Full Job Description
We are seeking a mid/senior- level Application Database Administrator to support our Agile sprint teams and manage production database environments. The ideal candidate brings solid, hands-on expertise with MySQL and PostgreSQL, strong data modeling capabilities, and a demonstrated track record in performance tuning and production support. This role works closely with development teams throughout the sprint lifecycle and is expected to operate with a good degree of independence, mentor junior team members, and contribute to database architecture decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Sprint Team Support
• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies (sprint planning, standups, retrospectives, backlog grooming) as the database subject matter expert
• Review user stories and technical requirements, providing database design input and effort estimates
• Partner with developers to translate application requirements into efficient, scalable database structures
• Provide timely turnaround on database changes to keep sprint deliverables on track
• Guide and review the work of junior DBAs or developers on database-related tasks
Data Modeling
• Independently design and maintain logical and physical data models using tools such as Erwin
• Develop conceptual data models aligned with business and application requirements
• Ensure models support normalization standards, referential integrity, and long-term scalability
• Own data dictionaries, schemas, and entity relationship diagrams (ERDs)
• Lead data model reviews with development, architecture, and business stakeholders
• Identify and resolve data model conflicts across multiple applications/systems
Database Administration (MySQL & PostgreSQL)
• Install, configure, and maintain MySQL and PostgreSQL instances across dev, test, staging, and production
• Manage database schemas, users, roles, and security/access controls
• Own backup, restore, patching, and upgrade strategy and execution
• Design, implement, and maintain replication, high availability, and disaster recovery solutions
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to database architecture and standards
Performance Tuning
• Proactively monitor database performance metrics and identify bottlenecks before they impact users
• Analyze and optimize complex, slow-running queries, indexes, and execution plans
• Tune database configuration parameters for optimal throughput and resource utilization
• Lead capacity planning and scalability assessments for growing application workloads
• Establish performance benchmarks and monitoring best practices
Production Support
• Serve as senior/primary DBA support for production systems, including on-call rotation
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex database incidents, outages, and performance degradation
• Drive root cause analysis on production issues and implement preventive/long-term fixes
• Own database change management for deployments and releases, minimizing risk and downtime
• Develop and maintain runbooks, SOPs, and incident documentation
• Serve as an escalation point for critical/high-severity database issues
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a Database Administrator supporting MySQL and PostgreSQL in production environments
• Demonstrated proficiency with data modeling tools (Erwin or similar, e.g., ER/Studio, dbt, Lucidchart)
• Strong, advanced SQL skills with proven experience in query optimization and performance tuning
• Experience supporting Agile/Scrum development teams as an embedded DBA
• Deep understanding of backup/recovery, security, replication, and high-availability architecture
• Proven experience providing production support and resolving critical incidents under pressure
• Experience with database change management and release processes
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with cloud database platforms (AWS RDS/Aurora, Azure Database, GCP Cloud SQL)
• Scripting/automation experience (Python, Bash, PowerShell) for routine DBA tasks
• Experience with monitoring tools (Percona Monitoring and Management, pgAdmin, Datadog, New Relic)
• Prior experience mentoring junior DBAs or leading small technical initiatives
• Knowledge of ETL processes and data integration pipelines
• Experience with additional RDBMS platforms (Oracle, SQL Server) a plus
• Experience contributing to database architecture standards or governance
Key Skills
• MySQL & PostgreSQL Administration (Advanced)
• Data Modeling (Erwin)
• Performance Tuning & Query Optimization
• Production Incident Support & RCA
• Agile/Scrum Collaboration
• Backup, Recovery & High Availability
• Mentorship & Cross-Team Communication