By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Cole Engineering Services is seeking high-performing candidates to join a cross-functional development team to support database design, data storage, data retrieval and other software development activities across a complex US Department of Defense training program. The Database Design Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust, efficient database structures to support the needs of the training platform and software development teams. This role requires a high level of expertise in database management systems (DBMS), data modeling, and performance optimization. The Database Design Engineer will work closely with developers, platform architects, vendors, and other IT professionals to ensure database solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with business requirements. The candidate may also be required to development and integrate software capabilities in support of the Agile development team. 

Database Design and Modeling:

• Design and implement database solutions to support software application development, reporting, and analytics.
• Develop logical and physical database models based on business requirements, ensuring data integrity and efficient data flow.
• Create and optimize database schema, tables, views, indexes, and stored procedures for optimal performance.
• Lead database designs within a Kubernetes micro-service oriented architecture and environment.

Performance Tuning and Optimization: 

• Identify and troubleshoot database performance issues, implementing solutions for improvement.
• Monitor and fine-tune databases to maximize performance and efficiency, particularly in high-transaction or large-scale environments.
• Utilize performance optimization tools and techniques to manage query response times and resource allocation.

Cloud Platform Database Administration:

• Experience managing databases and data deployments in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. 

Data Security and Compliance:

• Implement data security measures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Design and manage access control policies to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Conduct periodic audits and collaborate with security teams to uphold best practices in data protection.

Collaboration and Communication: 

• Work closely with developers, data analysts, and stakeholders to understand data requirements and usage patterns.
• Provide guidance and best practices on database design and data usage.
• Document database architecture, processes, and changes, providing technical support and training as needed.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting: 

• Oversee backup, recovery, and failover processes, ensuring minimal data loss and downtime.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database-related issues, managing incidents and implementing solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Keep up-to-date with patches, and new features to ensure systems remain current.

Software Development:

• Strong object-oriented programming expertise 
• Expertise with Java and/or Python in order to interact with the database systems within the cloud environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of increasingly complex work experience in database design and management.
• Proven experience in database design, development, and administration.
• In-depth experience with database systems such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience with data modeling, normalization, and indexing.
• Strong understanding of SQL and database optimization techniques.
• Experience with noSQL database management and manipulation (e.g. Percona, Mongo)
• Familiarity with database performance tools and data warehousing concepts.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and hit the ground running to learn new concepts and technologies 

• Experience with cloud database solutions (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud BigQuery) is a plus.
• Object-Oriented programming experience
• Working experience with Python scripting language 

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U.S. Citizenship status and a Secret security clearance, with an ability to obtain a TS/SCI.  Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.