KBR is looking for a Database Engineer to architect scalable data solutions for mission critical systems. You'll leverage deep expertise in Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and Amazon OpenSearch Service to build, optimize, and support our data infrastructure.
What You'll Do
- Design and implement scalable, highly available database architectures using Amazon RDS (Postgres) and OpenSearch.
- Create schema designs, index strategies, and data models optimized for performance and storage efficiency.
- Develop secure, resilient architectures aligned with cloud-native and DevSecOps principles.
- Conduct in-depth performance tuning including SQL query optimization, indexing strategy improvements, and connection pooling adjustments.
- Optimize OpenSearch clusters for indexing throughput, shard/replica strategy, and query performance.
- Lead troubleshooting of database and cluster issues including failovers, replication lag, and node-level failures.
- Maintain backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies for both Postgres and OpenSearch.
- Support automation of administrative tasks using Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, CloudFormation) and scripting tools.
- Implement and maintain IAM policies, encryption, security groups, and audit logging.
- Work closely with application teams, cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and data stakeholders.
- Provide guidance on database best practices and mentor junior engineers.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with PostgreSQL, including advanced SQL, performance tuning, and replication.
- 3+ years of experience with Amazon RDS (Postgres) in production environments.
- 2+ years of experience managing and tuning Amazon OpenSearch clusters.
- Strong understanding of AWS services including EC2, IAM, VPC networking, S3, CloudWatch, Lambda, and KMS.
- Experience with Terraform, CloudFormation, or other IaC tools.
- Proficiency with scripting languages (Python, Bash) for automation and diagnostics.
- Solid understanding of distributed systems, search indexing, and data lifecycle management.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government background check.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Nice to Have
- Experience supporting mission critical or high throughput environments.
- Knowledge of log analytics pipelines (e.g., FluentBit, Logstash, Firehose).
- Familiarity with containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines.
- Certifications: AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Database Specialty, or similar.
Technical Stack
- Amazon RDS PostgreSQL
- Amazon OpenSearch Service
- AWS: EC2, IAM, VPC, S3, CloudWatch, Lambda, KMS
- Terraform, CloudFormation
- Python, Bash
Team & Environment
You will work closely with application teams, cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and data stakeholders.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $107,700 - $161,600
- 401K plan with company match
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D
- Flexible spending account
- Disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional training and development
Work Mode
This role follows a hybrid work model and is based in Sioux Falls, SD.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
