Lead Database Engineer

EPAM Systems, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

EPAM Systems, Inc. seeks a Lead Database Engineer to design, implement, and optimize expansive Cassandra and NoSQL data solutions at scale. You will guide data modeling, cluster setup, performance tuning, and reliability across enterprise systems.

Role requires hands-on Cassandra expertise, leadership experience, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver resilient data platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of practical database experience
• At least one year of leading development teams
• Extensive experience designing Cassandra or NoSQL platforms
• Exposure to Astra or AWS Keyspaces technologies
• Hands-on Cassandra data modeling and NoSQL design
• Knowledge of Cassandra internals (gossip, hinted handoff, read repair, Merkle trees)
• Familiarity with Linux environments and Java configuration
• Working knowledge of MongoDB
• Understanding tombstones, GC and purging practices
• Experience with OpsCenter, DevCenter, Linux, Spark
• Proficiency writing CQL queries for Cassandra
• Foundational CI/CD pipeline setup experience

Responsibilities

• Map Cassandra cluster rollouts by estimating data volumes and hardware needs
• Set up and configure new Cassandra clusters from scratch
• Use monitoring to track cluster uptime and performance
• Convert and export stored data for downstream apps
• Use primary/secondary indexing to optimize queries
• Perform backups and recovery operations
• Tune JVM, caching, and compaction settings for performance
• Run stress tests and analyze results

Job description

We're currently looking to bring a Lead Database Engineer onto our team. This position gives you the opportunity to engage with intricate data infrastructure that powers essential operations across the organization at scale. You'll join colleagues who place high value on technical rigor, creative problem-solving, and a forward-thinking mindset toward sustaining resilient systems. This role suits professionals who thrive on solving demanding database architecture puzzles and who want to leave a lasting mark on system dependability.ResponsibilitiesMap out Cassandra cluster rollouts by calculating expected data volumes and pinpointing hardware needs tied to anticipated data growth and transaction throughputHandle the complete setup, installation, and configuration process for brand-new Cassandra clustersUtilize monitoring solutions to keep tabs on cluster uptime and general performance levelsConvert and export stored information into different file formats to support various downstream applicationsLeverage primary and secondary indexing strategies correctly to ensure queries run efficiently against stored dataPerform data backup and recovery operations to safeguard systems in case of unexpected failuresAdjust performance parameters governing the Java Virtual Machine, caching layers, and compaction routinesExecute stress testing on Cassandra clusters and analyze the performance data that resultsRequirementsA minimum of five years of practical, applicable work experience in the fieldAt least one year spent leading and directing development teamsExtensive expertise designing and constructing Cassandra or comparable NoSQL database platformsSome level of exposure to Astra or AWS Keyspaces technologiesHands-on ability with Cassandra data modeling, NoSQL architectural design, and management of keyspaces, tables, indexes, user provisioning, and permission settingsThorough understanding of Cassandra's internal operations, covering the gossip protocol, hinted handoff mechanisms, read repair functionality, and Merkle tree structuresPractical familiarity with Linux environments and Java configuration settingsWorking knowledge of MongoDBAwareness of how tombstones function along with garbage collection and purging practicesExperience managing, maintaining, and supporting clusters through tools like Opscenter, Devcenter, Linux, and SparkCompetency writing CQL queries that facilitate integration with Cassandra cluster environmentsFoundational experience setting up CI/CD pipeline configurationsStrong communication ability paired with B2-level English proficiency or higher, supporting accurate interpretation of business needs and their conversion into agentic architecture designsNice to haveHands-on background with DataStax Enterprise (DSE)Working exposure to AWS services, covering at least EC2, S3, and IAMExperience connecting systems using Solr and Spark integrationsFamiliarity with CI/CD and automation platforms such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or TeamCityUnderstanding of infrastructure tools like Terraform and CloudFormation, along with Python programmingWe offerInternational projects with top brandsWork with global teams of highly skilled, diverse peersHealthcare benefitsEmployee financial programsPaid time off and sick leaveUpskilling, reskilling and certification coursesUnlimited access to the LinkedIn Learning library and 22,000+ coursesGlobal career opportunitiesVolunteer and community involvement opportunitiesEPAM Employee GroupsAward-winning culture recognized by Glassdoor, Newsweek and LinkedIn