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Lead Database Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Database Reliability Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

We have an opening for a Database Reliability Engineer . You will support the database ... Lead complex database reliability, automation, and modernization efforts. * Provide technical ...

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.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Database Engineer JobsLead Database Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Database Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$120.5K

$165.3K

How much do lead database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead database engineer in California is $120,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead database engineer?

Lead Database Engineers are senior professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems within an organization. They oversee database architecture, ensure data security and integrity, and manage a team of database engineers or administrators. Their role often includes optimizing performance, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with other IT departments to support business needs. Lead Database Engineers also play a key part in setting best practices and ensuring compliance with data regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead database engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Database Engineer, you need deep expertise in database architecture, data modeling, performance tuning, and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with major database management systems (such as Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL), cloud platforms, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator are highly valuable. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help drive team success and stakeholder collaboration. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring database reliability, scalability, and alignment with organizational goals.

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

AspectLead Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
CredentialsBS/MS in Computer Science or related field, certifications like Oracle Certified ProfessionalBS in Computer Science, certifications like Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systems, often in collaborative teamsMaintaining, backing up, and securing databases, ensuring system stability
Industry UsageUsed in tech, finance, healthcare for database development and architectureCommon across industries for database maintenance and support
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in database development and architectureFocus on database maintenance and operational support

The Lead Database Engineer primarily focuses on designing and developing database systems, while the Database Administrator manages and maintains existing databases. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in database management, but they differ in scope and responsibilities within organizations.

How does a lead database engineer typically collaborate with development and operations teams?

A Lead Database Engineer works closely with both development and operations teams to ensure databases are optimally designed, secure, and highly available. They often participate in architecture discussions, provide guidance on best practices for data modeling, and help troubleshoot performance issues during application development. Additionally, they coordinate with DevOps to automate database deployments and backups, ensure compliance with data governance policies, and facilitate smooth rollouts and migrations. This cross-functional collaboration is crucial for maintaining data integrity and supporting the scalability needs of the organization.

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

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

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

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

Lead Database Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Database Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,513 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

SENIOR SQL SERVER DATABASE DEVELOPER / DATA ENGINEER with Security Clearance

VSolvit

Norco, CA • On-site

$114K - $154K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

POSITION IS 100% ONSITE DAILY IN NORCO, CA Job Summary The Senior SQL Server Database Developer / Data Engineer serves as the technical lead for enterprise database architecture, SQL Server development, data warehousing, and data engineering initiatives supporting Department of Defense mission systems. This position provides technical leadership for database modernization efforts, enterprise data integration, performance optimization, and complex database migrations while mentoring development teams and establishing database engineering standards. Responsibilities * Lead the design and architecture of enterprise SQL Server database solutions
* Design and maintain highly available, scalable database environments
* Lead Data Warehouse and Data Mart architecture using dimensional modeling and star schema design
* Develop and optimize complex T-SQL solutions supporting enterprise applications
* Architect ETL/ELT pipelines integrating data from APIs, files, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems
* Lead PostgreSQL-to-SQL Server migration initiatives
* Perform enterprise-level database performance tuning and optimization
* Establish database development standards, coding practices, and governance
* Lead technical design reviews and database architecture discussions
* Mentor database developers and provide technical leadership across Agile teams
* Support production deployments and resolve complex database issues
* Develop technical documentation including ERDs, source-to-target mappings, and database standards
* Collaborate with software architects, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity personnel, and government stakeholders Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
* 8-12+ years of SQL Server database development experience.
* 5+ years of advanced T-SQL development.
* Extensive experience with Data Warehousing, Data Marts, ETL/ELT, and SSIS.
* Experience designing enterprise-scale OLTP and analytical databases.
* Experience with PostgreSQL migration strategies.
* Expertise in database performance tuning and optimization.
* Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and database deployment automation.
* Strong leadership, mentoring, and solution architecture experience.
* U.S. Citizenship.
* Active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (or ability to obtain if permitted by contract).
* If applicable: If you are or have been recently employed by the U.S. government, a post-employment ethics letter will be required if employment is offered Desired Qualifications * Experience supporting DoD, Navy, or Federal Government systems.
* Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, or cloud-based data integration platforms. * Experience with Azure DevOps or Git-based source control. * Knowledge of database security, role-based access controls, and data governance. * Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies. Expected Deliverables * SQL Server database schema designs.
* Database tables, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and indexes.
* ETL/ELT pipelines and data integration solutions.
* Data warehouse and data mart models.
* Source-to-target mapping documents.
* Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).
* Data dictionaries and technical documentation.
* Data quality assessment and validation reports.
* Deployment and implementation documentation. C ompany Summary Join the VSolvit Team! Founded in 2006, VSolvit (pronounced 'We Solve It') is a technology services provider that specializes in cybersecurity, cloud computing, geographic information systems (GIS), business intelligence (BI) systems, data warehousing, engineering services, and custom database and application development. VSolvit is an award winning WOSB, CA CDB, MBE, WBE, and CMMI Level 3 certified company. We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees. Offering may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long and short-term disability and other insurance products, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, 401K Retirement Plan options, Tuition Reimbursement, and assorted voluntary benefits. Our goal is to grow together and enjoy the work that we do as a team. VSolvit LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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