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Sr Database Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Staff Database Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site +1

$125K - $170K/yr

We are looking for a strong database engineer with deep technical expertise, sharp logical reasoning, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. If you are passionate ...

Senior Systems Engineer, Database

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to build and evolve their custom streaming analytics database, Pangolin, while collaborating with internal teams to enhance data exploration and system ...

Senior Staff Database Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site +1

$165K - $289K/yr

We are looking for a strong database engineer with deep technical expertise, sharp logical reasoning, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. If you are passionate ...

Senior Cloud Software Engineer - Database

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $152K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Cloud Software Engineer - Database to design and build cloud-native infrastructure storage platforms and optimize database capabilities to enhance system performance and ...

Senior Staff Database Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site +1

$165K - $289K/yr

We are looking for a strong database engineer with deep technical expertise, sharp logical reasoning, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. If you are passionate ...

Senior Staff Database Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site +1

$165K - $289K/yr

We are looking for a strong database engineer with deep technical expertise, sharp logical reasoning, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. If you are passionate ...

Showing results 41-60

Sr Database Engineer information

See California salary details

$79.9K

$124.7K

$172.7K

How much do sr database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr 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 Sr database engineers face when managing large-scale database systems?

Sr Database Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring data integrity and security across complex, distributed systems, optimizing database performance under heavy workloads, and planning for scalability as data volumes grow. They must also manage regular backups, disaster recovery plans, and stay updated with evolving database technologies. Collaboration with development, DevOps, and security teams is essential to address these challenges and maintain seamless data operations.

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

AspectSr Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS, SQL certificationsBachelor's in CS or related, SQL certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, optimize databases, often in development teamsMaintain, monitor, and troubleshoot databases in production
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare for database developmentCommon in enterprise, IT departments for database management
Search/Comparison IntentFocus on database design and development skillsFocus on database maintenance and support skills

The Sr Database Engineer primarily focuses on designing and developing databases, ensuring optimal performance and scalability. In contrast, a Database Administrator manages and maintains existing databases, ensuring their security, availability, and integrity. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in organizations that rely heavily on data management.

What is a Sr database engineer?

Sr Database Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing complex database systems for organizations. They ensure data integrity, security, and availability, often working with large-scale databases and advanced technologies. Their role includes troubleshooting performance issues, developing backup and recovery strategies, and collaborating with developers and IT teams to support data-driven applications. Sr Database Engineers also help define best practices and mentor junior staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr database engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Database Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of database design, optimization, and management, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Expertise in database platforms (like SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL), proficiency with scripting languages, and certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Oracle Certified Professional are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and address complex data challenges. These skills ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of critical data systems that support business operations.
What cities in California are hiring for Sr Database Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Sr Database Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr 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 SQL SERVER DATABASE DEVELOPER / DATA ENGINEER

VSolvit

Norco, CA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

POSITION IS 100% ONSITE DAILY IN NORCO, CA

Job Summary

The Senior SQL Server Database Developer / Data Engineer serves as the technical lead for enterprise database architecture, SQL Server development, data warehousing, and data engineering initiatives supporting Department of Defense mission systems. This position provides technical leadership for database modernization efforts, enterprise data integration, performance optimization, and complex database migrations while mentoring development teams and establishing database engineering standards.
Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and architecture of enterprise SQL Server database solutions

  • Design and maintain highly available, scalable database environments

  • Lead Data Warehouse and Data Mart architecture using dimensional modeling and star schema design

  • Develop and optimize complex T-SQL solutions supporting enterprise applications

  • Architect ETL/ELT pipelines integrating data from APIs, files, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems

  • Lead PostgreSQL-to-SQL Server migration initiatives

  • Perform enterprise-level database performance tuning and optimization

  • Establish database development standards, coding practices, and governance

  • Lead technical design reviews and database architecture discussions

  • Mentor database developers and provide technical leadership across Agile teams

  • Support production deployments and resolve complex database issues

  • Develop technical documentation including ERDs, source-to-target mappings, and database standards

  • Collaborate with software architects, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity personnel, and government stakeholders


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 8–12+ years of SQL Server database development experience.

  • 5+ years of advanced T-SQL development.

  • Extensive experience with Data Warehousing, Data Marts, ETL/ELT, and SSIS.

  • Experience designing enterprise-scale OLTP and analytical databases.

  • Experience with PostgreSQL migration strategies.

  • Expertise in database performance tuning and optimization.

  • Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and database deployment automation.

  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and solution architecture experience.

  • U.S. Citizenship.

  • Active DoD Secret Clearance or higher (or ability to obtain if permitted by contract).

  • If applicable: If you are or have been recently employed by the U.S. government, a post-employment ethics letter will be required if employment is offered


Desired Qualifications

  • Experience supporting DoD, Navy, or Federal Government systems.

  • Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, or cloud-based data integration platforms.
  • Experience with Azure DevOps or Git-based source control.
  • Knowledge of database security, role-based access controls, and data governance.
  • Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.


Expected Deliverables

  • SQL Server database schema designs.

  • Database tables, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and indexes.

  • ETL/ELT pipelines and data integration solutions.

  • Data warehouse and data mart models.

  • Source-to-target mapping documents.

  • Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).

  • Data dictionaries and technical documentation.

  • Data quality assessment and validation reports.

  • Deployment and implementation documentation.


Company Summary

Join the VSolvit Team! Founded in 2006, VSolvit (pronounced 'We Solve It') is a technology services provider that specializes in cybersecurity, cloud computing, geographic information systems (GIS), business intelligence (BI) systems, data warehousing, engineering services, and custom database and application development. VSolvit is an award winning WOSB, CA CDB, MBE, WBE, and CMMI Level 3 certified company. We offer a customizable health benefits program that best meets the needs of its employees. Offering may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long and short-term disability and other insurance products, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, 401K Retirement Plan options, Tuition Reimbursement, and assorted voluntary benefits. Our goal is to grow together and enjoy the work that we do as a team.

VSolvit LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.