Postgres Database Administrator, SME

Location: Washington, DC, US

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Overview

The Postgres Database Administrator will lead the design, management, and optimization of Postgres database systems, ensuring their performance, reliability, and security in support of mission-critical applications. This role will play a key role in providing database expertise for development, operations, and modernization initiatives, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver robust database solutions.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the "PostgreSQL Subject Matter Expert", providing architectural guidance and best practices.
• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain PostgreSQL database clusters (including HA/DR setups).
• Design and implement high availability and disaster recovery solutions (streaming replication, logical replication, failover).
• Perform performance tuning, query optimization, and capacity planning.
• Manage database security, including roles, permissions, encryption, and auditing.
• Support backup and recovery strategies (PITR, WAL archiving).
• Troubleshoot database issues, outages, and performance bottlenecks.
• Automate database administration tasks using scripting (Bash, Python, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with security standards (STIG, RMF, NIST, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A strong foundation in Computer Science with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the field.
• Minimum 10 years of Excellent experience as a PostgreSQL Database Administrator.
• Deep expertise in PostgreSQL internals (WAL, MVCC, vacuuming, indexing).
• Experience with PostgreSQL replication and clustering technologies.
• Strong knowledge of SQL performance tuning and query optimization.
• Hands-on experience with backup/recovery and disaster recovery planning.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms AWS RDS.
• Experience with monitoring tools (Splunk, Cloud watch etc.).
• Strong scripting skills (Bash, Python etc.).
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance is required.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills Required:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to customers with a sense of urgency.
• Proficient in Microsoft and Adobe toolsets, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
• Highly motivated with the ability to handle and manage multiple tasks at any one time.
• Ability to forge new relationships, individual and teaming in nature.
• Must be a Self-starter, that can work independently and as part of a team.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment with the ability to work on-site.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay Range