Job Title : Data Engineer 2 Location : Remote Security Clearance : USDA Public Trust The Data Engineer 2 is responsible for the design, development, optimization, and administration of database solutions and data pipelines supporting the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) IT ecosystem. This role requires deep expertise in SQL Server database engineering, data modeling, ETL/ELT development, business intelligence reporting, and database administration across a complex portfolio of interdependent FPAC applications. The Data Engineer 2 provides Tier 3 technical support for data-related production issues, drives database performance optimization, supports cloud migration of data services to AWS, and contributes to the modernization of legacy monolithic database architectures. The role operates with significant autonomy across multiple application domains and serves as a subject matter expert on NRCS data structures, schemas, and cross-system data dependencies. Required Qualifications: Experience: Ten (10) or more years of professional experience in database engineering, data architecture, or database administration with SQL Server. Five (5) or more years of experience with ETL/ELT development using SSIS, SQL Agent, or equivalent tools. Five (5) or more years of experience with business intelligence development including SSRS, SSAS, or Power BI. Three (3) or more years of experience with logical and physical data modeling using PowerDesigner , Erwin, or equivalent tools. Three (3) or more years of experience supporting federal IT programs or government agency environments. Experience with database performance tuning, query optimization, replication, and capacity management. Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment of database changes. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science , Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred. Security Requirements: Must be able to obtain and maintain an USDA security background investigation (FBI fingerprint check and eQIP ). Must comply with all NIST, USDA, and HSPD–12 security training and reporting requirements. Must complete mandatory training: Information Security Awareness (annually) and Section 508 (within 45 days of assignment). Technical Skills: SQL Server (2016+): stored procedures, views, functions, triggers, query optimization, replication, backup/restore SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services), SQL Agent jobs, ETL/ELT pipeline development SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services), SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services), Power BI Data modeling: PowerDesigner , Erwin Data Modeler, star/snowflake schema design Database versioning: Liquibase AWS services: RDS, S3, and related data services Source control: Git, TFS/Azure DevOps Security scanning: SonarQube, Fortify SCA Agile/ SAFe methodologies; Jira, Confluence Preferred Qualifications: Experience with USDA NRCS or FPAC systems and databases (e.g., CD, CART, Registry, Easements, NPAD, Protracts, NOIS, GDAC). Experience with Databricks or AWS Data Lake architectures. Experience with Tableau or MicroStrategy in addition to Power BI/SSRS. AWS certifications (Cloud Practitioner, Database Specialty, or equivalent). Experience with Oracle, PostgreSQL, or other RDBMS platforms in addition to SQL Server. Experience with Redgate or equivalent database DevOps tooling. Experience with NIST SP 800–53, FISMA, FedRAMP compliance frameworks. Experience with Section 508 accessibility testing. ITIL certification or demonstrated experience with ITIL service management processes. Experience with geospatial data services and FPAC GeoBranch architecture. Key Responsibilities: Database Design and Development Design, develop, and maintain database solutions for FPAC applications including CD, CART, Registry, Easements, IDEA, PRS, ROOT, FSA Compliance, POINTS, TechReg, TSPR, PRS Goals, Funds Ledger, CCG, zRoles, and additional systems as assigned. Build and maintain logical and physical data models using PowerDesigner, Erwin Data Modeler, or equivalent tools; maintain current documentation of schemas, entity relationships, and cross-system dependencies. Design and implement stored procedures, views, functions, triggers, and complex SQL queries optimized for performance and maintainability. Manage schema changes using Liquibase and Government-approved versioning tools; synchronize changes across development, test, QA, and production environments. Implement service-layer data access patterns and support elimination of direct cross-database queries and business logic in stored procedures where directed by Government architects. Support decomposition of the monolithic database architecture (e.g., NPAD) by identifying and documenting cross-database dependencies, table replication patterns, and tightly coupled business logic. DM&E Feature Development Support Design and implement database components for authorized Development, Modernization, and Enhancement (DM&E) work, including schema changes, stored procedures, data migrations, and reporting objects for NOIS, GDAC, and other approved feature development. Collaborate with development teams on data architecture decisions for new features, ensuring alignment with FPAC standards and the Technical Guidance Framework (TGF). Support Geospatial Data Catalog (GDAC) and National Office Information System (NOIS) enhancement work by providing database engineering expertise for authorized feature tickets. ETL/ELT and Data Pipeline Development Design, develop, and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines using SSIS, SQL Agent jobs, and related tooling to support data integration across FPAC systems. Support data migration activities including pipeline development and integration with FPAC’s centralized AWS Data Lake strategy (Databricks). Create and maintain SQL Agent jobs for ETL execution, database housekeeping, and automated maintenance tasks. Migrate legacy DTS packages to SSIS where applicable; modernize ETL processes to align with current FPAC pipeline standards. Support ad hoc data extract and reporting requests from the data lake. Business Intelligence and Reporting Design, develop, and maintain SSRS reports, SSAS cubes, and Power BI dashboards for stakeholder reporting and operational metrics. Create performance attributes, metrics, and facts using multi-dimensional SSAS cubes structured in star and snowflake schemas. Support data analysis and reporting requirements across application domains; produce data extracts and reports as requested by Government stakeholders. Database Administration and Operations Perform database administration tasks including backup/restore, replication setup and monitoring, performance tuning, index optimization, and capacity management. Optimize SQL queries and database structures to improve application performance and reduce operational overhead. Provide Tier 3 technical support for data-related production issues, including root cause analysis, defect resolution, and emergency workarounds. Triage and resolve database defects, batch job failures, and data integrity issues without introducing new vulnerabilities or technical debt. Develop and maintain application-level health checks and operability indicators for database components to enable enterprise monitoring integration. Establish and maintain an