Database Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Database Engineer
- Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) - Mission Technologies Division
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Database Administration & Engineering
- Date Posted: August 1, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-level (5-10 years)
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Design, develop, and optimize database systems to ensure efficiency, security, and organizational needs.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including software engineers, ML engineers, and data analysts, to plan, design, develop, and optimize large data storage and retrieval systems.
- Analyze system capabilities incorporating AI/ML models to resolve complex problems related to program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques, and controls.
- Ensure database standards while adhering to best practices in AI/ML integration and simulation methodologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of both structured (relational) and unstructured (NoSQL) databases, as well as experience working with AI/ML models to optimize database performance and integration.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Database Design & Development: Design, develop, and optimize database systems using various technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases for unstructured data.
- Collaboration: Work with multidisciplinary teams across the engineering lifecycle to plan, design, develop, and optimize large data storage and retrieval systems.
- Problem-Solving: Analyze system requirements and develop engineering specifications, while also demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in technical documentation.
- AI/ML Integration: Incorporate AI/ML models into database systems to enhance performance, accuracy, and real-world application.
- Simulation Strategies: Prepare operating instructions that align with the latest advancements in AI technologies and simulation strategies.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working in a laboratory or cloud-based environment, requiring adaptability to various technological settings and a strong understanding of both traditional and emerging database technologies.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field with 5 years of relevant experience, or
- Master's degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant experience, or
- PhD or Juris Doctorate in a related field with 0 years of relevant experience, or
- High School Diploma or equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience.
Experience:
- 5-10 years of relevant experience in database engineering, with a focus on both structured and unstructured data management.
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the engineering lifecycle.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in technical documentation.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases.
- Experience with AI/ML integration and simulation methodologies.
- Familiarity with systems engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
- Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like MagicDraw or Cameo.
- Prior experience working with military or aerospace platforms.
- Master's degree in a technical discipline.
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL is likely to be beneficial for this role, given the focus on AI/ML integration and data analysis.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate proficiency in database design, development, and optimization using various technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases.
- Showcase experience working with AI/ML models to enhance database performance and integration.
- Highlight successful collaborations with multidisciplinary teams to plan, design, develop, and optimize large data storage and retrieval systems.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of technical documentation demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Include case studies or project descriptions that illustrate the application of AI/ML models to resolve complex problems related to program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques, and controls.
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with sensitive military or aerospace platforms, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with secure database management and compliance with relevant industry standards.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $90,581 - $129,403 per year (based on the provided range and regional market rates for mid-level database engineers in Colorado Springs)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
- A dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime or flexible scheduling to meet project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. Actual offers may vary based on factors such as the candidate's education, training, work experience, and key skills.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Defense and Aerospace
Company Size: Large (over 39,000 employees)
Founded: 1938
Team Structure:
- The Warfare Systems business group within HII's Mission Technologies division, focusing on cyber and mission IT, electronic warfare, and C5ISR systems.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams consisting of software engineers, ML engineers, data analysts, and other specialists.
Development Methodology:
- Agile and iterative development processes, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Emphasis on systems engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics to support sensitive military and intelligence missions.
Company Website: https://www.hii.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: HII's Mission Technologies division works within the nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. This role supports the Collaborative Operations for Battlespace Resilient Architecture (COBRA) initiative, focusing on advancing integrated communications, networking, and Systems-of-Systems (SoS) technologies to enhance national security and warfighter capabilities.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Database Engineer Career Level: Mid-level, with a focus on designing, developing, and optimizing database systems to meet organizational needs and incorporate AI/ML models for enhanced performance and integration.
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Database Engineering team lead or manager within the Warfare Systems business group.
Technical Impact: The Database Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, security, and reliability of database systems that support sensitive military and intelligence missions. Their work directly impacts the performance, accuracy, and real-world application of these systems.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific database technologies, AI/ML integration, or simulation strategies to become a technical specialist or subject matter expert.
- Team Leadership: Develop leadership skills to manage or mentor junior database engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.
- Architecture & Design: Expand responsibilities to include database architecture and design, driving strategic decisions that shape the organization's data management infrastructure.
📝 Enhancement Note: Career progression in this role may involve transitioning into more senior technical or leadership positions within the Database Engineering team or related disciplines, such as Data Architecture, Data Engineering, or Data Science.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative workspaces that encourage interaction and knowledge sharing between team members and across disciplines.
- Access to cutting-edge technology, tools, and resources to support database engineering, AI/ML integration, and simulation strategies.
- Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime or flexible scheduling to meet project deadlines. Some travel may be required (up to 10%).
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with sensitive military or aerospace platforms, candidates should be prepared to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and basic technical competencies.
- Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment or take-home exercise to evaluate problem-solving skills, database design and development proficiency, and familiarity with AI/ML integration and simulation strategies.
- On-site Interview: A face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager, team members, or other stakeholders to discuss the role, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities.
- Final Review: A review of the candidate's qualifications, interview performance, and technical assessment results to make a hiring decision.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight successful collaborations with multidisciplinary teams to plan, design, develop, and optimize large data storage and retrieval systems.
- Showcase experience working with AI/ML models to enhance database performance and integration.
