Database Engineering Scientist

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 104,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid basic medical cover

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Database Engineering Specialist to build, test, and maintain database backends in an enterprise Linux environment, focusing on performance monitoring, troubleshooting, backup and optimization.

You will develop, deploy, and maintain complex PostgreSQL databases, collaborate with development teams, ensure security and data integrity, document SOPs, and support automated data processing for analytic use cases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Three years developing and maintaining complex PostgreSQL databases.
• Three years of SQL-based database development and troubleshooting.
• Strong Linux administration.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code.
• DoD 8140-compliant security certification or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and maintain complex databases tailored for analytic processing in production / operational environments. Includes monitoring and optimization of database performance to support user needs and managing database growth.
• Collaborate with development teams to define application requirements and provide guidance on database programming best practices. Support cross-functional development efforts that require specialized database access and integration.
• Ensure database security and data integrity through robust protection strategies and rigorous validation protocols. Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all deployed database environments.
• Support other efforts related to development, integration and deployment of automated data processing capabilities supporting analytic use cases.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Skills

PostgreSQL

SQL

Linux

Git

CI/CD

Infrastructure as Code

Security+ / DoD 8140

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree in CS or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Database Engineering Scientist

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Hiring Department:

Applied Research Laboratories

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

The Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Austin is seeking a Database Engineering Specialist. The candidate will be responsible for building, testing and maintaining database backends to include performance monitoring, troubleshooting, backup and optimization in an enterprise Linux environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and maintain complex databases tailored for analytic processing in production / operational environments. Includes monitoring and optimization of database performance to support user needs and managing database growth.
• Collaborate with development teams to define application requirements and provide guidance on database programming best practices. Support cross-functional development efforts that require specialized database access and integration.
• Ensure database security and data integrity through robust protection strategies and rigorous validation protocols. Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all deployed database environments.
• Support other efforts related to development, integration and deployment of automated data processing capabilities supporting analytic use cases.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Three years developing and maintaining complex PostgreSQL databases.
• Minimum of three years of experience developing and maintaining complex SQL-based databases. Ability to troubleshoot and fix database errors, analyze database performance and make performance improvement recommendations.
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in Linux administration
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in modern software development practices, including Git, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code.
• Must currently hold, or be able to obtain within the first six months of employment, a DoD 8140 compliant security certification (e.g., Security+).

Applicant must be comfortable learning and working with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen: Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Ten or more years of experience developing and maintaining complex SQL-based databases. Experience managing databases and related infrastructure in the cloud.
• Two or more years of experience developing and maintaining complex PostgreSQL databases. Experience managing databases and related infrastructure in the cloud.
• Strong proficiency in modern cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, RDS, and IAM).
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Salary Range

$104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcript

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.