Principal Database Administrator — Xela

Location: Aurora, CO (Onsite)Compensation: $210,000 – $230,000 baseClearance Required: Active transferable TS/SCI required | TS/SCI with CI Poly preferredWork Authorization: U.S. Citizenship requiredEmployment Type: Full-TimeAbout The RoleXela is seeking a Principal Database Administrator to support mission-critical classified infrastructure and software systems in a high-priority defense environment. This is a senior technical role focused on PostgreSQL administration, Linux infrastructure, clustered environments, and urgent production troubleshooting within secure operational systems.This role is ideal for a highly experienced database professional who thrives in fast-paced operational environments where reliability, performance, and immediate issue resolution are critical.What You'll OwnAdminister and maintain PostgreSQL databases supporting mission-critical applicationsSupport clustered database infrastructure and containerized environmentsManage Ubuntu Linux operational systems and backend database infrastructurePerform database installation, upgrades, patching, maintenance, and configuration managementTroubleshoot urgent production database and infrastructure issuesRefine database architecture, scalability, performance, and reliabilityCollaborate with systems engineers and software teams on backend application integrationSupport schema management, design updates, and architecture documentationRespond to operational support requests in classified environmentsRequirementsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, STEM, or related field8+ years of database administration or related infrastructure experience5+ years of PostgreSQL administration in enterprise or mission-critical environmentsStrong Ubuntu/Linux systems administration expertiseExperience with clustered database and containerized infrastructure environmentsStrong troubleshooting and production support capabilityBash scripting and Python experienceExperience integrating backend databases with application environmentsStrong Linux command-line proficiencyAbility to obtain Security+ within 60 days if not already heldActive transferable TS/SCI clearance requiredU.S. Citizenship requiredPreferred QualificationsCI PolygraphOracle SQL / PL/SQL experienceDefense or intelligence program experienceDevSecOps or Agile environment exposureInfrastructure modernization experienceReal-time mission system support experienceTarget ProfileStrong matches will likely come from cleared defense contractors, national security programs, aerospace, intelligence infrastructure teams, or senior Linux/PostgreSQL administrators supporting classified operational systems.LogisticsRole is fully onsite in Aurora, COActive transferable TS/SCI clearance required on Day 1 — no exceptionsU.S. Citizenship required — no visa sponsorship availableShortlisted candidates will be contacted by David Joseph & Co., the recruiting partner managing this search on behalf of Xela.