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Senior Database Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kros-Wise

Senior Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Database Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of database systems for a high-visibility Department of ...

Kros-Wise

Senior Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Database Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of database systems for a high-visibility Department of ...

Kros-Wise

Senior Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Database Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of database systems for a high-visibility Department of ...

Abode TechZone, LLC

Sr. Database Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $152K/yr

Abode TechZone, LLC is seeking a Sr. Database Engineer to lead the design of high-performance data environments. The role involves architecting scalable data systems, engineering database automation ...

Leidos

Sr. Database Engineer

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr. Database Engineer in our INTEL SECTOR's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Leidos

Sr. Database Engineer

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr. Database Engineer in our INTEL SECTOR's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Leidos

Sr. Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr. Database Engineer in our INTEL SECTOR's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Leidos

Sr. Database Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr. Database Engineer in our INTEL SECTOR's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Cisco

Senior Database Engineer (DBRE)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Impact As a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, you will help make Meraki's database and data systems reliable, scalable, secure, and operable. You will combine database engineering ...

Cisco

Senior Database Engineer (DBRE)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Impact As a Senior Database Reliability Engineer, you will help make Meraki's database and data systems reliable, scalable, secure, and operable. You will combine database engineering ...

Crunchyroll, LLC

Senior Database Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$124K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Database Engineer for the Data Engineering team, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reliability of our data infrastructure. Your work will directly impact the availability ...

Crunchyroll, LLC

Senior Database Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Database Engineer for the Data Engineering team, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reliability of our data infrastructure. Your work will directly impact the availability ...

TEKsystems

Senior Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · Hybrid

$70 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description As a Database Engineer, you will design, build, and operate scalable, secure data stores that power our applications and analytics. You'll partner closely with application and data teams ...

New

TEKsystems

Senior Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · Hybrid

$70 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description As a Database Engineer, you will design, build, and operate scalable, secure data stores that power our applications and analytics. You'll partner closely with application and data teams ...

New

Abbott Laboratories

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100 - $200/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opportunity The position of Senior Database Engineer II is within our Infectious Disease business unit located at the Towne Centre site in San Diego, California. This position is on site. We're ...

New

Abbott

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA

$112K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Opportunity The position of Senior Database Engineer II is within our Infectious Disease business unit located at the Towne Centre site in San Diego, California. This position is on site. We're ...

Abbott

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$112K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Opportunity The position of Senior Database Engineer II is within our Infectious Disease business unit located at the Towne Centre site in San Diego, California. This position is on site. We're ...

Abbott

Senior Database Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$112K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Opportunity The position of Senior Database Engineer II is within our Infectious Disease business unit located at the Towne Centre site in San Diego, California. This position is on site. We're ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDatabase Engineer JobsSenior Database Engineer JobsSenior Database Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Database Engineer information

See California salary details

$79.9K

$124.7K

$172.7K

How much do senior database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior database engineer in California is $124,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges senior database engineers face when managing large-scale databases, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Database Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring database performance under heavy loads, maintaining data integrity during migrations, and optimizing queries for efficiency. Addressing these issues usually involves proactive monitoring, implementing indexing strategies, and collaborating closely with development teams to design scalable database schemas. Regularly updating skills to keep up with new database technologies and security best practices is also essential for tackling these challenges effectively.

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

AspectSenior Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systemsMaintaining, backing up, and securing databases
Skills & CertificationsSQL, database architecture, performance tuning, certifications like Oracle or Microsoft SQL ServerDatabase management, backup/recovery, security, certifications like Oracle DBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, data engineering projects, system designOperational teams, system maintenance, troubleshooting
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare for database developmentCommon in enterprise IT, government, and large organizations for database upkeep

While both roles work closely with databases, a Senior Database Engineer primarily focuses on designing and optimizing database systems, whereas a Database Administrator handles daily maintenance, security, and backups. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

A Senior Database Engineer needs advanced knowledge of database architecture, SQL, performance tuning, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in tools like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, database clustering, and relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are typical requirements. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help them excel in managing complex data environments and collaborating with development teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring robust, scalable, and secure data solutions that meet organizational needs.

What is a senior database engineer?

A Senior Database Engineer is an experienced IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing database systems within an organization. They ensure databases are secure, reliable, and perform efficiently to meet business needs. Senior Database Engineers often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with developers and system administrators to support data-driven applications. Their expertise is crucial for data integrity, scalability, and disaster recovery planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Database Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Database Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Database Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Database Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Database Engineer jobs in CA?

For Senior Database Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Database Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Database Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,674 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Senior Database Engineer

Kros-Wise

San Diego, CA • On-site

$140K - $190K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Database Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of database systems for a high-visibility Department of the Navy contract. The ideal candidate will ensure data integrity, performance, security, and availability of mission-critical systems.Responsibilities:Design, develop, and implement database systems based on user requirements and system needsAdminister, monitor, and maintain databases to ensure optimal performance and availabilityConduct performance tuning, troubleshooting, and upgrades of existing database systemsImplement and maintain data standards, procedures, and security policiesCollaborate with developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity teams to support system integrationProvide technical support and guidance to end-users and junior staffPrepare documentation, including database design, operational procedures, and user manualsEnsure compliance with DoD and Department of the Navy data management policiesEducation & Experience/Skill Knowledge:Active DoD security clearanceMasters degree in any discipline or Bachelors with 4 years experienceOverall 10 years of professional experience in database development, administration, or analysisProficient in SQL and database performance tuningHands-on experience with database platforms such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQLExperience with data modeling, indexing, and stored proceduresKnowledge of DoD/Navy security standards and compliance (e.g., RMF, STIGs)Ability to support database migration, backup, and disaster recovery strategiesMicrosoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator AssociateCompTIA Security+