540 - Data Platform Operations Lead (GCP, PostgreSQL) - Contract

• 8+ years of experience in data engineering, database engineering, or platform operations • Strong experience supporting production data platforms in cloud environments • Deep, hands-on expertise in PostgreSQL (performance tuning, indexing, query optimization, vacuuming, maintenance) • Experience supporting PostgreSQL in production at scale (large datasets, high availability environments) • Experience with AlloyDB or similar PostgreSQL-based managed database services • Hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including data and streaming services • Experience with Dataflow, BigQuery, Pub/Sub, Cloud Functions, and/or Dataplex • Experience with data lifecycle management, retention policies, data governance and cataloging • Proven experience in production operations, including incident response and root cause analysis • Hands-on experience with SLIs/SLOs/SLAs, including defining reliability targets, implementing monitoring and using error budgets to guide operational decisions and platform improvements • Proven track record of institutionalizing operational knowledge through technical writing • Experience supporting release management and database deployment processes • Experience working in FedRAMP or regulated cloud environments • Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with engineering teams and stakeholders • Demonstrated ability to take ownership, lead operational efforts, and deliver in a fast-paced environment • Google Cloud certifications (Data Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Database Engineer) • CompTIA Security+ certification • Experience supporting systems at or near production launch • Background in high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), and backup strategies • Experience identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks using logs and system metrics • Prior experience in a client-facing or embedded advisory role • Experience working with federal customers or within government contracting environments • Familiarity with maintaining architecture diagrams and technical documentation repositories • Experience supporting day-two operations for cloud-native data platforms • EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)