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Senior Database Engineer Jobs in Darlington, SC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Database Engineer information

See Darlington, SC salary details

$73.9K

$115.3K

$159.8K

How much do senior database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior database engineer in Darlington, SC is $115,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,800.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Darlington, SC are hiring for Senior Database Engineer jobs?

Cities near Darlington, SC with the most Senior Database Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Database Engineer job openings in Darlington, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,325 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

IT Sr Systems Engineer - IT Network Services

McLeod Health

Florence, SC • On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


McLeod Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

605th of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description

The IT SR Systems Engineer provides hands‑on technical leadership for enterprise infrastructure and software systems. This role serves as a resource to staff, leads deployments and disaster recovery efforts, and ensures secure, reliable, and high‑performing server, network, and database environments aligned with organizational standards.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maintains a high standard of professionalism and customer service, consistently representing the organization’s Service Excellence Standards and Core Values when interacting with patients, visitors, physicians, and colleagues.
  • Serves as an intermediate‑level resource to support staff by providing technical direction, overseeing task execution, and ensuring high‑quality service delivery.
  • Performs cross‑functional collaboration to analyze software and workflow needs, aligning technical solutions with operational goals.
  • Oversees software distribution systems, ensuring secure, scalable, and efficient enterprise‑wide deployment.
  • Leads evaluation, testing, and coordinated deployment of software updates, patches, and service packs to minimize downtime.
  • Manages software licensing and inventory compliance, ensuring proactive renewal and usage oversight.
  • Performs advanced network and server administration (Windows Server, VMware, Unix/Linux, Citrix), including capacity planning, performance optimization, and infrastructure forecasting.
  • Provides database administration, including performance monitoring, integrity validation, and point‑in‑time recovery testing using SQL diagnostic tools.
  • Participates in disaster recovery planning, testing, and documentation to ensure business continuity and audit readiness.
  • Ensures compliance with change control, security, and risk management policies; contributes to the development of security standards and procedures.
  • Leads server application installations and standard build development.
  • Participates in on‑call rotation.
  • Other duties may be assigned, dependent upon business need.
Education

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited school. Degree equivalency: Four (4) years of directly related experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.

Experience Required
  • Advanced experience administering complex virtual server environments, including Windows Server, Linux, SQL, Citrix, and web server technologies.
  • Proven expertise in enterprise backup, recovery, and disaster recovery planning and execution.
  • Hands‑on experience configuring and supporting Storage Area Network (SAN) infrastructure.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft patch management, vulnerability remediation, and update deployment processes.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining server security best practices, including endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions such as CrowdStrike.
  • Experience managing and optimizing Linux systems and container‑based applications in production environments.
  • Practical experience designing and supporting cloud‑based infrastructure, including Microsoft Azure.
Combined Education/Experience

A combination of eight (8) years of education and experience may be considered.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Job Information
  • Job Identification 25198
  • Job Category Nonclinical Professional
  • Posting Date 04/24/2026, 01:51 PM
  • Degree Level Associate Degree
  • Job Schedule Full time
  • Job Shift 8:00am - 5:00pm
  • Locations 2210 Enterprise Dr, Florence, SC, 29501, US (Hybrid)
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About McLeod Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McLeod Health is the region's destination for medical excellence. Our excellence extends from the Midlands to the Coast along the border of North and South Carolina - serving more than one million people. As medical needs grow - we grow, expand, and improve our facilities and services. The McLeod Health network is comprised of 7 hospitals with locations in Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Manning, Cheraw, Loris, and Little River. We have also expanded into the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach for patients looking for primary care and family physicians. Founded over a century ago, McLeod is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system which features the strength of more than 800 physicians and 2,000 registered nurses, and more than 8,500 employees. McLeod constantly seeks to improve patient care with efforts that are physician led, data-driven and evidence-based.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Florence, SC, US

Year founded

1906