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Database Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vertisystem Inc.

Systems Programmer/DBA

Downey, CA · On-site

Downey, CA Duration: 12 months Position Description A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification ...

DLS Engineering

Systems Engineer

Elizabeth City, NC

DLS Engineering is seeking qualified candidates to fill an immediate full-time opening as a Systems ... Coordinate with application and database backups with data center staff. * Install or coordinate ...

MKS2 Technologies

Database Engineer - Cleared

Aurora, CO · On-site

$175K - $180K/yr

Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot database systems * Perform administrative support ... Collaborate with system engineers and integration teams * Maintain and update database schemas and ...

Kros-Wise

Senior Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Design, develop, and implement database systems based on user requirements and system needs ... Collaborate with developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity teams to support system ...

Kros-Wise

Senior Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/hr

Design, develop, and implement database systems based on user requirements and system needs ... Collaborate with developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity teams to support system ...

Kros-Wise

Senior Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Design, develop, and implement database systems based on user requirements and system needs ... Collaborate with developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity teams to support system ...

Brain Trust Inc

Software Engineer, Systems

Seattle, WA · On-site

$197K - $233K/yr

Software Engineer We're looking for a software engineer who loves to build high performance data ... If you've worked on database systems, compilers, networks, or storage systems, and want to ...

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Database Systems Engineer information

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$60.5K

$122.1K

$167.5K

How much do database systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for database systems engineer in the United States is $122,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a database engineer do?

A database engineer designs, develops, and maintains database systems to ensure data is stored securely, efficiently, and reliably. They work with database management tools, optimize performance, and may implement security measures, often requiring knowledge of SQL, data modeling, and scripting. Their role is essential for supporting data-driven applications and ensuring data integrity within organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Database Systems Engineers when managing large-scale databases?

Database Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring high availability, optimizing query performance, and managing data security for large-scale databases. Balancing the need for rapid data access with system reliability, especially during peak usage, requires careful planning and monitoring. Additionally, integrating new technologies or migrating data can present compatibility and downtime concerns, making collaboration with development and operations teams essential. Staying current with best practices and automation tools can help address these challenges effectively.

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

To thrive as a Database Systems Engineer, you need expertise in database architecture, SQL, data modeling, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with database management systems like MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server, as well as certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and troubleshoot complex issues. These skills are crucial for ensuring database reliability, performance, and security in organizational environments.

What are Database Systems Engineers?

Database Systems Engineers are IT professionals who design, implement, maintain, and optimize database systems to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and security. They work with various database technologies, such as SQL, NoSQL, or cloud-based solutions, and collaborate with developers and administrators to support application needs. Their responsibilities often include database architecture, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and ensuring data integrity and availability for organizations.

What is the difference between Database Systems Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectDatabase Systems EngineerDatabase Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field; certifications like Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are common.Similar credentials; often holds certifications such as Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server Certification, or MySQL Certification.
Work EnvironmentWorks on designing, developing, and optimizing database systems, often involved in architecture and performance tuning.Manages day-to-day database operations, backups, security, and user access.
Employer & Industry UsageFound in tech companies, large enterprises, and organizations with complex data needs.Common in organizations requiring regular database maintenance and data security.

While both roles require similar credentials and work within the same industry, the Database Systems Engineer focuses on designing and developing database solutions, whereas the Database Administrator handles ongoing maintenance and security. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and systems architecture can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and certifications. Roles in high-demand industries like technology, finance, and cloud computing often offer such compensation levels, particularly for those in leadership or highly technical positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and certain infrastructure roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These roles often require expertise in cloud platforms, programming, and certifications, and may include bonuses and stock options.

What does a data systems engineer do?

A data systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains the infrastructure for storing, processing, and managing large volumes of data. They work with database management systems, data pipelines, and cloud platforms, often requiring knowledge of programming, data modeling, and system optimization. Their role ensures data availability, security, and performance for organizational needs.
More about Database Systems Engineer jobs
What states have the most Database Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Database Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Database Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Database Systems Engineer jobs are:
Database Systems Engineer jobs near you
Senior Software Engineer, Database Systems

Senior Software Engineer, Database Systems

Zilliz

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$129K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Zilliz is a fast-growing startup developing the industry’s leading vector database for enterprise-grade AI. Founded by the engineers behind Milvus, the world’s most popular open-source vector database, the company builds next-generation database technologies to help organizations quickly create AI applications. On a mission to democratize AI, Zilliz is committed to simplifying data management for AI applications and making vector databases accessible to every organization.


The Database Systems team builds the core engine behind Milvus and Zilliz Cloud Vector Lakebase; spanning storage, query execution, indexing, load balancing, resource management, and distributed system architecture. We build the next generation of vector databases around three Natives:
  1. AI-Native: Born for AI and Agent workloads, with native support for vector data and semantic retrieval
  2. Cloud-Native: Designed for elastic scaling and large-scale operation in the cloud
  3. Lake-Native: Built on a data-lake architecture that works naturally with data at massive scale
For this team, scalability, performance, cost efficiency, and reliability are the core engineering goals.
What you will do:
  • Design and build core modules of Milvus and Vector Lakebase, including storage, query engine, indexing, load balancing, resource management, and distributed execution
  • Drive the evolution of the engine architecture, bringing Lake-native capabilities, elastic scaling, and large-scale multi-tenancy into production to support the next stage of growth
  • Design database capabilities for AI and Agent workloads, handling more complex access patterns, higher concurrency, larger scale, and lower latency
  • Own the stability of Zilliz Cloud, working closely with cloud platform and product engineering teams to bring engine capabilities into production and using real customer scenarios to drive engine improvements
  • Iterate on AI developer tooling, bringing AI into the engineering workflow to improve team velocity and system observability
  • Contribute to the Milvus open-source community through design docs, code, code reviews, and technical discussions
What we are looking for:
  • 3+ years of experience building database systems, distributed systems, storage engines, query engines, search systems, or large-scale data infrastructure
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Strong systems programming ability in one or more of C++, Go, or Rust
  • Deep understanding of distributed systems and database internals, including consistency, scalability, performance, fault tolerance, query execution, storage, indexing, resource management, and engineering tradeoffs
  • Strong engineering taste: the ability to judge what design is simpler, what abstraction will last, and which performance and cost tradeoffs actually matter
  • Experience with large-scale cloud-native databases, storage systems, search systems, or data platforms is a strong plus; open-source contributions in databases, storage, search, Kubernetes, or distributed systems are a strong plus
How we operate:
  • Deep systems engineering: We care about correctness, performance, simplicity, and long-term architecture, not just shipping features
  • AI-accelerated engineering: We use AI to assist with coding, testing, documentation, and design drafts, but human engineering taste matters more: deciding what's worth building, what design is simpler, and what abstraction will last
  • High growth, fast pace: We move fast at this stage and value ownership, fast learning, and the drive to take on hard problems. This team suits engineers who want a steep growth curve and rapid leveling-up
  • Fast and pragmatic: We work on hard database problems, but we ship them into real products used by real customers
Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation (cash + equity)
  • Regular bonus and equity refresh opportunities
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and global reset/wellbeing days
  • Generous 401(k) and regional retirement plans

Zilliz is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical disability, or length of time spent unemployed.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.