DBA Architect/ Principal DBA

Principal DBA

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Job Role Overview

The Principal Database Administrator is responsible for the architecture, implementation, and

optimization of database environments across cloud and on premise infrastructures. This position will play a key role in driving database platform modernization, automation, and alignment with enterprise architecture. It requires hands-on expertise with MS SQL Server, NoSQL databases (MongoDB), PostgreSQL, and deep knowledge of data platform provisioning and performance tuning in cloud environments, especially AWS. This role aligns closely with the development and DevOps teams to influence database decisions, CI/CD enablement, and observability.

Essential Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and maintain highly available, secure, and scalable database

environments across multiple platforms (MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL,

and AWS-native services).

• Serve as the SME for complex performance tuning, tracing issues across microservices, and

advanced troubleshooting using APM and monitoring tools.

• Provide deep expertise in PostgreSQL, including plugins, vector capabilities, and cross-

version migration support.

• Drive automation for routine DBA activities including provisioning, patching, backup/recovery,

health checks, and alerting.

• Implement and manage database CI/CD workflows using tools like Flyway, Liquibase, etc.
• Provision and optimize databases in cloud environments, particularly AWS, using services

such as RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, ElastiCache, and Data Migration Services.

• Maintain and enforce robust database security and compliance policies including encryption,

RBAC, audit trails, and regulatory standards.

• Lead database migration and modernization projects, including transitioning legacy databases

to cloud-native or modern alternatives.

• Define and maintain operational best practices for high availability (HA), disaster recovery

(DR), replication, and clustering.

• Generate/Review operational metrics, performance dashboards, and capacity forecasts.
• Provide recommendations on cost-effective database provisioning, scaling, and storage

strategies.

• Collaborate with FinOps teams to monitor, manage, and optimize cloud database costs across

environments.

• Mentor junior DBAs and lead knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security or related discipline

is desired or equivalent work experience and technical training.

• 15+ years of experience in a Database Administrator, Data Architect, or equivalent technical

role

• Proven track record of managing multi-database platforms at scale in production cloud and

hybrid environments.

Certifications

• Microsoft Certified Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert
• AWS Certified Database Specialty
• PostgreSQL Certified Professional
• ITIL v4
• FinOps Certified Practitioner

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Deep hands-on expertise in MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL (including vector & plugin support),

and NoSQL technologies such as MongoDB.

• Experience with provisioning, managing, and optimizing databases on cloud platforms,

particularly AWS.

• Strong understanding of database automation using scripting and infrastructure-as-code tools

(PowerShell, Terraform, CloudFormation).

• Hands-on experience with database CI/CD tools like Flyway, Liquibase, etc.
• Solid knowledge of database observability and tracing through services using APM platforms.
• Proficiency in tracing and troubleshooting across service layers involving cooperating

databases.

• Knowledge of ITIL processes including incident, problem, and change management.
• Conduct regular security audits and implement necessary remediation measures.
• Document solutions and best practices for knowledge sharing and training purposes.
• Ability to work closely with development teams and contribute meaningfully to database

selection and design decisions.

• Strong communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Document solutions and best practices for knowledge sharing purposes.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams

WORKING CONDITIONS

This job works in a typical office environment with controlled air climate (cooling/heating) and

moderate noise levels no unusual exposures. This job will use computer, keyboard,

monitor, telephone, copier, scan/fax machine as well as other office equipment. May

occasionally lift, push, or pull material or boxes/materials weighing up to approximately 15 lbs.

Job is primarily performed sitting at a desk. Headset can be requested. Job requires repetitive

use of hands and wrists on a keyboard and viewing a monitor. Movement consists of

occasional reaching, twisting, turning and bending to side and above to perform job duties.

Expectation Summary

seasoned Principal Database Administrator

• Deep

  technical expertise

  across

  MS SQL Server

  ,

  PostgreSQL

  ,

  MongoDB

  , and

  AWS-native

  database services.
• A

  strategic mindset

  to drive automation, performance tuning, CI/CD integration, security, and cost optimization.
• Ability to

  collaborate closely with DevOps and development teams

  , and lead

  migration

  and

  modernization

  projects.
• Leadership qualities to mentor junior DBAs and

  standardize operational best practices

  .

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's/Master's degree

  in Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 15+ years

  in DBA/Data Architect roles
• Proven experience in

  managing multi-platform databases at scale in cloud/hybrid environments

Certifications (Preferred)

• AWS Certified Database Specialty
• Microsoft Certified Azure DBA Associate
• Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert
• PostgreSQL Certified Professional
• ITIL v4
• FinOps Certified Practitioner