Database Designer

Overview

Dinè Source is seeking a Database Designer to support the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in the modernization of the Defense Retired & Annuitant Pay System (DRAS-M). This role is responsible for consolidating eight disparate legacy subsystems into a single, modernized Oracle database architecture that will serve 2.9 million military retirees and their beneficiaries. The candidate will contribute to building a secure, high-performance, cloud-native database environment that supports the transition to a government-owned, government-operated pay system.

• Design and implement consolidated Oracle database schema structures that integrate data from multiple legacy DRAS subsystems into a unified, normalized data model
• Collaborate with senior data architects and application developers to create entity-relationship diagrams, define data types, and establish indexing strategies that support high-performance operations
• Support the mapping of data elements between legacy and modernized formats, ensuring seamless data migration and integration across all eight disparate subsystems
• Participate in Agile development cycles including sprint planning, backlog refinement, user story development, and integrated testing activities to ensure database changes align with application requirements

• Design, develop, and maintain Oracle database schemas with detailed entity-relationship diagrams, data types, indexing strategies, and normalization requirements
• Implement database access controls and encryption solutions aligned with Zero Trust principles, Dev Sec Ops  practices, and federal security standards including NIST SP 800-53
• Support Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) activities using tools such as Oracle Golden Gate or Apache NiFi to facilitate data migration from legacy systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including application developers, security engineers, and system administrators to ensure database integration supports overall DRAS-M modernization goals
• Participate in code reviews, database testing, and deployment processes following established Dev Sec Ops  pipeline procedures
• Contribute to technical documentation including data dictionaries, schema documentation, and migration procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Database Management, or related technical field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in database design, development, or administration
• Security + CE/ IAT Level II certification
• Public Trust / IT II Security clearance eligibility. Must be a US citizen.

Technical Skills

Database Technologies

• Proficiency in Oracle database design and SQL/PL-SQL
• Experience with relational database design principles and normalization (3NF)
• Knowledge of indexing strategies and database performance optimization

Data Management

• Familiarity with data modeling, entity-relationship diagrams, and data dictionary creation
• Experience supporting ETL processes for data migration
• Understanding of data quality analysis and governance practices

Security & Compliance

• Understanding of database access control, encryption, and data masking practices
• Knowledge of Zero Trust security principles and federal compliance frameworks
• Familiarity with DoD environments and security standards

Development Tools

• Basic experience with Agile development tools (Jira, Git Lab, Service Now)
• Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail in database design
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting technical specifications
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced Agile development environments with changing priorities
• Self-motivated with strong time management skills to meet sprint deadlines and project milestones
• Adaptability to evolving technical requirements and new technologies in the modernization effort

• Experience with cloud-native database architectures and Microsoft Azure environments
• Familiarity with FedRAMP hosting requirements and compliance…