Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for a Sr. Database Reliability Engineer to ensure the performance and availability of their database infrastructure. This role requires in-depth knowledge of database technologies such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle, along with a strong ability to automate tasks and troubleshoot issues.

Located in Hawthorne, California, this position offers a competitive salary range of $155,000 - $205,000 along with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in IT or database reliability.
• Deep knowledge in SQL query optimization and data replication.
• Proven experience with monitoring tools and tuning databases.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, uptime, and performance of databases.
• Develop automation scripts using Python, Bash, or Ansible.
• Implement disaster recovery strategies and optimize queries.

Skills

Database technology expertise

SQL optimization

Monitoring tools development

Linux knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PostgreSQL

Oracle

MySQL

ClickHouse

Python

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER

SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database Reliability Engineer with expert-level technical knowledge and broad hands‑on experience in OLTP as well as OLAP database technologies. The role is part of the IT Engineering organization and works with database administrators and engineers responsible for all database technologies used throughout SpaceX. The ideal candidate is flexible, thrives in a fast‑paced and challenging environment, and has an insatiable desire to learn. They are a self‑starter, self‑motivator, and possess ingenuity to excel at this position. The role requires strong knowledge of Linux, server/storage infrastructure, and troubleshooting skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ownership of the health, uptime and performance of all PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL and ClickHouse databases
• Partner with internal customers to understand current challenges, plan and communicate improvements, and anticipate future needs
• Develop code for automation of routine tasks leveraging Python, Bash, Ansible or similar scripting language
• Engineer, deploy, maintain, and own all aspects of database monitoring
• Provide comprehensive and fully vetted backup and restore solutions
• Engineer, implement, and routinely test disaster recovery (DR) strategies
• Identify and optimize abusive queries to increase system efficiency
• Design and standardize detailed test conditions and test cases to ensure quality of queries and reports
• Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to software developer teams
• Collaborate on problem resolution, team decisions, and project planning
• Develop strong documentation and support runbooks
• Document actions taken and all configurations applied to database systems
• Support and foster the professional growth of other database engineering and administration staff via cross‑training, coaching, and responsibility sharing
• Participate in an on‑call rotation
• Act as a database design, optimization, and maintenance subject‑matter expert for various teams as they build out and troubleshoot their applications
• Automate database administration and implementation tasks and provide self‑service solutions for customers

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering discipline and 8+ years of experience in IT; OR 10+ years of professional experience with database reliability or DevOps in lieu of a degree
• 8+ years of experience optimizing SQL queries and data replication
• 8+ years of experience developing monitoring tools and tuning databases

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Expertise in at least two database technologies (e.g., MSSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, ClickHouse, Apache Iceberg, etc.)
• Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to meet deadlines
• Experience with highly available solutions and clustered environments
• Ability to participate in and contribute to conversations regarding planning, status updates, root cause analysis, and collaborations
• Knowledge of configuration management automation and reducing manual toil
• Knowledge of data structure design and modeling
• Understanding of infrastructure to assist in diagnosing problems originating from database or other components
• Knowledge of development cycle to interface well with developers
• Experience with Oracle RAC, RMAN, Barman and similar backup/troubleshooting technologies
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Working knowledge of MS SQL and Windows Server
• Experience with GIT and Python
• Machine learning experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Level 1: $155,000 - $205,000

The base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of the total rewards package at SpaceX. Additional rewards may include long‑term incentives, company stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and discount on employee stock purchases. Medical, vision, and dental coverage; access to a 401(k) retirement plan; short and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; and various other discounts and perks are also part of the benefits package. Employees accrue paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays in accordance with company policy.

EEO STATEMENT

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].

ITAR REQUIREMENT

To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.