Database Manager jobs in Fort Meade, MD
Database Manager
Secure data architecture, database optimization, graph and NoSQL platforms, recovery planning, and performance for advanced research missions.
Apply for this RoleGS Consulting Environment
The Data Layer Behind Advanced Mission Work
Research teams, analysts, and mission systems cannot move faster than the data layer underneath them. If the database is slow, brittle, poorly governed, or hard to trust, advanced analytics becomes expensive noise. Database Managers keep that from happening.
At GS Consulting, Database Managers support cleared environments where performance, security, and reliability all matter. This role is for people who can design practical data architecture, keep systems available, tune performance, and support mission users without weakening control of sensitive data.
The Work
What the Role Looks Like Day to Day
Database Manager work is not only administration. You may review query performance, adjust schema design, support a data pipeline, evaluate access controls, restore a dataset, troubleshoot availability issues, or work with researchers who need data shaped for a new analytical model.
A typical day may include tuning a slow workload, improving a backup plan, coordinating with data engineers, reviewing database security settings, supporting graph or NoSQL data stores, or helping a mission team understand why the data path is producing a bad result. The work rewards people who can stay technical and practical at the same time.
Mission and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Our Database Managers architect and sustain the foundational data layer for advanced intelligence research. Depending on your LCAT level, you will be expected to:
- Design, deploy, and maintain large databases that support advanced data science, machine learning, and quantitative research.
- Perform performance tuning, query optimization, and schema design to support rapid retrieval for complex analytical workloads.
- Manage and integrate relational databases, NoSQL platforms, graph databases, and other mission data stores.
- Execute data modeling, normalization, data pipeline development, and data warehouse support for mission teams.
- Enforce data security, support recovery planning, and align database operations with Intelligence Community governance standards.
Technical Domains
Required Technical Domains
Successful Database Managers at GS Consulting bring practical data infrastructure experience across these domains:
- Relational and non relational database administration
- Data architecture and logical and physical data modeling
- Performance tuning and query optimization
- Extract, transform, and load pipeline development and data warehousing
- Database security, high availability, and disaster recovery
- Graph databases, NoSQL platforms, and large data store operations
Preferred Degree Fields and Certifications
A degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline is preferred. Database certifications from Oracle, AWS, Microsoft, or equivalent providers are valuable, as are security credentials such as Security+ or CISSP.
Tools and Mission Context
Fast Queries Are Not Enough
Strong Database Managers know the tools, but they do not treat tools as the answer by themselves. The mission depends on whether the database design supports the workflow, whether the data can be trusted, whether access is controlled, and whether recovery works when something goes wrong.
You may work with data scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, analysts, security teams, and customer data owners. GS Consulting looks for people who can keep the data layer reliable while helping mission teams use data responsibly and efficiently.
Compensation
Estimated Compensation Range
Estimated compensation for Database Manager roles ranges from $100,000 to $180,000 per year. Final compensation depends on LCAT level, years of relevant experience, clearance status, customer requirements, contract fit, and location expectations.
The range is intentionally broad because this posting covers Levels 1 through 4. A junior Database Manager may support administration and tuning tasks, while a senior Database Manager may shape architecture, mentor the team, improve governance, and own performance decisions across mission data stores.
Qualification Paths
LCAT Qualification Paths
We are actively staffing billets across all four Database Manager levels. Relevant experience should involve database architecture, administration, data modeling, performance tuning, data pipelines, or large scale data operations.
Level 1
- Bachelor Degree plus 2 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 0 years of experience
Level 2
- Bachelor Degree plus 5 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 3 years of experience
- Doctorate plus 0 years of experience
Level 3
- Bachelor Degree plus 8 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 6 years of experience
- Doctorate plus 4 years of experience
Level 4
- Bachelor Degree plus 11 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 9 years of experience
- Doctorate plus 7 years of experience
Career Growth
How Database Managers Grow Across Levels
Growth in this role is not just knowing more database products. It shows up as better architecture judgment, stronger recovery habits, cleaner data modeling, improved performance decisions, and the ability to support mission users without losing control of the environment.
At GS Consulting, that growth can mean leading database architecture, mentoring junior administrators, improving data governance, supporting analytics modernization, or moving into roles that connect data engineering, secure systems, and advanced research.
Why GS Consulting
A Focused Team for Data Infrastructure That Matters
Database work can feel invisible until something breaks. GS Consulting treats the data layer as mission infrastructure. We care about performance, security, recovery, governance, and whether the database design helps analysts and researchers do useful work.
If you want to work where database management has direct mission relevance, this is the right kind of role. We are looking for people who can think clearly, protect sensitive data, keep systems reliable, and help technical teams get value from the information they already have.
Role Questions
Database Manager FAQ
What does a Database Manager do?
A Database Manager designs, operates, secures, and optimizes data stores that mission teams depend on. The work can include schema design, performance tuning, data modeling, database administration, data pipeline support, backup and recovery planning, and making sure analysts and researchers can access reliable data without weakening security.
What clearance is required for GS Consulting Database Manager roles?
GS Consulting Database Manager roles require an active TS/SCI clearance. Candidates must also meet customer, contract, and site access requirements for the specific billet. If additional customer screening is required, that will be handled during recruiting rather than posted as public qualification language.
What experience is required for DBM Level 1, 2, 3, and 4?
Level 1 starts at a Bachelor Degree plus 2 years or a Master Degree plus 0 years. Level 2 ranges from 0 to 5 years depending on degree path. Level 3 ranges from 4 to 8 years. Level 4 ranges from 7 to 11 years. Relevant experience should involve database architecture, administration, data modeling, large data operations, or secure database management.
Are these Database Manager jobs onsite?
Yes. These roles support cleared work in the Fort Meade, MD and Annapolis Junction area. Because the work involves sensitive mission data, classified facilities, and customer environments, candidates should expect onsite work rather than a remote arrangement.
What skills make a strong Database Manager candidate?
Strong candidates understand database administration, data modeling, performance tuning, query optimization, database security, recovery planning, data pipelines, and multiple database platforms. The best candidates can support advanced analytics while protecting data integrity, availability, and customer mission requirements.
How do I apply for GS Consulting Database Manager roles?
Use the Apply for this Role button on this page or email your resume directly to info@gsconsultingllc.com. Include your active clearance level, primary database technologies, preferred level, and any relevant data architecture, performance tuning, security, or data pipeline experience.
Ready to own the mission data layer?
Send us your resume. Please include your active clearance level, primary database technologies, preferred Database Manager level, and any relevant architecture, tuning, recovery, security, or data pipeline experience.