Senior Database Engineer

Talascend is currently seeking a Senior Database Engineer for a contract, onsite opportunity with our client in Washington, DC.

The role involves managing and maintaining enterprise-level PostgreSQL and MySQL databases across on-premises and AWS cloud environments, ensuring their security, availability, and performance to support mission-critical applications.

• Install, configure, and maintain PostgreSQL and MySQL database platforms and supporting infrastructure across on-premises and AWS cloud environments.
• Configure, manage, and optimize AWS database services including Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL, Amazon RDS for MySQL, Amazon Aurora, and MySQL Cluster environments.
• Plan and execute migrations of databases from on-premises environments to AWS cloud platforms.
• Design, implement, and maintain high-availability solutions, disaster recovery strategies, and backup/recovery procedures.
• Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine maintenance tasks such as index optimization, query tuning, and applying patches.
• Manage database security, including encryption, access controls, and activity auditing.
• Collaborate with development, infrastructure, security teams, and stakeholders to streamline deployments and resolve incidents.
• Mentor junior team members and establish best practices for database administration and cloud migration projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of experience in database administration and management
• Strong hands‑on expertise in PostgreSQL and MySQL installation, configuration, and maintenance
• Experience managing databases across on‑premises, VMware, and AWS environments, including RDS, Aurora, and EC2
• Proficiency in database migration, replication, backup, and recovery strategies
• Knowledge of security practices such as encryption, TLS/SSL, and IAM integrations
• AWS certifications such as AWS Certified Database Specialty or Solutions Architect preferred
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a fast‑paced environment under tight deadlines
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise databases in hybrid cloud environments

• Experience with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Aurora MySQL
• Knowledge of Dev Ops tools, automation scripting (Shell, Python, Terraform, Ansible)
• Familiarity with monitoring tools such as Cloud Watch and Prometheus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences

The position requires U.S. citizenship or green card holder with at least 3 years of residence in the U.S. and the ability to obtain a public trust clearance. The role is 100% onsite at the DOT headquarters in Washington, DC, with support for early or late shifts as needed. No remote work or overtime is expected for this role.

Background Check and Drug Screen may be required.

Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.