Senior Database Designer

Job Summary:

Dinè Source is seeking a Senior Database Designer to support the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in the ongoing modernization of the Defense Retired & Annuitant Pay System (DRAS-M). This role is critical to consolidating eight disparate legacy subsystems into a single, modernized Oracle database architecture that will serve 2.9 million military retirees and their beneficiaries. The candidate will contribute to building a secure, high-performance, cloud-native database environment that supports the transition to a government-owned, government-operated pay system.

*This position is contingent upon contract award expected August 2025*

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of a unified database structure that integrates data from eight distinct legacy systems into a single Oracle-based architecture
• Design comprehensive database schema's using Oracle technologies, creating detailed entity-relationship diagrams and defining normalization strategies
• Establish secure data architecture incorporating row-, column-, and cell-level access controls while supporting replacement of sensitive identifiers such as Social Security Numbers
• Collaborate with software engineers, DevSecOps teams, and government stakeholders to ensure database structure supports modular application development and seamless incremental deployment

Technical Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Oracle 19c or newer database systems with advanced schema design techniques
• Implement relational database normalization, performance tuning, and indexing strategies that enable efficient real-time and batch processing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software engineers, DevSecOps teams, and government stakeholders
• Participate in Agile ceremonies including backlog refinement and sprint planning processes
• Define and maintain data mappings between legacy and modernized structures to support incremental migration
• Support test data generation and guide integration of secure data migration pipelines using ETL processes and tools
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements (Education/Skills/Experience):

Education & Experience

• • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Database Management, or related field
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in senior database design and architecture roles
  • Experience supporting government or defense agency systems preferred
  • Security + CE/ IAT Level II certification
  • Public Trust / IT II Security clearance eligibility - Must be a US citizen.

Technical Skills

• Database Technologies:
• Proficiency in Oracle 19c or newer database systems
• Advanced PL/SQL programming and optimization
• Strong experience with relational database normalization, performance tuning, and indexing
• Data Management:
• Familiarity with data modeling, entity-relationship diagrams, and data dictionary creation
• Experience supporting or participating in ETL processes for data migration
• Understanding of data quality analysis and governance practices
• Security & Compliance:
• Understanding of database access control, encryption, and data masking practices
• Knowledge of Zero Trust security principles and federal compliance frameworks
• Familiarity with DoD environments and security standards
• Data Integration & Migration:
• Working knowledge of ETL processes and tools
• Experience with Oracle GoldenGate or other real-time data migration platforms
• Understanding of data mapping and transformation techniques

Soft Skills

• • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities for complex database architecture challenges
  • Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively across Agile teams
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including government stakeholders
  • Self-motivated with strong time management skills for managing multiple database deliverables
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and evolving government requirements
  • Detail-oriented approach to maintaining data governance and compliance standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degrees or professional certifications in database management or related fields
• CISSP Professional certifications
• Experience with government financial systems or defense contractor environments
• Knowledge of DFAS operations and military retirement/annuity systems
• Experience with cloud-based database architectures (Azure, AWS)
• Familiarity with disaster recovery and high availability database design
• Experience with FISMA, FedRAMP, and other federal compliance frameworks
• Background in data governance, classification, and retention policies
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies in government contracting environments

Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that delivers IT, professional, and environmental solutions to advance the missions of federal, state, and tribal government agencies. As thought leaders and innovators, our team of specialists build client-centric solutions that solve critical challenges faced by defense, civilian, and healthcare organizations. Employing a mission-focused approach, we deliver value that not only enhances current operations, but also drives future change. Closely aligned with this approach is our commitment to advancing the Navajo Nation and its People. Through economic development and community empowerment, we elevate the Navajo Nation to provide lasting impact and sustainable growth for future generations. DDC's ability to unite legacy-inspired technologies, industry best practices, and proven methodologies has contributed to our success for twenty years.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.