Database Designer - Remote Eligible

Job Summary

Dinè Source is seeking a 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

1. Design and implement consolidated Oracle database schema structures that integrate data from multiple legacy DRAS subsystems into a unified, normalized data model
2. Collaborate with senior data architects and application developers to create entity-relationship diagrams, define data types, and establish indexing strategies that support high-performance operations
3. Support the mapping of data elements between legacy and modernized formats, ensuring seamless data migration and integration across all eight disparate subsystems
4. Participate in Agile development cycles including sprint planning, backlog refinement, user story development, and integrated testing activities to ensure database changes align with application requirements

Technical Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Oracle database schemas with detailed entity-relationship diagrams, data types, indexing strategies, and normalization requirements
• Implement database access controls and encryption solutions aligned with Zero Trust principles, DevSecOps practices, and federal security standards including NIST SP 800-53
• Support Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) activities using tools such as Oracle GoldenGate or Apache Nifi to facilitate data migration from legacy systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including application developers, security engineers, and system administrators to ensure database integration supports overall DRAS-M modernization goals
• Participate in code reviews, database testing, and deployment processes following established DevSecOps pipeline procedures
• Contribute to technical documentation including data dictionaries, schema documentation, and migration procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements (Education/Skills/Experience)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Database Management, or related technical field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in database design, development, or administration
• 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 database design and SQL/PL/SQL
• Experience with relational database design principles and normalization (3NF)
• Knowledge of indexing strategies and database performance optimization

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

Development Tools:

• Basic experience with Agile development tools like Jira, GitLab, or ServiceNow
• Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail in database design
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting technical specifications
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced Agile development environments with changing priorities
• Self-motivated with strong time management skills to meet sprint deadlines and project milestones
• Adaptability to evolving technical requirements and new technologies in the modernization effort

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud-native database architectures and Microsoft Azure environments
• Familiarity with FedRAMP IL5 hosting requirements and compliance frameworks
• Knowledge of financial systems, particularly DoD pay and accounting systems
• Experience with GoldenGate, Apache Nifi, or similar ETL tools
• Understanding of NIST SP 800-53 security controls and Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• Experience working in government contracting environments or DoD projects
• Knowledge of Standard Financial Information Structure (SFIS) and Standard Line of Accounting (SLOA) requirements
• Experience with containerization technologies and cloud-agnostic database deployment strategies

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, healthcare, 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.