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Lead Database Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crunchyroll, LLC

Senior Database Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

Proficiency in monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog, CloudWatch, DevOps Guru, DB Performance Insights ... We lead and evangelize the principle of 100% automation. Additionally, we define and document ...

Crunchyroll, LLC

Senior Database Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

Proficiency in monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog, CloudWatch, DevOps Guru, DB Performance Insights ... We lead and evangelize the principle of 100% automation. Additionally, we define and document ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Data Architect

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$59 - $76/hr

Lead database modernization initiatives, including migration from relational or legacy platforms to ... Partner with application, DevOps, and security teams to ensure end-to-end architectural alignment.

CALAMP WIRELESS NETWORKS CORPORATION

DBA III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Database SME mindset -- you've reviewed engineering schema changes, contributed design insight in ... You'll lead the design -- likely AWS DMS feeding a multi‑tenant Aurora PostgreSQL store, but the ...

CalAmp

DBA III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Database SME mindset -- you've reviewed engineering schema changes, contributed design insight in ... You'll lead the design -- likely AWS DMS feeding a multi‑tenant Aurora PostgreSQL store, but the ...

CALAMP WIRELESS NETWORKS CORPORATION

DBA III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$92K - $158K/yr

Database SME mindset -- you've reviewed engineering schema changes, contributed design insight in ... You'll lead the design -- likely AWS DMS feeding a multi-tenant Aurora PostgreSQL store, but the ...

Jobsbridge

Oracle Solution Architect

Sacramento, CA · On-site

... lead, and technical manger roles (prefer for them to have a majority of their experience with consulting companies vs contracting) Solid experience with database programming ; Strong database ...

Jobsbridge

Oracle Solution Architect

Sacramento, CA

... lead, and technical manger roles (prefer for them to have a majority of their experience with consulting companies vs contracting) Solid experience with database programming ; Strong database ...

eNett

Senior Database Architect

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$79.75 - $106.75/hr

You'll lead the decomposition of complex stored procedures while simultaneously designing the ... Create migration playbooks and tooling that engineering teams can apply to their own stored ...

New

WEX

Senior Database Architect

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$79.75 - $106.75/hr

You'll lead the decomposition of complex stored procedures while simultaneously designing the ... Create migration playbooks and tooling that engineering teams can apply to their own stored ...

New

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All JobsLead Database Developer JobsLead Database Developer Jobs in California

Lead Database Developer information

See California salary details

$95.2K

$130.9K

$211.7K

How much do lead database developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead database developer in California is $130,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $133,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead database developer?

Lead Database Developers are senior professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex database systems within an organization. They oversee a team of database developers, set best practices, and ensure the security, scalability, and efficiency of data storage and retrieval. Their role often involves collaborating with other departments to understand data requirements and supporting business goals through technical solutions. Additionally, they may be involved in performance tuning, troubleshooting, and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lead database developer?

To thrive as a Lead Database Developer, you need advanced skills in database design, SQL programming, performance tuning, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with database management systems such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure robust, high-performing databases that meet business needs and support organizational growth.

What challenges do lead database developers face when managing large-scale database projects?

Lead Database Developers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance optimization with data integrity, coordinating database changes across multiple development teams, and ensuring robust security measures are in place. Managing database migrations and scaling solutions to handle increasing data volumes can also be complex, especially in environments that demand high availability. Effective communication with stakeholders and aligning database strategies with business needs are crucial for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Lead Database Developer vs Database Administrator?

AspectLead Database DeveloperDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systems and applicationsMaintaining, securing, and ensuring the performance of existing databases
Skills & CertificationsSQL, database design, programming, possibly certifications like Oracle Certified ProfessionalDatabase management, backup/recovery, security, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, project-based roles, software companiesIT departments, enterprise environments, ongoing system maintenance

While both roles work closely with databases, the Lead Database Developer primarily focuses on creating and optimizing database solutions, whereas the Database Administrator manages the day-to-day operation, security, and maintenance of databases. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals for their database needs.

Are lead database developers still in demand?

Lead database developers are still in demand due to ongoing needs for managing large-scale data systems, optimizing database performance, and ensuring data security. They often require expertise in SQL, database architecture, and familiarity with tools like Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL, making their skills valuable across many industries.

What is the salary of a Lead Database Developer?

The salary of a Lead Database Developer typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often include expertise in SQL, database architecture, and team leadership, with some positions offering additional benefits or bonuses.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Database Developer jobs in California?

For Lead Database Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Database Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Database Developer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Database Developer jobs in CA?

For Lead Database Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Database Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Database Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,870 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

C2C Job Opening for - Database Engineer - West los Angeles, CA

Tech Mirrors

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title

Database Engineer

Location Requirement

West Los Angeles, CA

Job Summary

We are looking for a Database Engineer with deep expertise in SQL Server and Azure cloud technologies to join our product engineering team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, AI-enhanced SDLC and is passionate about building scalable, secure, and high-performance applications.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and optimize SQL Server databases for high availability, scalability, and performance.
  • Lead and support Azure migration efforts for legacy databases and data services.
  • Develop and maintain cloud-native data solutions using Azure SQL, Azure DataFactory, Cosmos, and other relevant services.
  • Operate in an AI-driven SDLC environment:
    • Collaborate with AI copilots to convert stakeholder requirements into structured data models and specs.
    • Use generative AI tools to iterate on database architectures and performance strategies.
    • Pair program with AI assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude) to write, refactor, and validate SQL in real time.
    • Implement tools for automated validation, bug prediction, and self-healing data pipelines.
    • Collaborate with application engineers to ensure seamless integration between backend data systems and product features.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot database performance, security, and compliance issues.
Required Qualifications
  • 6+ years of experience in database engineering with a focus on SQL Server.
  • Strong understanding of database design, indexing, query optimization, and stored procedures.
  • Strong experience in database modeling using 3rd Normal Form and data architecture.
  • 3-5 years of experience in NoSQL technologies such as Cosmos.
  • Solid knowledge of SQL internals in Azure SQL Database Hyperscale.
  • Experience optimizing database queries and stored procedures, including monitoring performance for system and database endpoints.
  • Experience using SQL Server side Trace.
  • Proven experience with Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, and cloud-native data architectures.
  • Expertise reviewing stored procedure performance, reading execution plans, and making optimizations.
  • Designing and writing high-performance SQL queries and table designs.
  • Familiarity with AI code assistants like GitHub Copilot or similar tools.
  • Knowledge of distributed databases and ELT tools, data stream processing tools is a big plus.
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