Royal Bank of Canada

Lead Database Developer, GFT

Royal Bank of Canada$100K — $130K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in developing and optimizing relational databases in production settings.
  • Expert in SQL Server, particularly in T-SQL development and performance tuning.
  • 5+ years of experience with PostgreSQL in schema design and optimization.
  • 3+ years with Snowflake or similar cloud data warehouse platforms.
  • 5+ years designing and maintaining data integration pipelines using ETL tools.

Responsibilities

  • Design efficient database schemas and data models for various workloads.
  • Develop and maintain complex ETL pipelines to facilitate reliable data movement.
  • Build and optimize reporting models that support self-service analytics.
  • Write and optimize various database code for performance and maintainability.
  • Conduct performance tuning to meet service-level agreements (SLAs).
  • Implement data governance practices for quality and accuracy of data.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into database solutions.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and flexible health and wellness options.
  • Support for career development through mentorship and opportunities.
  • Access to modern data tools and cloud technologies.
  • Engagement with large-scale data systems that are critical to business operations.
  • Professional development through training and certifications.
Full Job Description
Job Description

What is the opportunity?

Are you a hands-on database developer who loves designing scalable data systems, optimizing complex queries, and building robust data solutions? RBC is looking for a Lead Database Developer to help build and modernize our data infrastructure, creating high-performance databases and data warehouses that power critical analytics, reporting, and business intelligence systems.

You'll spend the majority of your time designing schemas, developing ETL pipelines, optimizing database performance, and building reporting data models that enable teams across the organization to make data-driven decisions. If you're excited about solving complex data challenges, mentoring junior database engineers, and shaping the data architecture that powers RBC's operations, let's talk.

What will you do?
  • Design and implement efficient database schemas, data models, and dimensional structures optimized for both transactional and analytical workloads across SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and Snowflake.
  • Develop, optimize, and maintain complex ETL pipelines and data integration solutions that reliably move data from source systems to target databases, data warehouses, and data marts.
  • Build and optimize reporting data models including dimensional models, star schemas, and slowly changing dimensions that enable self-service analytics and business intelligence.
  • Write and optimize T-SQL, PL/pgSQL, and other database code including stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views to ensure performance and maintainability.
  • Conduct performance tuning and optimization of queries, indexes, and execution plans to meet SLAs and support growing data volumes and user concurrency.
  • Design and implement data governance practices including data quality validation, monitoring, and lineage to ensure data accuracy and trustworthiness.
  • Collaborate with analytics teams, business intelligence teams, and application developers to translate requirements into robust database solutions.
  • Develop and maintain ETL validation frameworks and data quality checks to catch issues early and maintain system reliability.
  • Lead database migration projects from legacy systems to modern platforms like Snowflake, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.
  • Stay current with emerging database technologies and best practices, evaluating new tools and approaches that could improve data delivery and performance.
  • Implement monitoring, alerting, and backup strategies to ensure database availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity.


What do you need to succeed?

Must have:
  • 8+ years of hands-on experience developing and optimizing relational databases in production environments.
  • Expert-level proficiency in SQL Server including T-SQL development, query optimization, indexing strategies, and performance tuning.
  • 5+ years of experience with PostgreSQL including schema design, query optimization, and production administration.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with Snowflake or similar cloud data warehouse platforms including schema design, optimization, and cost management.
  • 5+ years of ETL development experience designing, building, and maintaining data integration pipelines using tools such as SSIS, Python, Airflow, dbt, or similar technologies.
  • Proven experience designing and building dimensional data models, star schemas, and reporting database solutions.
  • Deep understanding of database design principles including normalization, indexing strategies, constraints, and query optimization.
  • Strong SQL skills including ability to write complex queries, stored procedures, functions, and views for both analytical and transactional workloads.
  • Experience with data modeling tools and techniques including entity-relationship diagrams and dimensional modeling approaches.
  • Proficiency with version control systems like Git for managing database code and scripts.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex database performance issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.


Nice to have:
  • Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform and their data warehouse services.
  • Experience with advanced ETL tools like Informatica, Talend, or enterprise data platforms.
  • Familiarity with data governance frameworks, metadata management, and data lineage tools.
  • Experience with machine learning pipelines and feature engineering data models.
  • Understanding of data security, encryption, and compliance requirements in regulated industries.


What's in it for you?

We believe in supporting our people to reach their potential and do meaningful work that makes a difference. You'll join a team where your technical expertise is valued and your contributions shape how data flows through the organization.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits including flexible health and wellness options and stock where applicable.
  • Leaders who support your development through coaching, technical mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
  • Access to modern data tools, cloud infrastructure, and technologies to work efficiently and innovate.
  • Opportunity to work on large-scale data systems that power critical business operations across the organization.
  • Professional development opportunities including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
  • Clear career progression with opportunities to take on leadership roles or specialize in emerging technologies.
  • Impact across the organization as your data solutions enable informed decision-making at scale.


#LI-POST

#TECHPJ

Job Skills
Active Learning, Agile Methodology, Application Development, Application Integrations, Database Design, Database Schemas, Database Technologies, Data Mart, Data Modeling, Data Warehouse, Detail-Oriented, Emerging Technologies, Enterprise Application Delivery, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Generative AI, Group Problem Solving, Machine Learning (ML), Programming Languages, Relational Database, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Structured Query Language (SQL)

Additional Job Details

Address:

RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-04-15

Application Deadline:

2026-06-15
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.

About Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada Careers

Join the dynamic team at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a global leader in financial services and a company committed to excellence and innovation. At RBC, we offer a wide range of job opportunities that empower professionals to shape their career paths with leadership, diversity training, and continuous growth.

Work You’ll Do

At Royal Bank of Canada, we are not just hiring; we are building a culture of innovation and leadership. Our team members are at the forefront of the financial industry, driving transformation and delivering targeted solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Employment at RBC

Whether you are starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, RBC offers positions that challenge your skills and fuel your ambition. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our job opportunities span across various functions and regions. Join us and be part of a team that values professional growth and diversity.

Internship and Professional Development

Kickstart your career with an internship at Royal Bank of Canada. Our internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and insights into the financial services industry. Interns at RBC gain the skills necessary to excel and are often considered for full-time positions within the company.

Benefits and Culture

At RBC, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members at every stage of their life and career. RBC’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Career Growth and Innovation

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through continuous learning and career development programs. At RBC, you will find endless opportunities to grow professionally through on-the-job experiences, formal training programs, and leadership development initiatives. Our commitment to innovation means we are constantly seeking out new ideas and perspectives, making RBC a perfect place for those who aim to lead and innovate.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is our strength. At Royal Bank of Canada, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. Our diversity training programs are designed to educate and inspire, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Start your journey with RBC today and be part of a world-class team known for its commitment to client service, community involvement, and innovation.

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Learn more about Royal Bank of Canada
Size
86,007 employees
Market Cap
$130.3 billion
Industry
5 Year Trend
+8.7%
NASDAQ

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