Principal Database Engineer

As a Principal Database Engineer at PeopleGrove, your role will involve leading the design, optimization, and reliability of database systems. You will be responsible for architecting scalable and efficient database solutions aligned with application and business needs. Additionally, you will monitor production databases for slow queries, inefficiencies, and emerging bottlenecks, conducting root cause analysis and implementing tuning solutions. Key Responsibilities: - **Database Architecture & Design:** - Architect scalable and efficient database solutions aligned with application and business needs. - Design schemas, data models, indexing, and partitioning strategies to support growth and performance. - Evaluate and recommend database technologies and patterns for long-term scalability. - **Performance & Optimization:** - Monitor production databases for slow queries, inefficiencies, and emerging bottlenecks. - Conduct root cause analysis and implement tuning solutions (queries, indexes, configuration). - Define repeatable processes for performance reviews and query optimization across teams. - **Collaboration & Guidance:** - Partner with engineers and architects to review database usage in applications. - Provide technical guidance on data access patterns, query design, and schema evolution. - Mentor engineering teams in database best practices and performance optimization. - **Reliability, Security & Maintenance:** - Implement monitoring, alerting, and health-check frameworks to ensure database reliability. - Oversee backup strategies, replication, and disaster recovery planning. - Maintain strong database security and access control policies. **Core Technologies:** - Relational: PostgreSQL, MySQL - Search & Analytics: Elasticsearch, BigQuery, Snowflake - NoSQL / Cloud-native: Firestore, MongoDB Required Qualifications: - 8 years of experience in database engineering or administration, with at least 5 years in a performance-focused role. - Deep expertise in PostgreSQL and MySQL, including indexing, query optimization, and performance tuning. - Proven experience with monitoring and profiling tools for database performance. - Strong understanding of database security, backup strategies, and disaster recovery. - Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure). - Exposure to data warehousing and large-scale analytics platforms. - Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines. - Experience in SaaS environments with high uptime and performance requirements. At PeopleGrove, we offer a remote option, reimbursement of home office setup, competitive salary, and a friendly atmosphere. We celebrate and support differences and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at careers@peoplegrove.com.,