Head of Database Engineering

PlanHub; Canada; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a leading pre-construction SaaS platform where you will oversee database architecture and optimization. This hands-on role focuses on MySQL Aurora on AWS, requiring expertise in cloud-based RDBMS and team leadership. You will modernize and secure the data tier while ensuring scalability and reliability in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with various teams to enhance database performance and implement best practices. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a company recognized for its growth and innovation in the industry.

Benefits

Open time-off policy

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Empowered culture

Learning opportunities

Dynamic team environment

Qualifications

• 8+ years in database development and administration, with 3+ years in leadership.
• Strong expertise in MySQL Aurora on AWS with a focus on performance tuning.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to deliver scalable and secure database solutions.
• Architect and optimize MySQL Aurora databases on AWS for high performance.

Skills

MySQL Aurora

Database Optimization

AWS

SQL Query Optimization

Database Security Practices

Scripting (Python, Bash)

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

AWS RDS

AWS DynamoDB

Job description

PlanHub is the leading pre-construction SaaS platform and marketplace helping general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers connect and grow their businesses. Built with tradespeople in mind, PlanHub is designed around the user workflow to help boost productivity, maintain deadlines, increase revenue, and create relationships. Easily post projects or submit bids with anytime-anywhere collaboration for every commercial construction trade.

We are seeking a highly experienced Database Development & Administration Lead/Manager to oversee the architecture, optimization, and performance of our database systems, with a primary focus on MySQL Aurora on AWS. This hands-on role requires a deep technical understanding of high-traffic, cloud-based RDBMS, as well as the ability to lead and mentor a team of database engineers. The ideal candidate will be responsible for modernizing, securing, and optimizing our data tier to ensure scalability, reliability, and high performance in a SaaS environment.

What you will be doing:

1. Lead and manage a team of database engineers and administrators to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing database solutions.
2. Architect, develop, and optimize MySQL Aurora databases on AWS, ensuring high availability and performance for mission-critical applications.
3. Design and implement best practices for database schema, indexing strategies, partitioning, and query performance tuning.
4. Optimize database workloads, reducing latency and improving transaction throughput in a high-traffic environment.
5. Ensure database security, compliance, and resilience, implementing role-based access controls (RBAC), encryption, and audit logging.
6. Monitor and maintain database health, leveraging AWS-native tools such as CloudWatch, Performance Insights, and RDS enhancements.
7. Develop and enforce database backup, disaster recovery, and high-availability strategies using multi-AZ deployments and read replicas.
8. Automate database administration tasks leveraging Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) principles with Terraform or AWS CloudFormation.
9. Collaborate with DevOps, application developers, and data engineers to support continuous integration, deployment, and data pipeline efficiency.
10. Lead database migration and modernization initiatives, implementing AWS Well-Architected Framework best practices.
11. Define and track key database performance metrics (KPIs), proactively identifying and addressing bottlenecks.
12. Stay up-to-date with evolving cloud database technologies and introduce innovative solutions to enhance database efficiency.

What you will need to be successful:

1. 8+ years of experience in database development, administration, and optimization, with at least 3+ years leading teams.
2. Strong expertise in MySQL Aurora on AWS, including advanced configuration, monitoring, and performance tuning.
3. Experience with database architecture for SaaS platforms, ensuring multi-tenancy, high availability, and disaster recovery.
4. Deep understanding of SQL query optimization, indexing strategies, and database schema design.
5. Expertise in AWS database services, including RDS, DynamoDB (a plus), Elasticache, and AWS backup strategies.
6. Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar tools.
7. Proven experience in database security practices, including encryption, IAM roles, and access control policies.
8. Experience implementing and managing high-availability and replication strategies for cloud-based databases.
9. Strong scripting skills (e.g., Python, Bash, or SQL scripts) to automate database administration tasks.
10. Familiarity with NoSQL databases and their integration with RDBMS environments is a plus.
11. Deep understanding of AWS Well-Architected Framework and its application to data tier modernization.
12. Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with experience mentoring and developing teams.
13. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

What's in it for you:

The opportunity to join a dynamic team that landed on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list and Inc. 5000 in 2024. You can make an immediate impact as PlanHub moves to dominate the industry!

PlanHub offers:

• An awesome culture where you will be empowered, make an impact, learn a ton,
• Remote friendly
• Open time-off policy
• An excellent benefit package, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) OR GRSP plan with company match

*Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer within the United States or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.