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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• 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.

Experienced