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Senior Database Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JBA International

Database Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Database Engineer, Senior will work closely with the engineering team members to design, develop and enhance Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL database solutions. Duties & Responsibilities:

TriluxTech

Senior Database Administrator

San Diego, CA

$52.75 - $72.75/hr

Title - Sr. Database Administrator Location : San Diego, CA Duration : Full-Time About This Jo b We ... This role combines strong database administration expertise with modern data engineering ...

QuidelOrtho

Senior Database Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · Remote

$112K - $152K/yr

Join our mission as our next Senior Database Design Engineer to join our R&D Instrument Platforms organization. This role serves as the subject matter expert for relational database design and tuning ...

SpaceX

Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$155K - $205K/yr

SR. DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database Reliability Engineer with expert-level technical knowledge and broad hands-on experience in OLTP as well as OLAP ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA

$160K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Senior DBA to take end-to-end ownership of database systems on AWS. This ... Cross-Functional Partnership Work closely with engineering, product, analytics, and infrastructure ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Senior DBA to take end-to-end ownership of database systems on AWS. This ... Cross-Functional Partnership Work closely with engineering, product, analytics, and infrastructure ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Senior DBA to take end-to-end ownership of database systems on AWS. This ... Cross-Functional Partnership Work closely with engineering, product, analytics, and infrastructure ...

ResMed

Senior Database Developer

San Diego, CA

About the Role We are seeking a Database Developer with strong expertise in MongoDB and working knowledge of MySQL/Aurora on AWS . The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience designing ...

MatrixCare

Senior Database Developer

San Diego, CA

About the Role We are seeking a Database Developer with strong expertise in MongoDB and working knowledge of MySQL/Aurora on AWS . The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience designing ...

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All 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 Jun 12, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,674 per year, or $59.9 per hour.
Database Engineer

Database Engineer

JBA International

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: The Database Engineer, Senior will work closely with the engineering team members to design, develop and enhance Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL database solutions.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Strong SQL, experience writing, tuning queries based on application requirements and performing debugging on database scripts and programs, as well as resolving conflicts.
  • Highly skilled problem-solver and communicator that is fluent in most data manipulation languages.
  • Design and code a high volume of SQL Queries, stored procedures, and SSIS packages
  • Actively participate as part of matrixed product development teams providing advice on design and tuning of database objects, queries, and overall data architecture.
  • Use of tools and utilities to monitor, load and unload data, generate, and edit test data
  • Effectively plan and organize daily work following priorities, ensuring timely completion of projects and user support
  • Work with the different Technology and business team members to ensure that the associated compute resources are allocated to the databases and to ensure high availability and optimum performance.
  • Provide trend analysis to the service management team to enable them to make informed decisions regarding resource management.
  • Develops a continually growing knowledge of Company's internal business practices, processes and the daily IT operational needs of the users
  • Provide query and performance expertise in support of code development
  • Monitor long running transactions and optimize query executions with index tuning and optimized T-SQL coding technique
  • Problem escalation to development team and third parties as appropriate.
  • Implementation and release of database changes as submitted by the development team
  • Documenting technical environments and processes as necessary
  • Participate in the on-call rotation

Competencies:
  • Perform all work and activities with honesty and integrity.
  • Take personal responsibility for productivity, quality and timeliness of work.
  • Effectively communicate (and listen) clearly, professionally, politely and persuasively in all situations; respond well and in a reasonable, timely manner.
  • Challenge conventional practices and use creativity and information to lead, innovate, problem solve, and implement ideas to contribute to the growth of the organization.
  • Support and meet company/department goals and core values.
  • Collaborate with co-workers to achieve common goals.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis.

Qualifications & Requirements:
  • In-depth SQL knowledge is required, including advanced tuning skills.
  • Expertise in Microsoft SQL Server or PostgreSQL.
  • Experience with clustering and log shipping.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to share ideas and work well in small teams.
  • Possesses excellent problem-solving capabilities.
  • Independent and self-motivated.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, business, or the equivalent is preferred and5 plus years of database development experience is preferred.
  • Experience with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and SSISis required.
  • Knowledge of other programming languages is a plus.

Apply