Senior Database Administrator/Developer

LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC
Full_time•United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior Database Administrator/Developer
  • Company: LightFeather IO LLC
  • Location: United States (Remote with preference for Silver Spring, MD area candidates)
  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Category: Database Administration & Development
  • Date Posted: August 2, 2025
  • Experience Level: 5-10 years
  • Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

  • Manage and optimize critical SQL Server databases supporting national registry operations for a federal agency.
  • Ensure secure, efficient, and reliable data management solutions for mission-critical government systems.
  • Collaborate with application teams to support complex data processing operations and API integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on data security, performance tuning, and capacity planning to maintain high-volume registry operations. The successful candidate will have experience working with large-scale database systems and a deep understanding of SQL Server environments.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Database Management & Optimization:

    • Manage and optimize SQL Server 2016/2010 databases with planned migration to SQL Server 2022.
    • Conduct performance tuning, query optimization, and capacity planning for high-volume registry operations.

  • Data Security & Encryption:

    • Implement and maintain database encryption solutions to ensure data security across all environments.
    • Manage database backup strategies, recovery operations, and disaster recovery planning.

  • API Integrations & Data Processing:

    • Develop and maintain database components supporting SOAP and REST API operations.
    • Ensure all data ingestion and processing functions remain operational and develop new data processing capabilities.

  • Database Documentation & Project Coordination:

    • Maintain database documentation, establish coding standards, and coordinate database-related projects.
    • Lead SQL Server version migrations and coordinate with application teams for compatibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a balance of technical depth in SQL Server administration and development, as well as strong project management and coordination skills to work effectively with application teams and ensure data integrity across various systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate) are a plus.

Experience: Minimum 5+ years of experience in database administration and development with a strong focus on SQL Server environments.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced SQL Server administration, T-SQL programming, and database optimization techniques.
  • Experience with database encryption technologies, security implementations, and access control management.
  • Proven experience with SQL Server backup strategies, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions.
  • Strong skills in query optimization, index management, and database performance analysis.
  • Knowledge of API database integration and web service data connectivity.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working with federal agencies or government database systems.
  • Knowledge of AWS RDS, cloud database solutions, and hybrid cloud environments.
  • Familiarity with Veeam backup integration and automated backup solutions.
  • Experience with database migration projects and version upgrades.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills section highlights the company's preference for candidates with experience in government database systems and cloud technologies, indicating a strong focus on staying current with emerging trends in database management.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in SQL Server administration and development through case studies or projects showcasing database optimization, performance tuning, and security implementations.
  • Highlight experience with API integrations and data processing operations through live demos or detailed project descriptions.

Technical Documentation:

  • Provide documentation showcasing your understanding of database backup strategies, disaster recovery planning, and high availability solutions.
  • Include examples of query optimization, index management, and database performance analysis techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, it is essential to include examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize large-scale database systems, as well as your understanding of data security and API integrations in your portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on experience and location)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for senior database administrator/developer roles in the United States, with a focus on federal agency experience. The range takes into account the required experience level and the remote work arrangement.

Benefits:

  • Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Professional development opportunities and training programs.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for maintenance windows and project deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: LightFeather operates in the technology and government sectors, focusing on delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions to federal agencies.

Company Size: LightFeather is a mid-sized company, providing opportunities for growth and impact within a collaborative team environment.

Founded: 2010

Team Structure:

  • The database administration and development team consists of experienced professionals focusing on SQL Server environments.
  • The team works closely with application teams to ensure data integrity and compatibility across various systems.
  • The team structure is hierarchical, with senior team members providing guidance and mentorship to junior team members.

Development Methodology:

  • LightFeather follows Agile/Scrum methodologies for database development and management projects.
  • The team emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure data accuracy and system reliability.
  • Deployment strategies include CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment processes to streamline database management tasks.

Company Website: LightFeather IO LLC

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's focus on delivering mission-critical solutions to federal agencies indicates a strong commitment to data security, reliability, and performance. The company's use of Agile methodologies and emphasis on code review and quality assurance suggest a collaborative and innovative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Database Administration & Development Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a deep understanding of SQL Server environments and experience managing and optimizing large-scale databases. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of ensuring data security, performance, and reliability in mission-critical systems.

Reporting Structure: The senior database administrator/developer will report directly to the director of database services and work closely with application teams to ensure data integrity and compatibility across various systems.

