Database Engineer

Kforce Inc; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce is seeking a Database Engineer in Foster City, CA to design, build, and operate scalable data stores powering applications and analytics.

You will partner with application and data teams to shape schemas, tune performance, automate operations using AWS and IaC, and drive reliability while reducing costs. This role offers collaboration and impact across deployment environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Database Engineer/DBA.
• Hands-on experience with performance tuning and monitoring.
• Strong understanding of AWS and IaC for database resources.
• Understanding of backup/restore and disaster recovery procedures.
• Deep knowledge of DBMSs (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Redshift).
• Knowledge of database security best practices.
• Proficiency in SQL and query optimization.
• Solid grasp of data modeling, normalization, and schema design principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop efficient, scalable database solutions aligned to business requirements
• Install, configure, and upgrade database software and related tooling
• Monitor performance and optimize queries, indexes, and schemas for reliability and speed
• Implement and maintain database security controls to protect sensitive data
• Collaborate with application developers to optimize schema designs and SQL
• Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across environments
• Develop and maintain documentation for architecture, configuration, and runbooks
• Perform capacity planning and recommend infrastructure improvements
• Manage and support AWS database infrastructure (e.g., RDS/Aurora/Redshift)
• Stay current on emerging database technologies, patterns, and best practices

Skills

Database engineering

Performance tuning

AWS & IaC

Backup & DR

DBMS knowledge

Database security

SQL & query optimization

Data modeling & schema design

Problem solving & collaboration

Fast-paced environment

Tools

Terraform Cloud

Python scripting

Bamboo

Flyway

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Database Engineer in Foster City, CA. Summary: As a Database Engineer, you will design, build, and operate scalable, secure data stores that power our applications and analytics. You'll partner closely with application and data teams to shape schemas, tune performance, and automate operations using AWS and infrastructure-as-code. Your work will improve reliability, reduce cost, and accelerate delivery from development through production. Duties:

• Design and develop efficient, scalable database solutions aligned to business requirements
• Install, configure, and upgrade database software and related tooling
• Monitor performance and optimize queries, indexes, and schemas for reliability and speed
• Implement and maintain database security controls to protect sensitive data
• Collaborate with application developers to optimize schema designs and SQL
• Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across environments
• Develop and maintain documentation for architecture, configuration, and runbooks
• Perform capacity planning and recommend infrastructure improvements
• Manage and support AWS database infrastructure (e.g., RDS/Aurora/Redshift)
• Stay current on emerging database technologies, patterns, and best practices

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Database Engineer/DBA
• Hands-on experience with performance tuning and monitoring
• Strong understanding of AWS and IaC for database resources
• Understanding of backup/restore and disaster recovery procedures
• Deep knowledge of DBMSs (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Redshift)
• Knowledge of database security best practices
• Proficiency in SQL and query optimization
• Solid grasp of data modeling, normalization, and schema design principles
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Nice To Have

• AWS networking fundamentals
• Experience with Terraform Cloud and IaC workflows
• Automation/scripting with Python or Shell
• CI/CD for databases (e.g., Bamboo, Flyway, or similar)

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.