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Database Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Database Engineer designs, develops, and manages database systems, ensuring they are efficient, reliable, and secure. They work with various database technologies, including relational and NoSQL ...

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Database Systems Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Database Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Database Systems Engineer, you need expertise in database architecture, SQL, data modeling, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with database management systems like MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server, as well as certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and troubleshoot complex issues. These skills are crucial for ensuring database reliability, performance, and security in organizational environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by Database Systems Engineers when managing large-scale databases?

Database Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring high availability, optimizing query performance, and managing data security for large-scale databases. Balancing the need for rapid data access with system reliability, especially during peak usage, requires careful planning and monitoring. Additionally, integrating new technologies or migrating data can present compatibility and downtime concerns, making collaboration with development and operations teams essential. Staying current with best practices and automation tools can help address these challenges effectively.

What are Database Systems Engineers?

Database Systems Engineers are IT professionals who design, implement, maintain, and optimize database systems to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and security. They work with various database technologies, such as SQL, NoSQL, or cloud-based solutions, and collaborate with developers and administrators to support application needs. Their responsibilities often include database architecture, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and ensuring data integrity and availability for organizations.

What is the difference between Database Systems Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectDatabase Systems EngineerDatabase Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field; certifications like Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are common.Similar credentials; often holds certifications such as Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server Certification, or MySQL Certification.
Work EnvironmentWorks on designing, developing, and optimizing database systems, often involved in architecture and performance tuning.Manages day-to-day database operations, backups, security, and user access.
Employer & Industry UsageFound in tech companies, large enterprises, and organizations with complex data needs.Common in organizations requiring regular database maintenance and data security.

While both roles require similar credentials and work within the same industry, the Database Systems Engineer focuses on designing and developing database solutions, whereas the Database Administrator handles ongoing maintenance and security. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Database Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Database Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Database Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Database Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Database Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics, and operations research/system analysis support to the national security mission. As a leader in the fields of campaign, mission, and wargaming analysis we embrace the cycle of research paradigm, continually seeking to improve the multi-method application of tools, data, methods, and techniques to generate credible and resilient insights to inform decisions on the Department's most challenging issues spanning CONOPs, acquisitions, force structures, tactics, and strategies. Group W is the developer and maintainer of the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM), the authoritative M&S tool accepted by the Joint Analytic Community for analysis of theater-level, multi-domain, joint warfare. Similarly, we developed and manage the Standard Wargame Integration and Facilitation Tool (SWIFT) for OSW as an adaptable environment to support joint force combatants' wargaming requirements.
We have an immediate need for a Systems Engineer to provide onsite support at the Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
Responsibilities
SPA seeks a passionate and versatile Systems Engineer to work with a team of high-performance system administrators and security professionals to deploy, configure, and maintain secure Windows and Linux systems. The Systems Engineer will maintain secure application and database servers in accordance with DISA STIGs and work with software developers to deploy applications from development servers to production environments. Additional responsibilities include configuring web servers to host a variety of applications, administering and deploying SQL Server instances and databases, developing and executing SQL scripts, backing up and restoring databases, and managing database permissions. The Systems Engineer will also assist with managing organization cloud-based resources and support developers' access to applications and workspaces. On an as-needed basis, the Systems Engineer will support the physical security team by managing access tokens and performing routine security checks and other tasks.
Qualifications
Required:
  • 7+ years of experience deploying and maintaining server operating systems in a secure Federal environment.
  • Active CompTia Security+ certification.
  • Experience deploying and maintaining Windows based web application servers and SQL database servers.
  • Proficiency in Windows Server installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
  • Proficiency in SQL database management systems (DBMS).
  • Active DoW Secret clearance.
  • Able to work fully onsite based upon client needs.

Desired:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university.
  • Proven expertise in system administration tasks including user management, permissions, file systems, disk and package management, network configuration, and security administration.
  • Familiarity with system hardening techniques to secure Linux and Windows servers/workstations, adhering to DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) by configuring firewalls, managing user permissions, and implementing encryption.
  • Understanding of network protocols, security principles, and hands-on experience in network configuration and troubleshooting on Windows and/or Linux platforms.
  • Experience with intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), vulnerability scanning tools, security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
  • Capability to swiftly resolve security incidents on both Linux and Windows systems.
  • Experience administering on the Amazon Web Services platform, including Amazon Workspaces.
  • Knowledge of virtualization technologies like KVM, VMware, or Docker.
  • Proficiency in Linux OS installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance, particularly on RHEL distributions.
  • Strong proficiency in MySQL database management systems (DBMS).
  • Active DoW TS/SCI clearance.