Database Engineer

Are you passionate about applying software engineering solutions to challenging problems with a group of dedicated technical specialists?

Do you like contributing to critical technologies that are vital to maintaining our national security?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a database engineer to join the Data Management and Architecture Solutions section within the Software Engineering and Data Transformation Group supporting the Strategic Deterrence Mission Area within the Force Projection Sector!

Data professionals and software engineers in the Software Engineering and Data Transformation Group build custom software for processing and analyzing vital data in the design and operation of weapon systems for our nation.

We continue to modernize and improve our existing suite of software while growing into adjacent projects to bring our software talent to bear on new challenges facing our sponsors and our nation. We improve the data pipeline to enhance the analysis potential of the data used by APL analysts, our sponsors, and other industry partners across a number of critical programs.

As a Database Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be to ensure that critical weapon system performance data and associated metadata is well-formatted and accessible for data scientists and analysts, while also ensuring the pipeline for this data is both dynamic and performant.
• You will work closely with other developers, data engineers, database specialists/administrators, end users (analysts), and our sponsors to understand data/analysis needs and develop tailored solutions (e.g., additional databases with derived/curated data) that will meet their needs.
• You will design and architect databases, data pipelines, and data storage solutions of a scalable nature to meet evolving data analysis needs.
• You will develop efficient and performant data ingestion, transformation, and querying patterns to meet retrieval and reporting needs.
• You will lead the development of future data architectures and frameworks for emerging missions and end user requirements.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a BS in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a subject area with related professional experience working with databases.
• Have experience and proficiencyin database design (architecture), query optimization, and query performance analysis.
• Have experience designing and integrating software with relational and/or time series databases. This could encompass frameworks such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, or SQLite, including but not limited to Object Relational Mapping (ORM) systems such as Entity Framework.
• Have experience with modern scripting languages (python/JavaScript/PowerShell/Bash) and interest and ability to learn.
• Have experience with data lifecycle management, standards, and policy across teams, groups, and/or domains.
• Have functional knowledge of MATLAB related to import/export of time-series data and key-value pairs, and MATLAB tables.
• Possess strong debugging, data investigation, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Are willing and able to travel within the US (not likely to exceed a few trips per year with no more than five days in duration for each).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Final Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's or higher degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or other field with relevant professional experience in database management.
• Have experience in a SME role providing solution architecture recommendations, implementation, or review for a variety of projects.
• Have experience working with NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB, Hadoop, etc., specifically for integration with various types of software.
• Have experience working with Data Lakes, and Data Warehouses using MATLAB or other frameworks.
• Have experience working with cloud-based database applications.
• Have experience working to integrate databases with a variety of applications using modern web development stacks, via API's or other interfaces.
• Have experience debugging database infrastructure issues.
• Have experience in a team environment utilizing or understanding languages such as C#, Java, C++, Python, etc. with the ability to write basic functional code.
• Have experience with software configuration management tools for issue tracking, continuous integration and DevOps (GitLab, TeamCity, Jenkins, etc.), and version control tools (Git, etc.).
• Possess knowledge of instrumentation systems, interfaces and data, and/or shipboard systems and flight missile/reentry body telemetry systems.
• Hold a current Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.