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Lead Database Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Senior Product Manager - Databases

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$156K - $206K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Product Manager to lead database services for Apple Cloud. This role ... Platform intelligence built with AI and GenAI tools that helps developers troubleshoot and optimize ...

Abbott Laboratories

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100 - $200/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead the design, selection, and implementation of modern data platforms and analytics solutions ... database design. * Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent ...

New

Abbott

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA

$112K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead the design, selection, and implementation of modern data platforms and analytics solutions ... database design. * Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent ...

Pop-Up Talent

Database Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$126K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary is open to discuss depending on skills and experience We are seeking an experienced Database Architect with experience in systems engineering to lead the design, optimization, and governance ...

Abbott

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$112K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead the design, selection, and implementation of modern data platforms and analytics solutions ... database design. * Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent ...

Abbott

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$112K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead the design, selection, and implementation of modern data platforms and analytics solutions ... database design. * Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent ...

Jobsbridge

Java (Lead Developer)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... database programming skills (Oracle database and PL/SQL experience a plus). -Experience with Tomcat, Apache HTTP Server, AEM a plus -Familiarity with UNIX systems (system security model, systems ...

Jobsbridge

Java (Lead Developer)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... database programming skills (Oracle database and PL/SQL experience a plus). -Experience with Tomcat, Apache HTTP Server, AEM a plus -Familiarity with UNIX systems (system security model, systems ...

Jobsbridge

Java (Lead Developer)

San Francisco, CA

... database programming skills (Oracle database and PL/SQL experience a plus). -Experience with Tomcat, Apache HTTP Server, AEM a plus -Familiarity with UNIX systems (system security model, systems ...

Mercury Insurance Services, LLC

Microsoft SQL Sr DBA

Brea, CA · On-site

$94K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Closely collaborates with application developers, systems engineers and other database ... Lead and mentor other database administrators to assist in the implementation of IT initiatives.

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 16, 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.

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. Skills in SQL, database architecture, and familiarity with tools like Oracle, SQL Server, or cloud platforms enhance employability in this role.

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.

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 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 is the salary of a Lead Database Developer?

The salary of a Lead Database Developer typically ranges from $90,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often include expertise in SQL, database architecture, and management tools like Oracle or SQL Server.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,870 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Senior Product Manager - Databases

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$156K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, great ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. We are building the next generation of applied data and AI platforms that power Apple's most critical services, ranging from Music, TV+, Sports, and Search to emerging AI and GenAI-driven experiences.
We are seeking a Senior Product Manager to lead database services for Apple Cloud. This role focuses on managing strategy, product features and roadmap for NoSQL database and streaming data services, and GenAI-enabled workflows that teams within Apple can use to build faster, safer, and more scalable applications.
This is a highly technical, cross-functional role working at the intersection of streaming, databases, AI/GenAI systems, and product abstraction.
Description
As a Senior Product Manager for Databases, you will own product capabilities that sit above Apple's core data platform and turn into platform capability.
You will partner closely with database, AI/ML infrastructure, privacy, security, and application teams to design and deliver:
* Product vision and roadmap for streaming data systems and NoSQL databases, aligned to business goals
* Platform intelligence built with AI and GenAI tools that helps developers troubleshoot and optimize databases
* Technical feasibility, scalability, cost efficiency, and high-performance for managed cloud services
* Product collateral to enable product position and adoption by LOBS within Apple
You will be responsible for defining product vision, shaping multi-quarter roadmaps, and driving execution from concept through launch, while balancing platform constraints, customer needs, and long-term architectural integrity.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred).
10+ years of product management experience building enterprise or platform products.
Strong experience working with streaming data systems like Apache Kafka and Apache Flink, Search platforms like Solr and OpenSearch, NoSQL databases such as Apache Cassandra, and distributed caches like Valkey.
Demonstrated ability to take products from concept to launch, including vision setting, roadmap ownership, and execution.
Working knowledge of modern data and AI stacks, and cloud-based data platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep understanding of database and streaming concepts such as ingestion pipelines, transformations, storage, replication and SQL processing.
Experience building or productizing AI/ML or GenAI-powered features.
Familiarity with public cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or similar) and enterprise-scale deployments.
Strong systems thinking and the ability to reason about tradeoffs across performance, cost, reliability, and usability.
Proven ability to influence without authority and build alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
Comfort operating in ambiguous problem spaces and shaping direction where requirements are not fully defined.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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