Technical Impact: The role requires a strong technical background in SQL Server administration and development, with a focus on data security, performance tuning, and capacity planning. The successful candidate will have a significant impact on the reliability, performance, and security of mission-critical government systems.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in SQL Server administration and development, with opportunities to learn and implement emerging technologies in database management and cloud solutions.
  • Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and coordinating database-related projects, with the potential to take on more significant leadership roles within the team.
  • Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic decisions regarding database architecture, migration, and optimization, with the opportunity to shape the company's database management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities section highlights the potential for technical and leadership development within the role, as well as the chance to contribute to strategic decisions regarding database architecture and management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: LightFeather has a hybrid work environment, with a preference for candidates located in the Silver Spring, MD area. The company offers remote work options for qualified candidates.

Office Location(s): Silver Spring, MD (preferred), with remote work options available.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, with a focus on maintaining a productive and comfortable work environment.
  • The company provides modern development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal performance and productivity.
  • The work schedule is flexible, with the ability to work remotely and adapt to project deadlines and maintenance windows.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for maintenance windows and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's hybrid work environment and focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing indicate a commitment to fostering a productive and engaging work environment for team members.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Technical Phone Screen (30 minutes): Discuss your experience with SQL Server administration and development, data security, and performance tuning. Be prepared to answer questions about your approach to query optimization, index management, and database performance analysis.
  2. Technical Deep Dive (1 hour): Solve SQL Server-related problems, optimize queries, and discuss your approach to data security and API integrations. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of backup strategies, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions.
  3. Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview (30 minutes): Discuss your problem-solving approach, teamwork skills, and cultural fit with the LightFeather team. Be prepared to provide examples of your work and how you've overcome challenges in previous roles.
  4. Final Review (30 minutes): Discuss your career goals, expectations, and any remaining questions you have about the role or company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight your experience with SQL Server administration and development, data security, and performance tuning through case studies or projects.
  • Include examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize large-scale database systems, as well as your understanding of data security and API integrations.
  • Be prepared to discuss your approach to database documentation, coding standards, and project coordination.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your SQL Server administration and development skills, with a focus on data security, performance tuning, and capacity planning.
  • Familiarize yourself with LightFeather's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and goals.

ATS Keywords: [Provided in the ATS Keywords section below]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills in SQL Server administration and development, as well as their problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and cultural fit with the LightFeather team. The process includes a technical deep dive and behavioral interview to ensure a well-rounded evaluation of the candidate's qualifications.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Database Technologies:

  • SQL Server: Proficient in SQL Server 2016/2010 with planned migration to SQL Server 2022.
  • T-SQL: Strong proficiency in T-SQL programming and query optimization techniques.
  • Database Encryption: Experience with database encryption technologies, security implementations, and access control management.
  • API Integrations: Knowledge of SOAP and REST API operations, with experience developing and maintaining database components supporting API integrations.

Infrastructure Tools:

  • Backup and Recovery: Experience with SQL Server backup strategies, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions.
  • Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with database monitoring solutions and performance tracking tools.
  • Cloud Solutions: Knowledge of AWS RDS, cloud database solutions, and hybrid cloud environments (preferred).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack section highlights the required proficiency in SQL Server administration and development, as well as the preferred knowledge of cloud database solutions and hybrid cloud environments. The section also emphasizes the importance of experience with database encryption, backup strategies, and API integrations in the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Database Administration & Development Values:

