1

Database Kernel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Software Development Engineer-C/C++

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$61.50 - $81.25/hr

Stay updated on emerging database technologies and trends to evaluate new concepts for our database kernel * Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and other engineering ...

Oracle DBA

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50.25 - $68.25/hr

Should have good knowledge on Oracle Kernel Parameters tuning * Excellent hands on experience on performance analysis and tuning. * Managing the Database Performance using (AWR, ADDM). * Hands on ...

Shape Kernel's hiring decisions and culture as we grow What We're Looking For * Experience building extensible APIs, SDKs, and databases designed for scale and high throughput * =1 year of experience ...

Shape Kernel's hiring decisions and culture as we grow What We're Looking For * Experience building extensible APIs, SDKs, and databases designed for scale and high throughput * =1 year of experience ...

RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu, filesystem tuning, kernel parameters * Highly Available Systems: Proven track record with high-performance, 24×7 database clusters * Scripting: Proficiency in Bash and one higher ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Database Kernel information

See salary details

$34.5K

$137.8K

$194K

How much do database kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for database kernel in the United States is $137,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Database Kernel Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Database Kernel Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer science fundamentals, database systems, and low-level programming languages like C or C++, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with database architectures, concurrency control, storage engines, and performance profiling tools is essential, along with experience using version control systems such as Git. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are important soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of core database components that support critical business applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Database Kernel role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Database Kernel roles often encounter challenges such as ensuring high performance under heavy workloads, maintaining data consistency during concurrent operations, and quickly diagnosing low-level system bugs. Addressing these challenges involves a strong understanding of database internals, expertise in systems programming (typically in C or C++), and close collaboration with other engineering teams, such as storage or query optimization. Regular code reviews, comprehensive testing, and performance benchmarking are critical practices that help kernel engineers maintain reliability and efficiency in large-scale production environments.

What is a Database Kernel?

A Database Kernel is the core component of a database management system (DBMS) responsible for managing data storage, retrieval, and manipulation at the lowest level. It handles fundamental operations such as transaction management, concurrency control, query processing, and data integrity. The kernel acts as the intermediary between the hardware and higher-level database functionalities, ensuring efficient and reliable access to data. Its performance and robustness are critical for the overall operation of the DBMS.

What is the difference between Database Kernel vs Database Administrator?

AspectDatabase KernelDatabase Administrator
CredentialsKnowledge of database architecture, programming, and system-level skillsCertifications like Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, or MySQL certifications
Work EnvironmentSystem-level, often involving software development and maintenanceOperational, managing databases, backups, and user access
Industry UsageUsed by database developers and system engineersUsed by IT teams and database management professionals
Search & ComparisonFocuses on internal database components and developmentFocuses on database management, optimization, and user support

The Database Kernel is primarily involved in the core software components and development of database systems, whereas the Database Administrator manages and maintains existing databases, ensuring their performance and security. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within the database ecosystem.

More about Database Kernel jobs
Infographic showing various Database Kernel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,761 per year, or $66.2 per hour.
Principal Database Developer/Kernel and Query Optimization

Principal Database Developer/Kernel and Query Optimization

Oracle

Redwood City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 185 rated software companies


Job description

Job Description
We are looking for a strong Database Developer who will be responsible for the research, design, and development of advanced features in the query optimizer component of Oracle Database. Additionally, you can be adding autonomous features and self learning and ML capabilities in keeping the query optimizer on the leading edge with respect to the competing database systems.
Our vision is to make Oracle query optimizer the most advanced yet easiest to use in the industry but most importantly continue to have fun achieving it
The team members have a strong research background and strive to bring the most advanced ideas to market in the latest versions of Oracle RDBMS. The group actively participates in collaborative manner of designing cross-group features like data partition pruning, zone map pruning, bloom filtering and pruning, database in-memory costing and optimization, JSON and XML document processing. Our team is heavily involved in the creation of automatic features (e.g. auto SQL plan management, auto indexing, auto error mitigation) for On-Prem databases and Autonomous Database announced by Larry Ellison at the Oracle Open World in Oct 2017. The group actively participates in customer and standard industry benchmark efforts. The group owns a large patent portfolio reflecting the ownership of many state-of-the-art innovations.
Qualifications:
The candidate must have the following:
  1. 6+ years of industry experience
  2. knowledge of SQL databases
  3. knowledge of how SQL is processed by kernel
  4. systems programming experience
  5. kernel software development

Highly desirable:
  1. knowledge of SQL query optimization

Responsibilities
As a member of the software engineering division, you will take an active role in researching, designing and development aspect of the Oracle Database kernel code in general and query optimizer code in particular. In addition, you will be responsible for the maintenance of optimizer code such as bug fixes and functional enhancements in addressing customer issues and functional requests.
Qualifications
Disclaimer:
Certain US customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization and occupational health mandates.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $96,800 to $223,400 per annum. May be eligible for bonus and equity.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.
Career Level - IC4
About Us
Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.
True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.
We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.
Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

What Oracle employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oracle logo

About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media