ServiceNow

Staff Database Engineer

ServiceNow • $146K — $255K *
Santa Clara, CA 95051In-Person
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of database engineering experience in large-scale enterprise environments.
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD with relevant experience in the field.
  • Expertise in PostgreSQL, including transaction management, performance tuning, and backup/restore.
  • Strong Unix/Linux skills with proficiency in diagnostics at the OS level.
  • Experience with public cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  • Ability to integrate AI into workflows and problem-solving processes.
  • Logical thinking and curiosity to understand complex systems end-to-end.

Responsibilities

  • Become a subject matter expert in database troubleshooting and performance analysis.
  • Own the root cause analysis for complex incidents across multi-tenant databases.
  • Develop tooling and automation to mitigate critical issues.
  • Influence infrastructure decisions for the multi-tenant cloud platform.
  • Mentor and collaborate with engineers across various teams.

Benefits

  • Health plan options including flexible spending accounts.
  • 401(k) plan with company matching.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
  • Matching donations for charitable contributions.
  • Flexible time away plan and family leave programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Please Note: This role includes on-call rotation responsibilities.

Team:

Our SWAT (Software Action Team) ensures the production stability of customer applications and infrastructure services. Our engineers are the last line of defense - production champions who own stability at every service level and act as the ultimate escalation point for internal and external customers.

We are looking for a strong database engineer with deep technical expertise, sharp logical reasoning, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. If you are passionate about chasing down complex issues in large-scale distributed systems under real-world load, this role is for you. In this role you will support the infrastructure by learning the platform from end to end.

What you get to do in this role:
  • Become an SME in production database troubleshooting, ServiceNow instance performance, and Linux performance analysis - both on-prem and on Hyperscaler
  • Own complex incident root cause analysis across multi-tenant PostgreSQL/MariaDB fleets at scale.
  • Develop observability tooling and automation to prevent recurrence of critical issues
  • Influence infrastructure decisions that shape our multi-tenant cloud platform
  • Mentor and collaborate with engineers across operations, support, and development.


Qualifications

To be successful in this role you have:
  • Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the function or industry.
  • 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience in database engineering in large-scale, enterprise environments - database-focused background required.
  • Deep PostgreSQL expertise including MVCC, transaction management, vacuum mechanics, WAL architecture, advanced query performance tuning, buffer management, and backup/restore
  • Experience supporting large-scale, multi-tenant SaaS, PaaS, or cloud infrastructure platforms
  • Strong Unix/Linux skills - file system navigation, permissions, process management, performance diagnostics.
  • Deep understanding of RedHat Linux internals with hands-on expertise diagnosing CPU, memory, and I/O issues at the OS level
  • Experience with public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Strong problem-solving ability, logical thinking, and a genuine curiosity to understand complex systems end to end.

Desired Skills:
  • Experience with ServiceNow platform, scripting, tuning, and troubleshooting is highly preferred.
  • Scripting proficiency: shell, Python, JavaScript, Ansible.
  • Experience with schemas, replication, indexing, and query optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines

What sets the right candidate apart:
  • You are not a generalist. You are a database engineer first - someone who has spent years going deep on database internals in production environments at large organizations. You bring strong logical reasoning, adapt quickly to new problems, and are comfortable owning high-pressure incidents end to end.


For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $146,200 - $255,900, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.

Additional Information

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

About ServiceNow

ServiceNow provides cloud-based solutions that define, structure, manage, and automate services for enterprise operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and other countries. The company offers service management solutions, including incident, problem, change, request, and cost management as well as service catalogs; and IT, HR, facilities, and field service management solutions. It also provides IT operations management solutions covering service mapping, delivery, and assurance solutions; business management solutions such as financial management, project portfolio suite, vendor performance management, and performance analytics as well as governance, risk, and compliance; and application development services.

ServiceNow Careers

Join the dynamic team at ServiceNow, a global leader in digital workflow solutions, where innovation and leadership converge to shape the future of work. At ServiceNow, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and a chance to be part of a culture that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career journey with ServiceNow and contribute to the world’s leading enterprises' digital transformation. Our team is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies that improve how people work. With ServiceNow, you will use your skills to impact businesses and industries profoundly, driving efficiency and innovation.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

ServiceNow is not just another technology company. We are a team that thrives on diversity and leadership, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes growth and development. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that every team member can achieve their potential.

Innovative Work

ServiceNow is home to more than 10,000 dedicated professionals who lead the charge in digital workflows and enterprise solutions. As part of our team, you will engage in projects that merge technology with practical applications, creating revolutionary products that advance how services are delivered and managed.

Career Development

At ServiceNow, your career trajectory is filled with boundless opportunities. We support your growth with robust training programs, leadership development courses, and access to global challenges. Whether you are looking for an internship, full-time position, or leadership role, ServiceNow equips you with the tools to excel.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at ServiceNow means being part of a community that values teamwork and innovation. Our collaborative environment encourages networking and sharing ideas, making our workplace vibrant and dynamic. The benefits of joining ServiceNow extend beyond comprehensive health and wellness; they include fostering professional connections and friendships that last a lifetime.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, ServiceNow offers a range of employment options to suit your career goals. From internships that provide real-world experience to full-time positions that challenge you to leverage your expertise, we are committed to hiring the best talent.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At ServiceNow, we look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Explore the possibilities that await you at a company that is committed to your professional success.

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ServiceNow Careers

Empowering professionals to achieve more, ServiceNow is where careers are future-proofed, and ambitions are realized. Join us in our journey of growth and innovation.
Learn more about ServiceNow
Size
16,881 employees
Market Cap
$76.5 billion
Industry
Information Technology
Net Income
$118.5 million
Founded
2004
5 Year Trend
+33.5%
Revenue
$4.5 billion
NASDAQ
NOW
* Ladders Estimates

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