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Principal Database Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Database Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $286K/yr

Role Overview As a Staff Database Engineer on the Engineering team at Harvey, you will define how ... You'll partner directly with Principal and Staff Engineers on infrastructure roadmap decisions ...

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How much do principal database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal database engineer in the United States is $138,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Database Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Database Engineer, you need deep expertise in database architecture, advanced SQL, performance tuning, and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with major database platforms (such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server), cloud technologies, and relevant certifications like AWS Certified Database - Specialty are typically required. Leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure robust, scalable database solutions that support business goals and maintain data integrity.

How does a Principal Database Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale projects?

As a Principal Database Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with software developers, data architects, DevOps engineers, and business analysts to design and optimize database solutions. Your role often involves leading technical discussions, setting database standards, and ensuring best practices are followed throughout the project lifecycle. You'll also mentor junior team members and participate in code reviews, while acting as the main point of contact for complex database-related issues. This collaborative approach ensures that database architectures are aligned with both technical requirements and business goals.

What is a Principal Database Engineer?

A Principal Database Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems within an organization. They provide technical leadership, guide best practices for database architecture, and ensure data integrity, security, and scalability. Principal Database Engineers often mentor other team members, set database standards, and collaborate with stakeholders to align database solutions with business goals. Their expertise is essential for managing large-scale data environments and optimizing performance.
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Principal Cloud Database Engineer

Fidelity Investments

Westlake, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 138 rated financial services


Job description

Job Description:

Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Cloud Database Engineer to join the Enterprise Infrastructure & Operations Capacity Database team. This role focuses on capacity & performance reviews, database and SQL performance optimization, best practices, scalability, and reliability across hybrid cloud and on-prem mission critical environments. You will collaborate with our other Capacity teams, application & database teams, Business units, Fidelity Support Center, and our support partners.

As a team, we are responsible for:

  • Optimize and tune databases: Oracle, PostgreSQL (Aurora, RDS, Microsoft - Azureflex), some understanding of SQL Server, SQLMI, Snowflake and distributed (YugabyteDB, CockroachdB).

  • Diagnosing and resolving performance issues through query analysis, indexing strategies, execution plans, and system-level profiling.

  • Familiar with database tools like OEM - Oracle Enterprise Manager, Datadog, Grafana, Prometheus, PGAdmin, and SSMS - SQLServer Management Studio

  • Conduct capacity reviews for complex applications across cloud and on-prem environments (Linux, AIX, Exadata, AWS, Azure).

  • Support AWS (EC2/RDS) and Azure database services and contribute to hybrid architecture improvements.

  • Implement proactive alerting and observability enhancements using AI/ML tools (e.g., Anodot).

  • Collaborate with developers to optimize SQL and reduce latency in high-volume applications.

  • Drive automation and reliability engineering practices to minimize manual intervention.

The Expertise You Have and The Skills You Bring

  • 8+ years' experience in Oracle Database technologies with proven understanding of end-to-end database tech-stack specializing in Capacity & Performance on Exadata, AIX, Linux, AWS & Azure

  • 2+ years of Cloud database performance expertise in PostgreSQL (Aurora, RDS, Azure Azureflex) in large-scale environments.

  • Other database experience is a plus for YugabyteDB, CockroachdB, SQLMI, SQLServer, Snowflake, etc.

  • Expertise in SQL, PL/SQL tuning, execution plan analysis, and OS-level performance debugging.

  • Strong knowledge of AWS and Azure database services.

  • Proficiency in shell scripting and some Python for automation and performance tooling.

  • Familiarity with DevOps principles, modern application frameworks, and cloud operational models

  • Deep Oracle & Postgres internals knowledge: database tuning, optimizer, statistics, partitioning, workload management.

  • Advanced SQL query tuning, OEM Grid Control, Linux shell scripting, PL/SQL monitoring jobs.

  • Experience with database replication (e.g. Goldengate) across different database engine types.

  • Strong understanding of Oracle RAC performance challenges.

  • Ability and understanding how to design resilient, high-performing database platforms using distributed technologies.

  • Team-oriented with strong communication and time management skills.

  • Participate in 24X7 on call rotation for our database capacity Level 3 incident remediation.

  • Write clear, concise, well organized technical documentation to maintain standards and procedures.

  • Should have strong time management skills with willingness and ability to handle multiple projects/initiatives at the same time.

The Team

The Fidelity Enterprise Infrastructure & Operations Capacity Database team provides business facing database capacity solutions, encompassing the application/business aspects of databases, including database engineering, application-data-database integration, data replication, performance consulting, and support, using world-class methodologies & technologies.

Certifications:Category:Information Technology

Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.


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