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Senior Database Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Peraton's Space & Intelligence Sector is looking for a highly motivated Senior Database Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals at our Herndon, VA office. The selected candidate ...

No The Senior Database Analyst (Sr. DBA) is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance ... Collaborate with system administrators, developers, and security teams to support application and ...

Data Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$65.50 - $84.25/hr

Senior Database Engineer Location: Herndon, VA (On-site) Company: Emergent Technologies Inc. POS - 808 Emergent Technologies Inc., a veteran-owned technology company supporting mission-critical ...

Sr. Database Administrator

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $69.25/hr

Position: Sr. Database Administrator Location: Mclean, VA Duration: Full-Time Description of ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math or Science * 15 plus years of Oracle experience * 5 plus ...

Sr. Database Administrator

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $69.25/hr

Position: Sr. Database Administrator Location: Mclean, VA Duration: Full-Time Description of ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math or Science * 15 plus years of Oracle experience * 5 plus ...

Summary Jr. Database Engineer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn. We offer ...

Req ID: 40526 Summary Mid Database Engineer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe theres always room to learn. We offer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Database Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$80.3K

$125.2K

$173.5K

How much do senior database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior database engineer in Virginia is $125,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $142,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 200k as a Data Engineer?

Senior Database Engineers and experienced Data Engineers with specialized skills in cloud platforms, big data tools, and database architecture can potentially earn salaries of $200,000 or more, especially in high-cost living areas or with advanced certifications. Salary levels depend on factors such as experience, location, industry, and company size.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior Database Engineers, especially those with advanced skills in cloud platforms, data architecture, and certifications like AWS or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and company size, with many earning high salaries in tech hubs or large organizations.

What are some common challenges Senior Database Engineers face when managing large-scale databases, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Database Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring database performance under heavy loads, maintaining data integrity during migrations, and optimizing queries for efficiency. Addressing these issues usually involves proactive monitoring, implementing indexing strategies, and collaborating closely with development teams to design scalable database schemas. Regularly updating skills to keep up with new database technologies and security best practices is also essential for tackling these challenges effectively.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior Database Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in database architecture, and certifications such as Oracle or Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise, often including bonuses and stock options.

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

AspectSenior Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systemsMaintaining, backing up, and securing databases
Skills & CertificationsSQL, database architecture, performance tuning, certifications like Oracle or Microsoft SQL ServerDatabase management, backup/recovery, security, certifications like Oracle DBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, data engineering projects, system designOperational teams, system maintenance, troubleshooting
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare for database developmentCommon in enterprise IT, government, and large organizations for database upkeep

While both roles work closely with databases, a Senior Database Engineer primarily focuses on designing and optimizing database systems, whereas a Database Administrator handles daily maintenance, security, and backups. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a senior database engineer do?

A senior database engineer designs, develops, and maintains complex database systems to ensure data integrity, security, and performance. They optimize queries, implement backups, and may work with tools like SQL, NoSQL, and cloud platforms, often mentoring junior staff and ensuring systems meet organizational needs.

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

A Senior Database Engineer needs advanced knowledge of database architecture, SQL, performance tuning, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in tools like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, database clustering, and relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are typical requirements. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help them excel in managing complex data environments and collaborating with development teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring robust, scalable, and secure data solutions that meet organizational needs.

What is a Senior Database Engineer?

A Senior Database Engineer is an experienced IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing database systems within an organization. They ensure databases are secure, reliable, and perform efficiently to meet business needs. Senior Database Engineers often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with developers and system administrators to support data-driven applications. Their expertise is crucial for data integrity, scalability, and disaster recovery planning.
What are the most commonly searched types of Database Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Database Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Database Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Database Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Database Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Database Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Database Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Database Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Database Engineer jobs in VA? For Senior Database Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Senior Database Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,245 per year, or $60.2 per hour.
Database Engineer

$112K - $179K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

At Peraton we develop cutting-edge technology that preserves freedom and advances human discovery. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Peraton's Space & Intelligence Sector is looking for a highly motivated Senior Database Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals at our Herndon, VA office.

The selected candidate will work within a Production Operations team with experience supporting data management processes, database engineering and management; deploying, maintaining, tuning, and enhancing database systems

Job Duties:

  • Database engineering and management activities associated with high volume, multi-format data management services
  • Maintains large-scale data management solutions including developing efficient storage, indexing, and access approaches
  • Updates data enterprise architecture models (if needed) and data abstraction layer to enable access to new data sources
  • Designs and implements indexing strategies for ingested data.
  • Developing a strategy for continuous performance tuning of databases
Qualifications

Peraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which include heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and participation in an attractive bonus plan.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience OR a Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience OR A PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience; an additional 4 years of experience maybe considered in lieu of a degree requirement.
  • Experience with Postgres, SQL, and database performance tuning
  • Experience installing application software in an operational environment
  • Experience with Agile, AWS, RDBMS technology, Elasticsearch, Linux
  • DoD IAT Level II certification
  • Active TS/SCI with ability to obtain a poly 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with NoSQL technology (Hadoop and/or EMR)
  • Familiarity with Graph database technology
  • Data modeling experience
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017