Developer Operations Engineer Internship Jobs in Washington

DevOps Engineer with Database Admin Experience

Expression is seeking a DevOps Engineer with experience in Database Administration. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, security, and automation of mission-critical systems supporting national security environments. This role blends traditional database administration with modern DevOps practices, enabling continuous delivery, infrastructure automation, and resilient system operations.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in database administration (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Oracle), combined with strong DevOps engineering capabilities across CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and cloud or hybrid environments.

Location and Clearance

• Onsite at Ft. Meade, MD
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required

Key Responsibilities:

DevOps & Automation

• Design, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines for database and application deployments
• Automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools
• Build and maintain deployment workflows for applications, ETL pipelines, and database changes
• Implement monitoring, alerting, and logging solutions for proactive system management
• Improve system reliability through automation, scripting, and continuous improvement practices

Database Administration & Engineering

• Administer and maintain PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Oracle databases
• Install, configure, patch, and upgrade database systems
• Manage database security including access controls, encryption, auditing, and compliance with DoD STIGs
• Monitor database performance (CPU, memory, I/O, tablespaces) and perform tuning and optimization
• Ensure data integrity and availability through backup, recovery, and restore testing procedures
• Perform ad hoc data exports and support data access requests
• Develop and maintain database documentation including System Security Plans (SSPs) and backup procedures

Data Pipeline & ETL Operations

• Deploy, run, monitor, and troubleshoot ETL pipelines across multiple systems
• Collaborate with developers to resolve data pipeline issues and optimize performance
• Support data integrations.
• Ensure reliable data movement between systems including cross-domain (High-to-Low) environments

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain compliance with DISA STIGs and DoD security requirements
• Support cross-domain solutions and processes (e.g., High-to-Low data transfers)
• Participate in security audits, vulnerability remediation, and patch management
• Maintain audit logs and enforce data governance policies

Deployment & Environment Management

• Deploy approved software and applications across environments
• Manage software licensing and system updates
• Perform environment health checks and daily system monitoring
• Support continuity of operations (COOP) activities and annual exercises

Incident Response & Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve Tier 3 production issues
• Support mission-critical applications.
• Collaborate with system administrators, network, security, and VDI teams to resolve complex issues
• Participate in Change Advisory Board (CAB) and security meetings

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with engineering, security, and operations teams to improve system performance and reliability
• Identify opportunities to modernize legacy systems and reduce manual processes
• Contribute to documentation, runbooks, and operational best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering, or Database Administration roles.
• Hands-on experience with PostgreSQL and MongoDB (Oracle experience a plus)
• Experience with scripting and automation (Python, Bash, or similar)
• Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions)
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes preferred)
• Experience with monitoring tools and log analysis
• Experience working in DoD or government environments
• Strong understanding of DevOps principles including automation, CI/CD, and infrastructure as code
• Deep knowledge of database administration and performance tuning
• Ability to operate in secure, regulated environments with strict compliance requirements
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex distributed systems
• Effective communication and collaboration across technical teams
• Security+ certification (required and maintained with continuing education credits)

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant cloud or DevOps certifications

Benefits

Expression offers highly competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and additional benefits, such as:

• 401k matching
• PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
• Education reimbursement up to $10,000/yr
• Complimentary life insurance
• 15 days of PTO and 11 days of holiday leave
• Onsite gym facility at our HQ office in Washington DC
• Commuter Benefits Plan
• In-office Cold Brew Coffee
  

About Expression

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, AI/ML, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community.

Our culture emphasizes creating immediate and sustainable value for our clients through agile delivery of tailored solutions and constant engagement. We were ranked #1 on the Washington Technology Fast 50 list of fastest-growing small business Government contractors and recognized as a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.

At Expression, we ensure every team member has the tools and opportunities to grow while working with the newest technologies in the industry. We celebrate milestones, accomplishments, promotions, and collaborative achievements that make our workplace engaging and rewarding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.