support variable workloads.

•     Ensure database and data-management practices comply with applicable federal security, privacy, and data governance policies.

•     Brief technical findings and recommendations to management, customers, and cross-functional teams at a level appropriate to the audience.

•     Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level developers.

•     Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

•     Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field. A Master''s or Doctorate degree may substitute for a portion of the required experience.

•     7+ years of experience working as a Database Architect.

•     Hands-on experience with AWS database and data-processing services, including Amazon RDS, Aurora DB, DynamoDB, Redshift, ElastiCache, EMR, and Neptune.

•     Working knowledge of AWS security best practices (IAM, encryption, VPC, security groups) and data-storage compliance requirements.

•     Strong troubleshooting ability for AWS-related database issues and incidents.

•     Demonstrated skill in query optimization, caching strategy, clustering, and auto-scaling for demanding workloads.

•     Proficiency in automation and scripting for database and workflow management (CloudFormation, Terraform, AWS CLI, Python, Bash, or PowerShell).

•     Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

•     Must be willing and able to work on-site in Woodlawn, MD, five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

•     Skilled in both relational and NoSQL database management, including data modeling, normalization, and schema design.

•     Experience configuring, launching, and managing EMR clusters with an emphasis on performance and cost optimization.

•     Experience designing backup, disaster recovery, high-availability, and failover solutions (Multi-AZ, read replicas).

•     Advanced SQL skills for complex data analysis, transformation, and reporting.

•     Proven ability to architect scalable, secure database solutions with strong command of AWS query optimization, indexing, caching, and performance tuning.

•     Experience integrating databases with Lambda, S3, EC2, and Glue.

•     Skilled in securing AWS environments, managing IAM roles, implementing encryption, and monitoring using CloudWatch and CloudTrail.

•     Proficient in designing, implementing, and managing Snowflake virtual data warehouses, with strong understanding of micro-partitioning.

•     Experience with Snowflake schema design, normalization, and efficient data-structure design.

•     Familiarity with data ingestion, transformation, and loading using Snowflake''s native features and integration tools.

•     Knowledge of Snowflake role-based access control, data encryption, and related security best practices.

•     Experience integrating Snowflake with BI tools such as Tableau or Power BI, and using Python for data pipelines and machine learning applications.

What Sets You Apart

•     Experience identifying requirements, evaluating options, and designing and implementing solutions at a leadership level.

•     Scripting experience in a Linux environment to automate ETL processes and data-migration jobs.

•     Understanding of quality engineering practices — automated unit testing, test-driven development, performance analysis, and continuous integration.

•     Ability to contribute to architectural tactical thinking, information roadmaps, and architecture recommendations.

•     Detail-oriented, with a track record of completing repetitive production tasks accurately and on time.

•     Prior experience working within a federal agency or public-sector environment.

•     Strong communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders.

•     Ability to translate technical concepts into clear, non-technical terms for business audiences.

•     Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and deliver within deadlines.