KBR Services, LLC is hiring a Database Engineer to build and manage data infrastructure for mission-critical systems. You will leverage deep expertise in Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and Amazon OpenSearch Service to design resilient, high-performance architectures.
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 query performance and storage efficiency.
- Evaluate and recommend tools, patterns, and best practices for data pipelines, ingestion, search indexing, and replication.
- Develop secure, resilient architectures aligned with cloud-native and DevSecOps principles.
- Conduct in-depth performance tuning including SQL query optimization, indexing strategy improvements, vacuum/analyze planning, and connection pooling adjustments.
- Optimize OpenSearch clusters for indexing throughput, shard/replica strategy, query performance, and log analytics workloads.
- Monitor performance using CloudWatch, Performance Insights, OpenSearch Dashboards, and custom telemetry.
- Lead troubleshooting of database and cluster issues including failovers, replication lag, slow queries, and node-level failures.
- Perform root cause analysis and implement long-term corrective actions.
- Maintain backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies for both Postgres and OpenSearch.
- Support automation of administrative tasks using Infrastructure-as-Code tools like Terraform and CloudFormation.
- Implement and maintain IAM policies, encryption at rest/in transit, security groups, and audit logging.
- Define Recovery Point and Time Objectives (RPO/RTO) and establish appropriate backup strategies.
- 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.
- AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Database Specialty, or similar certifications.
Technical Stack
- Amazon RDS PostgreSQL, Amazon OpenSearch Service
- AWS: EC2, IAM, VPC, S3, CloudWatch, Lambda, KMS
- Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, CloudFormation
- Scripting: Python, Bash
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $107,700 - $161,600
- 401K plan with company match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance and AD&D coverage
- Flexible spending account
- Disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional training and development
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position 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.