- Include examples of technical documentation that demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on database design, development, and optimization techniques using various technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases.
- Familiarize yourself with AI/ML integration and simulation strategies, and be prepared to discuss their application to database engineering challenges.
- Review relevant industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to demonstrate a strong understanding of the field and a commitment to continuous learning.
ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)
- Database Technologies: SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, NoSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis, PostgreSQL, MariaDB
- AI/ML Integration: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision
- Simulation Strategies: Simulation, Modeling, Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Containerization, Microservices, Agile, DevOps
- Programming Languages: Python, SQL, Java, C++, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript
- Industry Terms: Database Administration, Database Engineering, Data Management, Data Warehousing, Data Lakes, ETL, ELT, Data Governance, Data Quality, Data Security, Data Privacy
📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your resume and application materials to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate a strong fit for this role and the organization's mission and values.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Database Technologies:
- SQL Server
- Oracle
- MySQL
- NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis, PostgreSQL, MariaDB)
AI/ML Integration:
- Python
- R
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
- scikit-learn
- AI
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision
Simulation Strategies:
- Simulation tools and platforms (e.g., Simulink, MATLAB, ANSYS)
- Data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik)
- Big data platforms (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Hive, Pig)
- Cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
- Microservices architecture and design patterns
- Agile and DevOps methodologies
📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with the organization's specific technology stack and infrastructure is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant tools, platforms, and best practices.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Database Engineering Values:
- Efficiency: Design, develop, and optimize database systems to ensure they meet organizational needs and perform optimally.
- Security: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.
- Collaboration: Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams to plan, design, develop, and optimize large data storage and retrieval systems.
- Innovation: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in database engineering and AI/ML integration.
- Continuous Learning: Pursue professional development opportunities to deepen expertise and expand skillsets in database engineering and related disciplines.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate with software engineers, ML engineers, data analysts, and other specialists to plan, design, develop, and optimize large data storage and retrieval systems.
- Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and peer programming to ensure high-quality, maintainable, and secure database systems.
- Knowledge Sharing: Share expertise and insights with team members and across disciplines to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
📝 Enhancement Note: HII's Mission Technologies division values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on supporting sensitive military and intelligence missions. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with and commitment to these values and principles.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Database Optimization: Design, develop, and optimize database systems to ensure they meet organizational needs and perform optimally, even under high data volume and user load.
- AI/ML Integration: Incorporate AI/ML models into database systems to enhance performance, accuracy, and real-world application, while ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive data.
- Data Governance: Implement robust data governance policies and procedures to ensure data quality, security, and compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in database engineering and AI/ML integration, and be prepared to apply them to real-world challenges.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Pursue professional development opportunities to deepen expertise and expand skillsets in database engineering, AI/ML integration, and related disciplines.
- Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to network with peers, learn from experts, and gain insights into emerging trends and best practices.
- Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities from experienced database engineers, AI/ML specialists, or other technical experts to gain insights, guidance, and career advice.
📝 Enhancement Note: Success in this role requires a strong commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with and approach to addressing technical challenges and pursuing professional development opportunities.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Database Design & Development: Describe your experience designing, developing, and optimizing database systems using various technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases. Provide examples of successful projects and the challenges you faced and overcame.
- AI/ML Integration: Discuss your experience incorporating AI/ML models into database systems to enhance performance, accuracy, and real-world application. Explain the techniques you used to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive data.
- Problem-Solving: Present a real-world database engineering challenge you faced and how you approached and resolved it. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving process, the tools and techniques you used, and the outcome of your efforts.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Describe what you value in a company culture and how you have demonstrated those values in your previous roles. Explain what aspects of HII's Mission Technologies division's culture appeal to you and how you can contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Team Dynamics: Discuss your experience working in multidisciplinary teams and how you have contributed to their success. Explain how you can contribute to the success of the Database Engineering team and the broader Warfare Systems business group.
- Career Growth: Describe your long-term career goals and how this role can help you achieve them. Explain what aspects of the role and the organization's mission and values appeal to you and how you can contribute to its success.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Live Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your portfolio, showcasing your experience with database design, development, and optimization using various technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases.
- Technical Walkthrough: Develop a structured walkthrough of your portfolio, highlighting your problem-solving skills, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and experience with AI/ML integration and simulation strategies.
- User Experience: Design your portfolio to be user-friendly, intuitive, and engaging, with a focus on the needs and preferences of your audience.
📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for the interview by researching the organization, its mission, and its values. Tailor your responses to demonstrate a strong fit for the role and the organization's culture, and be ready to discuss your experience with and approach to addressing technical challenges and pursuing professional development opportunities.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this database engineering position at HII's Mission Technologies division:
- Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read and understand the job description, highlighting the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, using the provided ATS keywords and industry terms.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your experience with database design, development, and optimization using various technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases. Include examples of successful collaborations with multidisciplinary teams and experience with AI/ML integration and simulation strategies.
- Practice Technical Interview Questions: Review the provided technical interview questions and practice your responses, using the suggested preparation strategies and tips.
- Research the Organization: Learn about HII's Mission Technologies division, its mission, values, and culture. Prepare questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the organization.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and database engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. An active Secret clearance is required, along with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.