Principal Database Administrator

Principal Database AdministratorLocation: Aurora, CO (On-site at Government Contractor)Clearance Required: Active and transferable DoD Top Secret/SCI required OR TS/SCI with CI Polygraph PreferredU.S. Citizenship RequiredSalary: $210,000–$230,000 (based on experience and education)About the Company:This search is being managed by Talent Stack LLC, a woman-owned recruiting firm specializing in cleared and technical placements. We proudly represent a confidential, defense-focused client dedicated to solving mission-critical national security challenges.BenefitsThis role includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, 6 weeks of paid PTO, Short-Term Disability, a 401(k) with 5% company match, and up to $8,000 in relocation assistance. Full benefits package can be sent upon request.About the Role:We are seeking a Principal Database Administrator to join a talented engineering team developing enhancements and modifications to existing software systems. The successful candidate will provide database administration support for high-priority infrastructure and mission-critical systems in a fast-paced classified operational environment. This role is ideal for a senior-level database professional experienced in PostgreSQL administration, Linux infrastructure, clustered systems, containerized environments, and urgent operational troubleshooting. The work environment fluctuates between routine maintenance activities and urgent operational support efforts depending on ongoing priorities, system performance, and mission needs.What You Will Do:Perform database administration for servers operating in clustered and containerized environmentsAdminister and maintain PostgreSQL databases supporting mission-critical applicationsSupport Ubuntu Linux-based infrastructure and operational systemsRefine and improve database architecture, performance, and scalabilityExecute database installations, upgrades, patching, and configuration changesTroubleshoot urgent production and infrastructure-related database issuesCollaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, and integration teams on database-related initiativesRespond to operational work requests and support system maintenance activitiesMaintain and update database schema, architecture, and design documentationSupport ongoing database optimization, stability, and reliability efforts in classified operational environmentsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, STEM, or related technical discipline OR Master’s Degree preferredActive and transferable TS/SCI required OR TS/SCI with CI Polygraph prior to startU.S. Citizenship required due to security clearance requirementsTypically requires 8+ years of Database Administration, Database Engineering, or related infrastructure experienceMinimum 5+ years of experience administering PostgreSQL databases in enterprise or mission-critical environmentsExperience supporting clustered database environmentsExperience working within containerized environmentsStrong Ubuntu Linux and Linux system administration experienceExperience performing database architecture refinement and design supportExperience installing, configuring, maintaining, upgrading, and patching databasesExperience troubleshooting database performance and operational issuesExperience supporting infrastructure and mission-critical systemsAbility to support urgent troubleshooting and operational response effortsStrong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently within classified operational environmentsExperience with bash scripting and PythonExperience working with Systems and Software Engineers to design, implement, and modify backend databases to interact with applicationsExperience and strong Linux command-line skills to perform database administration activities and deployment automationExperience with Oracle SQL and PL/SQL and PostgreSQL SQL/plpgsql preferredAbility to obtain Security+ certification within 60 days of startPreferred Qualifications:Experience supporting defense, intelligence community, or classified programsExperience with automation, scripting, or deployment toolingExperience working within Agile or DevSecOps environmentsFamiliarity with infrastructure modernization and scalable database solutionsExperience supporting real-time operational systems and infrastructureExperience working closely with systems engineering and integration teamsExperience with relational data modeling using Oracle and PostgreSQL RDBMSExperience utilizing data modeling tools such as Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler and Oracle DesignerSecurity Clearance RequirementThis role requires an active and transferable DoD Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for security clearance. Candidates without the required clearance cannot be considered for this position.Recruitment Agencies DisclaimerThis position is open to direct applicants only. External recruiters, staffing agencies, or search firms should not submit candidates. Unsolicited resumes will be treated as direct applications, and agency fees will not be honored.Job Reference: X23