on-call support rotation, escalation paths, and coordination procedures with Government stakeholders for data-related incidents. AWS Cloud Migration Support Support migration of database workloads from on-premises DISC data center to AWS, including coordination of cutover activities, environment validation, and post-migration issue resolution. Implement database-level changes required to maintain operability during and after cloud migration, including configuration for AWS RDS, S3, and related services. Validate database functionality in AWS environments; troubleshoot and resolve migration-related data issues including replication, connectivity, and performance. Data Management and Governance Align database solutions with the Government’s data architecture and governance practices, including registration of schemas, interfaces, and metadata in AWS Data Zone. Maintain data lineage and stewardship information for supported databases and data pipelines; report changes that affect downstream systems. Implement data quality controls, validation procedures, and reconciliation processes for critical data assets. Support schema and metadata synchronization across environments using Liquibase and Government-approved tooling. Coordinate data administration activities with Government data stewards and cross-functional teams. Security and Compliance Implement secure database practices in alignment with NIST SP 800–53, USDA security standards, FISMA, and Zero Trust principles. Remove deprecated or non-compliant authorization dependencies and role references (e.g., zRoles) as part of sustainment activities to support least-privilege access and continuous ATO compliance. Remediate security vulnerabilities within defined SLAs (e.g., 14 days for critical/high) using Government-approved tools and processes. Ensure database solutions meet Section 508 accessibility requirements where applicable and comply with the Privacy Act, FedRAMP, and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) requirements. Ensure all work products, services, fixes, and deliverables meet or exceed the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) defined in the applicable contract attachments. Release and Deployment Management Ensure all database changes pass automated testing, security scans, and FPAC SonarQube thresholds prior to production deployment. Deploy database changes through FPAC-approved CI/CD pipelines; actively contribute to continuous integration and delivery pipeline for rapid and reliable deployments. Automate unit testing of stored procedures and database components to improve quality and reduce regression risk. Develop and maintain automated deployment scripts for database changes; implement rollback procedures and test them prior to production releases. Disaster Recovery and Continuity of Operations Develop and maintain database-specific disaster recovery runbooks, including validated restore procedures, dependency mapping, and configuration baselines. Define and document Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO) targets for supported databases; align recovery procedures accordingly, subject to Government approval. Participate in planned and unplanned DR/COOP exercises; test failover, replication, and restore procedures at agreed intervals and capture results in after-action reports. Technical Leadership and Mentoring Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members on database engineering, data modeling, and SQL Server best practices. Lead code reviews and design sessions for database solutions across assigned application domains. Participate in risk identification and mitigation activities; contribute to the risk and issue log in the Government-designated tool, including data architecture dependencies, technical debt, and compliance gaps. Support ITIL-aligned incident, problem, and change management processes consistent with FPAC standards. Provide knowledge transfer sessions to Government personnel and incoming vendors during transitions. Maintain troubleshooting playbooks, runbooks, and knowledge articles in Government-designated repositories. Modernization Assessment Contribute to the comprehensive inventory of supported database systems and components, including technology stack, dependencies, replication patterns, and operational status. Evaluate modernization options (refactor, re-platform, replace, retire) for database components using structured scoring models based on technical debt, compliance risk, cost to maintain, and business impact. Propose strategies to decouple tightly coupled database architectures, including elimination of cross-database dependencies, table replication, and embedded business logic in stored procedures. Support Transition Package development including architecture decision documentation, modernization roadmap, and knowledge transfer materials. Work Location and Schedule Remote work is approved. Contractor personnel must have access to the internet and Government network and be available to federal PMs, COs, CORs, and TPOCs during core hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST). Normal duty hours are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. After-hours and weekend work may be required to support production releases. Travel within fifty (50) miles of the Contractor’s facilities may be required with COR approval. About Us: AttainX Inc. is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB), CMMC Level 2, CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001:2015 certified QMS and Silver Level SAFe Partner. For more than 15 years, AttainX, Inc. has delivered emergent technologies, software products, and high-quality services that meet the needs of our Federal Government customers. The last 4 years have shown significant company growth as we have increased our contracts portfolio and hold the “Best in Class” contract vehicles, GSA MAS and OASIS Small Business and 8(a) Pools 1, 2 and 3. In addition, we are prime on several Agency Specific IDIQs and BPAs with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Energy, Navy, Health and Human Service, USCIS and the Defense Intelligence Agency. AttainX is dedicated to quality and best practices for the services we provide. We understand our people are the key ingredient to ensuring our customers Mission and Goals are met with excellence. Benefits: Competitive compensation and benefits packages including paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, matching 401K plan, tuition/training reimbursement, and Long & Short-Term Disability. EEO Commitment: AttainX is an equal employment opportunity employer, committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, VEVRAA and Section 503, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. These protections also extend to applicants. Accommodations: Individuals with a disability who would like to request a reasonable workplace accommodation may send an email to Human Resources indicating the specifics of the assistance needed. Physical Demands: Sitting and working on a computer for long, continuous periods each day; effective communications by telephone, email, and face-to-face; standing, walking, and sitting; handling and feeling objects or controls; reaching; talking and hearing; lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds; and specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.