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Entry Level Database Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Inventory Clerk

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

This is an entry level position. TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work requires walking, some bending ... for engineers. · Update Databases, Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents as required. · ...

We have two positions open - one entry level with BS degree required; and one mid-level with MS ... Programming skills with C++, Python or Perl, R * Fast learner and willing to learn new skills and ...

New

VDC Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28 - $46/hr

THE ENGINEERING TEAM With an in-house team of electrical engineers, designers, VDC coordinators and ... This is the entry level of technical work requiring a AutoCAD and Revit certification or the ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Database Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$70.9K

$143.1K

$196.3K

How much do entry level database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level database engineer in San Jose, CA is $143,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,600.00 and $164,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level database engineer do?

An Entry Level Database Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of database systems. Their duties often include writing queries, performing data backups, helping optimize database performance, and ensuring data integrity and security. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers and may also help troubleshoot database issues and support other teams with data-related tasks. This role is a foundational position that provides hands-on experience with various database technologies and best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level database engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Database Engineer, you need a solid understanding of database concepts, SQL, and basic programming, often supported by a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with relational database management systems (such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle), basic data modeling tools, and sometimes certifications like Oracle Certified Associate are valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure data integrity, efficient query performance, and smooth collaboration with development teams.

What are some common challenges new entry level database engineers face, and how can they overcome them?

Entry Level Database Engineers often face challenges such as understanding complex database architectures, optimizing queries for performance, and troubleshooting data inconsistencies. Working closely with senior engineers and participating in code reviews can help you learn best practices quickly. It's also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the company's specific database management systems and regularly practice writing and optimizing SQL queries. Proactively seeking feedback and leveraging online resources can accelerate your learning curve and help you become a valuable team member.

What is the difference between Entry Level Database Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectEntry Level Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, basic SQL knowledgeBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related; certifications like Oracle DBA or Microsoft SQL Server
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, data projects, software companiesIT departments, data centers, enterprise environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, consulting firmsLarge corporations, financial institutions, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Database Engineers focus on developing and optimizing databases, often working with developers and data analysts. Database Administrators manage, maintain, and secure existing databases, ensuring performance and data integrity. While both roles require knowledge of SQL and database systems, their responsibilities and work environments differ, with engineers more involved in creation and design, and administrators in ongoing management and troubleshooting.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Database Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Database Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Entry Level Database Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Entry Level Database Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Database Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,081 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Contract Student Worker Software Engineer (6-month Contract) (20/hrs week)

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago


Zoox rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Zoox is on an ambitious journey to develop a full-stack autonomous mobility solution for cities - and the System Design and Mission Assurance (SDMA) team plays a foundational role in making it happen. We're responsible for constructing the safety case and fail-operational design for our autonomous robotaxis before they hit public roads.
We're looking for a part-time Full Stack Software Engineer (approximately 20 hours per week, starting for 6 months) to join the team and gain hands-on, real-world experience building the tools and automation that drive Zoox's safety metrics. This role is an excellent opportunity for local students who want to apply classroom learning to cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology.
Under the mentorship of a senior engineer, you'll collaborate with PMs and engineers to design, develop, and enhance applications used in Zoox's safety evaluation processes.
In this role, you will:
  • Help develop and implement scalable applications to automate the generation of Zoox's safety metrics.
  • Collaborate with software engineers and PMs to build and test new features.
  • Improve existing tools by optimizing latency, CPU/memory usage, and database queries.

Qualifications:
  • Exposure to SQL, Spark, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, CSS, or Python.
  • Experience with a Front-End UI Framework (e.g., Vue, React, Svelte) or a web framework (e.g., Flask, FastAPI).
  • Comfortable using Google Suite or Microsoft Office; willing to learn tools like JIRA or Confluence.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Actively enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college program pursuing a degree or certificate in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with a low-level language such as Java, Kotlin, C, C++, or Rust.
  • Understanding of low-level Linux system protocols, firmware, or ECUs.
  • Experience or interest in using AI-assisted development tools such as Cursor IDE, GitHub Copilot, or Claude Code.

Compensation
$30 per hour.
This is a contract position and employment for this position will be through a vendor contracted with Zoox. The hourly pay range is posted and you will be eligible for a benefits package as offered by the vendor.
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.

What Zoox employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Zoox

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zoox is dedicated to creating the world's first fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the necessary ecosystem to make this technology accessible. Positioned at the crossroads of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox strives to deliver the future of mobility-as-a-service in urban settings. We seek exceptional individuals who share our enthusiasm and are eager to join a dynamic and results-driven team.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Foster City, CA, US