Informix Database Administrator

steampunk•McLean, VA

12d•$115,000 - $135,000

About The Position

We are seeking a seasoned Database Administrator with deep IBM Informix expertise to support enterprise-scale database platforms in on-premises and cloud environments. This role goes beyond traditional DBA responsibilities and requires a hands-on technologist with strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a customer-focused mindset. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience administering and optimizing Informix environments while supporting multi-database ecosystems. You will contribute to the growth of our AI & Data Exploitation Practice!

Requirements

Ability to hold a position of public trust with the U.S. government
Bachelor’s degree and at least five (5) years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
2–4 years of hands-on experience as a Database Administrator supporting enterprise database environments
Demonstrated on-the-job experience administering IBM Informix databases, including performance tuning, backup/recovery, and high availability
Experience supporting large-scale, production database environments with high availability and disaster recovery requirements
Strong command of SQL and database performance tuning techniques
Advanced knowledge of database security, backup and recovery, and monitoring best practices
Experience working in UNIX/Linux environments with strong shell scripting skills
Familiarity with cloud technologies, including AWS, and experience supporting databases in cloud environments
Strong attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience with additional database platforms such as Oracle, SQL Server, or IBM DB2 for z/OS
Experience with automation and scripting using Python, Jenkins, or similar tools
Familiarity with database sharding concepts and distributed database architectures
Experience supporting database patching methodologies, including zero-downtime upgrades
Experience with database monitoring tools and enterprise observability platforms
Certifications related to IBM Informix or other enterprise database platforms
Experience working in a DevSecOps environment using CI/CD best practices
Experience applying SRE practices with a focus on automation, reliability, monitoring, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Serve as a hands-on DBA with primary responsibility for IBM Informix databases in on-premises and cloud environments, supporting mission-critical production systems
Perform full lifecycle database administration activities, including performance tuning, capacity planning, backup and recovery, data extraction, and patching
Support Informix-specific high availability and replication technologies (e.g., HDR, RSS, ER)
Troubleshoot and resolve complex database performance, stability, and availability issues in 24x7 production environments
Work extensively in UNIX/Linux environments, including shell scripting (KSH/Bash) for automation and operational tasks
Design and support infrastructure layout, provisioning, and database deployments across enterprise environments
Support Informix database migration from on-prem UNIX environment to cloud Linux environment
Support database workloads in AWS cloud environments, including provisioning, security, monitoring, and operational management
Implement and maintain backup and recovery strategies appropriate to each database platform, including Informix
Support database security best practices, including encryption, access controls, and compliance requirements
Plan and participate in disaster recovery exercises, system failover planning, and resilience testing
Develop and maintain technical documentation, automation scripts, installation procedures, monitoring, and troubleshooting guides
Collaborate with application teams, infrastructure teams, and customers to ensure database solutions meet performance, reliability, and security requirements
Contribute to operational improvements, incident reduction, and performance optimization initiatives