Sr. Database Architect
The Senior Database Architect will serve as a key technical leader supporting the USDA FSIS Public Health Information System (PHIS). This role involves the architecture, development, enhancement, and migration of complex database systems in both cloud and non-cloud environments. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in relational databases, data modeling, and cloud integration, as well as experience guiding data strategy and optimization in large-scale enterprise systems.
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Key Responsibilities:Design, maintain, enhance, code, and migrate relational databases, stored procedures, queries, and scheduled jobs in both on-premises and cloud environments.
Analyze data flow, storage requirements, reporting capabilities, and system integration needs.
Develop robust data models and define acquisition, access, archival, recovery, and load strategies.
Coordinate new data development efforts to ensure compatibility and integration with existing data structures.
Review and analyze business requests to identify optimal data sources and improve data feeds.
Design and implement efficient database structures that support production, maintenance, storage, and secure access.
Develop and test queries, screens, and data-driven applications.
Perform regular database and system upgrades and maintenance of associated hardware and software.
Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to users and junior staff.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies and assess their impact on USDA systems.
Analyze and document client requirements and data needs to inform technical designs and decision-making.
Create and maintain system documentation including data dictionaries, entity relationship diagrams (ERDs), and technical specifications.
Participate in continuous improvement efforts, performance optimization initiatives, and special projects.
Serve as a technical lead or task lead on projects, offering problem-solving expertise and decision-making support.
7+ years of hands-on experience in database architecture, development, and administration.
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficient in relational database technologies (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL).
Solid experience or strong familiarity with cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS.
Deep understanding of data modeling, entity-relationship design, normalization, and indexing strategies.
Experience with data migration, ETL processes, and managing complex data workflows.
Skilled in writing and optimizing stored procedures, complex queries, and database scripts.
Knowledge of database backup, recovery, and high-availability strategies.
Strong understanding of data governance, data integrity, and database security best practices.
Ability to create and maintain technical documentation and specifications.
Prior experience supporting federal government or public health-related systems.
Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines involving database changes.
Experience working with large-scale transactional systems or public-sector enterprise platforms.
Knowledge of modern data warehousing and analytics platforms (e.g., Redshift, Azure Synapse, Snowflake).
Primarily remote; U.S.-based candidates only.
May require occasional travel to USDA or FSIS locations.
Collaborative team setting with cross-functional engagement across technical and program leadership.