Sr. Database Engineer
At a glance
Senior Data Architecture & Governance role at Leidos. San Diego · full-time · $131,300–$237,350 base.
dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Turn system requirements into architecture plans, design records and technical specifications for large enterprise environments
- Document capacity forecasts, performance models, risk reviews and alternative approaches to difficult system issues
- Lead database design and integration across distributed systems, keeping connected components scalable
- Set up and maintain secure, normalized databases, including upgrades, patches, database objects and performance tuning
- Monitor database health, resolve slowdowns, verify backups and record disaster recovery plans
What you bring
- A computer science, engineering or related degree plus ten years of relevant work, or a master's and eight years; experience may replace a degree
- You hold an active DoD Secret clearance and are eligible to pursue TS/SCI clearance
- You have ten years on comparable programs, eight as a database administrator and six developing database architectures
- You have Oracle or PostgreSQL internals experience, plus relational database programming, data modeling and performance tuning
- You hold a DoD 8570-approved security certification or can earn one within ninety days of hire
Who this fits
This senior individual contributor role suits an experienced database engineer who can lead technical design and work with Agile delivery teams. The position is in San Diego and requires an active Secret clearance, with eligibility for a future TS/SCI clearance.
From the employer
Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr. Database Engineer in our INTEL SECTOR's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!
Job Responsibilities:
Analyze system requirements to develop system architecture, design documentation, and technical specifications supporting large‑scale enterprise environments.
Create system configuration documentation including capacity planning, performance modeling, risk assessments, and analysis of alternatives for complex system challenges.
Provide database engineering leadership for large distributed systems, ensuring robust design, integration, and scalability across interconnected components.
Collaborate across Agile teams including integration engineers, testers, IA engineers, and technical managers to support end‑to‑end system delivery.
Design and administer databases ensuring normalized schemas, compliance with security standards, and alignment with industry best practices.
Implement and maintain database environments including installations, upgrades, patching, object creation (tables, indexes, views, stored procedures), and performance tuning.
Ensure system reliability by monitoring performance, resolving bottlenecks, validating backups, and documenting disaster recovery strategies.
Support long‑term planning by forecasting future database needs, advising development teams, preparing progress reports, and contributing to program increment planning.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Science or Engineering, or a related field with at least 10+ years of related experience or a Master’s Degree with at least 8+ years of relevant experience. Will consider work experience in lieu of a degree.
Active DoD Secret Clearance to be considered and be eligible to obtain up to a TS/SCI clearance in the future.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience as database administrator.
Minimum of six (6) years of experience in developing database architectures.
Experience with Oracle or PostgreSQL Internals.
Hands on experience in relational database programming in relational database management systems including the development of functions / stored procedures / triggers / etc
Experience with data modeling and performance tuning ·
Experience in supporting development efforts in all phases of the development life cycle.
Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and possess time management skills to meet schedules and participate in the Agile scrum.
DoD 8570 approved security certification (i.e., Security +) (Will be required 90 days after hire).
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledgeable in Agile Methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Lean), particular to the incorporation of security / IA into the lifecycle.
Experience integrating security into a Continuous Integration Environment.
Knowledgeable on various web services / service-oriented architectures
Previous experience in Administration and Operations roles.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 31, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.