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Lead Database Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pop-Up Talent

Database Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$126K - $160K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

K2 Space

Senior Application Data Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $155K/yr

... Lead data architecture designs, drive data optimization, ensure data integrity and accuracy. • ... databases such as MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Snowflake. • 5+ years of in-depth experience with hosted ...

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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 14, 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.

Cloud Services Database Specialist

Centric Software

Campbell, CA • On-site, Remote

$130 - $160K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Centric Software:
Centric Software® is a global leader, providing an innovative and AI-enabled product-concept-to-commercialization platform for retailers, brands and manufacturers of all sizes. We equip retail, fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home and consumer goods brands with pioneering best-of-breed solutions to plan, design, develop, source, comply, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products. Our technology powers brands to streamline processes, drive efficiency and operate with confidence in an ever-changing market.
Our story is one of rapid growth, bold ideas and extraordinary opportunities. We're here to challenge the status quo-and we're looking for brilliant people who want to do the same. No matter where you are in the world, this is your chance to be part of something exceptional.
Job Title: Cloud Services Escalation Lead
Location: Remote - USA or Canada (ET)
Compensation: $130.000 - $160,000 USD (depending on location)
Job Summary:
As a Database Specialist, you will be responsible for working with common relational databases (Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Server, and PostgreSQL), as well as preferably have an understanding of NoSQL databases (MongoDB specifically), deployed on both traditional servers, as well as Cloud Managed instances (AWS, Azure and GCP), as well as containerized versions.
From a day-to-day perspective, you will be the subject matter expert assisting our global operations team who are responsible for a large number of databases, separated across multiple customer environments, to be proactive in managing instances where underlying issues are to do with those databases, be that such things as long-running queries, or issues relating to their general configuration. This aspect of the work will be working alongside the Cloud Operations team.
While this role does not involve designing database schemas for our core products, it will require you to be able to appreciate, discuss, and understand issues relating to performance with our R&D/DBA community, Performance Testing and DevOps teams, and how we have built this essential component that underpins our software products.
Database design experience will be essential for handling, and working on, internal Cloud Services projects, that underpin the ability of the Cloud Services department to support our day-to-day operational practices.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Monitor various databases across multiple environments, using established tools, such as DataDog, on a day-to-day basis
  • Supporting the Cloud Operations team in handling database issues, and acting as a subject matter expert/escalation point
  • Assist in investigating issues related to various databases, and where necessary, liaise with other internal teams in resolving issues
  • Work with the Cloud Services Infrastructure Architect in implementing robust backup and disaster recovery strategies for various database platforms for both customer accounts and internal applications
  • Supporting the Cloud Operations team in handling Disaster Recovery (DR) operations for databases for customers
  • Ensuring database security in respect to the ways in which Centric implements customer databases
  • Work on Cloud Services projects, where there is a need for database implementations, to ensure they are performant and secure, to meet our security needs

Qualifications:
Must Haves
  • Microsoft Certified: Database Administrator Associate, plus,
  • Certification in at least one of the three main cloud providers, especially those that relate to Cloud Managed Database platforms certification:
  • AWS: AWS Certified Database - Specialty
  • Azure: Azure Database Administrator Associate
  • GCP: Cloud Database Engineer
  • A degree in a Database-related subject

Experience and Skills:
  • 10+ years of proven experience as a Database Administrator/Specialist, including Cloud Managed instances.
  • Hands-on experience in monitoring databases via centralized tools, such as DataDog
  • Experience in troubleshooting performance issues on relational and non-relational databases
  • The ability to work out how databases and database objects work in relation to applications, with or without documentation
  • Experience in handling disaster recovery scenarios for databases, as well as other related areas such as backup management and data retention policies
  • Solid skills in designing and implementing various database platforms, using tools such as Terraform for deployment, and providing support to other teams developing such scripts
  • Experience and knowledge of data security frameworks, including such areas as NIST, ISO27001, and data privacy standards
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams, cloud providers, and external customers
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
  • A keen interest in keeping up-to-date with advancements in database technologies

Nice to Have:
  • Relevant certifications in PostGreSQL and/or MongoDB Administration
  • Any exposure to AI data engineering

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $130,000 - $160,0000 and Benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level and location. The range for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary and certain positions may be offered with additional variable incentives.
Centric Software provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status or genetic information.

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