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Database Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Database Reliability Engineer: Job Type: Full-time Location: Remote Job Summary: Join our team as a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, where you'll play a central role in architecting ...

Senior Database Reliability Engineer: Job Type: Full-time Location: Remote Job Summary: Join our team as a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, where you'll play a central role in architecting ...

Senior Database Reliability Engineer: Job Type: Full-time Location: Remote Job Summary: Join our team as a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, where you'll play a central role in architecting ...

Senior Database Reliability Engineer: Job Type: Full-time Location: Remote Job Summary: Join our team as a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, where you'll play a central role in architecting ...

Syntricate Technologies is a company seeking a Database Developer with extensive experience. The role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining efficient data platforms while utilizing ...

Database Developer-2506270RV14

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $154K/yr

As a Database Developer , you join a team of infrastructure solutions experts working to solve our client's ever evolving project needs. This opportunity will be located in the Client's office at ...

Database Developer-2506270RV14

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $154K/yr

As a Database Developer , you join a team of infrastructure solutions experts working to solve our client's ever evolving project needs. This opportunity will be located in the Client's office at ...

We provide these services in multiple computing environments and use technologies such as client/server architecture, object-oriented programming languages and tools, distributed database management ...

Sr Cloud Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$137K - $205K/yr

The Senior Cloud Database Engineer will work closely with a team of database product specialists and help enhance our product portfolio of database products on the AWS platform with a core focus on ...

Showing results 21-40

Database Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.4K

$125.9K

$172.7K

How much do database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for database engineer in Chicago, IL is $125,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $144,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a database engineer?

As a database engineer, you work to develop and maintain data solutions and information systems for a company in any industry that requires processing and storage of large amounts of information, including healthcare providers or financial service firms. Because you often deal with sensitive data, you must be familiar with appropriate data protection and encryption processes, as well as relevant regulatory frameworks like HIPAA.

What does a database engineer do?

A Database Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining databases that store and organize data for organizations. They ensure that databases are reliable, secure, and optimized for performance. Their duties often include developing database architecture, writing scripts to automate tasks, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with other IT professionals. Database Engineers play a key role in managing large volumes of data and supporting business operations through data integrity and availability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a database engineer?

To thrive as a Database Engineer, you need expertise in database design, management, and optimization, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with database platforms like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or SQL Server, as well as experience with tools such as SQL, ETL processes, and relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate) are typical requirements. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with developers and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for ensuring data integrity, system performance, and supporting business operations through reliable data management.

What are some common challenges faced by database engineers when working with large-scale databases?

Database Engineers working with large-scale databases often encounter challenges such as optimizing query performance, ensuring data consistency across distributed systems, and managing database scalability as data volumes grow. They also need to implement robust backup and recovery solutions to minimize downtime in case of failures. Collaborating closely with application developers and system administrators is essential to address these challenges and maintain database reliability and security.

What is the difference between Database Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectDatabase EngineerDatabase Administrator
Primary RoleDesigns, develops, and implements database systems and solutionsMaintains, monitors, and manages existing databases for performance and security
Skills & CertificationsSQL, database design, scripting, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator AssociateSQL, backup and recovery, security, certifications like Oracle Certified Professional
Work EnvironmentOften involved in development teams, working on new database solutionsTypically in operations teams, ensuring database stability and performance
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, where database design is neededOrganizations requiring ongoing database management and support

While both roles work with databases, Database Engineers focus on designing and building new database systems, whereas Database Administrators manage and maintain existing databases to ensure optimal performance and security.

Are database engineers in demand?

Database engineers are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on data management and storage across industries. They often require skills in SQL, database design, and familiarity with tools like Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, making their expertise valuable in many organizations. The role is expected to grow as data-driven decision-making becomes more critical.

What are the most commonly searched types of Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Database Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,888 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Senior Database Reliability Engineer

Aurora, IL • Remote

micro1 AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$220K - $260K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Senior Database Reliability Engineer:


Job Type: Full-time


Location: Remote


Job Summary:

Join our team as a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, where you’ll play a central role in architecting, optimizing, and ensuring the stability of mission-critical PostgreSQL environments. You will leverage your deep technical expertise to drive database reliability, high availability, and performance at scale within a cutting-edge, cloud-native infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity for talented engineers who are passionate about building robust data systems and thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments.


Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage highly available, resilient PostgreSQL database architectures using AWS RDS and Aurora PostgreSQL.

• Optimize database performance by analyzing query execution plans, tuning indices, and implementing advanced partitioning strategies.

• Ensure disaster recovery readiness through robust backup, replication, and failover processes.

• Diagnose and resolve slow queries, locks, deadlocks, and complex bottlenecks impacting large-scale databases.

• Automate routine maintenance tasks and promote operational excellence across all database environments.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support new features, data migrations, and ongoing application scaling.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Required Skills and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience managing and optimizing PostgreSQL databases in production settings.

• Expert-level knowledge of PostgreSQL internals, query tuning, indexing, partitioning, and replication.

• Proven hands-on experience with AWS RDS and Aurora PostgreSQL, including backup, recovery, and high-availability design.

• Strong analytical abilities in troubleshooting slow queries, execution plans, locks, and deadlocks.

• Demonstrated experience maintaining large-scale, high-traffic databases with millions of rows.

• Deep care for clear, proactive written and verbal communication.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote team.


Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting data platforms, analytics workloads, ETL processes, and operational databases.

• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform), CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native service environments.

• Exposure to supporting modern data architectures and advanced monitoring tools.


Compensation & Benefits Notice

The national pay range for this full-time position is base salary of $120,000-$150,000. All employees are eligible for equity compensation, and employees may also receive performance-based bonuses, dependent on role and subject to company policies. micro1 provides a comprehensive benefits package, including up to 100% reimbursement for health-insurance premiums, paid time off, a 401(K) plan with a company match, and additional benefits designed to support a high-performing, remote-first workforce.


micro1 is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, reach out to support@micro1.ai.


Our hiring process utilizes artificial intelligence tools to assist in candidate screening and assessment. Our AI tools are designed to complement, not replace, human decision-making.


Disclaimer

The information contained in this job posting, including but not limited to role responsibilities, qualifications, compensation, and benefits, is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding offer of employment. micro1 reserves the right to amend, modify, or withdraw any portion of this posting at its sole discretion and without prior notice. All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.