  • Data Security: Prioritize data security and encryption to ensure the protection of sensitive information in mission-critical government systems.
  • Performance Tuning: Focus on optimizing database performance through query optimization, index management, and capacity planning.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with application teams to ensure data integrity and compatibility across various systems, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay current with emerging technologies in database management and cloud solutions, continuously expanding your skills and knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with application teams to ensure data integrity and compatibility across various systems, working closely with developers, designers, and stakeholders.
  • Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews to ensure data accuracy, system reliability, and adherence to coding standards.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Share your expertise and experiences with junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values section emphasizes the importance of data security, performance tuning, and collaboration in the role. The section also highlights the company's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Large-Scale Database Management: Manage and optimize large-scale SQL Server databases supporting national registry operations for a federal agency, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable data management solutions.
  • Emerging Technologies: Stay current with emerging technologies in database management and cloud solutions, continuously expanding your skills and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of the company and its clients.
  • API Integrations: Develop and maintain database components supporting SOAP and REST API operations, ensuring seamless data connectivity and compatibility with various systems.
  • Data Security: Implement and maintain database encryption solutions, ensuring the protection of sensitive information in mission-critical government systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in SQL Server administration and development, with opportunities to learn and implement emerging technologies in database management and cloud solutions.
  • Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and coordinating database-related projects, with the potential to take on more significant leadership roles within the team.
  • Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to strategic decisions regarding database architecture, migration, and optimization, with the opportunity to shape the company's database management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities section highlights the technical challenges and learning opportunities associated with the role, as well as the potential for leadership development and architecture decision-making within the team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • SQL Server Fundamentals: Demonstrate your proficiency in SQL Server administration and development, data security, and performance tuning through technical questions and problem-solving scenarios.
  • Query Optimization: Showcase your understanding of query optimization, index management, and database performance analysis techniques through hands-on exercises and discussions.
  • Backup Strategies & Disaster Recovery: Discuss your experience with SQL Server backup strategies, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions, highlighting your ability to ensure data integrity and system reliability in mission-critical environments.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • LightFeather's Mission: Discuss your understanding of LightFeather's mission and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and values.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Describe your approach to collaboration and teamwork, highlighting your ability to work effectively with application teams and stakeholders to ensure data integrity and compatibility across various systems.
  • Problem-Solving: Provide examples of your problem-solving abilities, demonstrating your ability to overcome challenges and find innovative solutions in previous roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Case Studies & Projects: Highlight your experience with SQL Server administration and development, data security, and performance tuning through case studies or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize large-scale database systems.
  • Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your approach to query optimization, index management, and database performance analysis, as well as your understanding of backup strategies, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions.
  • Cultural Fit: Emphasize your alignment with LightFeather's values and culture, demonstrating your commitment to data security, performance tuning, and collaboration in your portfolio and interview responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation section provides strategic guidance for technical and company/culture questions, as well as portfolio presentation strategies to help candidates effectively showcase their skills and experience throughout the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Database Administrator/Developer position:

  1. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your SQL Server administration and development skills, data security experience, and API integration proficiency. Include relevant keywords and examples of your work to demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your experience with SQL Server administration and development, data security, and performance tuning. Include case studies or projects that highlight your ability to manage and optimize large-scale database systems, as well as your understanding of data security and API integrations.
  3. Research LightFeather: Familiarize yourself with LightFeather's company culture, values, and mission. Understand the company's focus on delivering mission-critical solutions to federal agencies and the importance of data security, performance tuning, and collaboration in the role.
  4. Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your SQL Server administration and development skills, with a focus on data security, performance tuning, and capacity planning. Prepare for technical interview questions and problem-solving scenarios, ensuring you can effectively demonstrate your qualifications for the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application steps section provides concrete guidance for tailoring your resume, preparing your portfolio, researching the company, and practicing technical interview questions to help you effectively apply for the Senior Database Administrator/Developer position at LightFeather.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages:

  • SQL (Proficient)
  • T-SQL (Proficient)
  • PL/SQL (Intermediate)
  • Python (Intermediate)
  • JavaScript (Basic)

Web Frameworks & Libraries:

  • None relevant to this role

Server Technologies:

  • SQL Server (Proficient)
  • AWS RDS (Intermediate)
  • Microsoft Azure (Basic)

Databases:

  • SQL Server (Proficient)
  • MySQL (Intermediate)
  • PostgreSQL (Basic)

Tools:

  • SQL Server Management Studio (Proficient)
  • Azure Data Studio (Intermediate)
  • AWS RDS (Intermediate)
  • Veeam Backup & Replication (Intermediate)
  • JIRA (Basic)
  • Confluence (Basic)

Methodologies:

  • Agile/Scrum (Proficient)
  • Waterfall (Basic)

Soft Skills:

  • Problem-solving (Proficient)
  • Teamwork (Proficient)
  • Communication (Proficient)
  • Leadership (Intermediate)
  • Mentoring (Intermediate)

Industry Terms:

  • Database Administration
  • Database Development
  • SQL Server
  • T-SQL
  • Performance Tuning
  • Data Security
  • API Integrations
  • Backup Strategies
  • Disaster Recovery
  • High Availability
  • Capacity Planning
  • Data Processing
  • SOAP
  • REST
  • AWS RDS
  • Cloud Database Solutions
  • Hybrid Cloud Environments
  • Federal Agency
  • Mission-Critical Systems

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in database administration and development, particularly with SQL Server. Knowledge of database encryption, backup strategies, and API integration is essential.