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Staff Database Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Provides SQL Server Database engineering expertise to support recommendations, designs, development ... Great team attitude and able to work comfortably with technical staff as well as business and non ...

... with their staffing needs. Our client relationships span years and insure that candidates are ... Work with software developers to troubleshoot and improve database related tools/applications.

Database Developer (Depot)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55.32 - $64.04/hr

Great team attitude and able to work comfortably with technical staff as well as business and non ... AWS Cloud Engineering (CMDB): PostgreSQL (AWS RDS), Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3 ...

... with their staffing needs. Our client relationships span years and insure that candidates are ... Work with software developers to troubleshoot and improve database related tools/applications.

Staff Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$168K - $230K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a Staff Data Engineer to own the pipelines that move patient data ... Strong systems thinking, encompassing backend architecture, APIs, databases, and scalability under ...

Showing results 21-40

Staff Database Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$120.5K

$165.3K

How much do staff database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff database engineer in California is $120,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a staff database engineer do?

A Staff Database Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems to ensure high performance, security, and reliability. They often lead database architecture decisions, optimize queries, and collaborate with software engineers to support application requirements. Additionally, they oversee data migrations, establish best practices, and may mentor junior engineers. Their expertise helps organizations manage large volumes of data efficiently and securely.

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

To excel as a Staff Database Engineer, you need deep expertise in database architecture, SQL and NoSQL systems, performance tuning, and a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, cloud database services, and certifications such as AWS Certified Database – Specialty are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you effectively design solutions and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure robust, scalable, and secure data infrastructures that support organizational goals and high system availability.

How does a staff database engineer typically collaborate with software development and DevOps teams?

As a Staff Database Engineer, you will frequently work alongside software developers to optimize database queries and ensure data models align with application requirements. Collaboration with DevOps teams is also common, especially for deploying database changes, automating backups, and maintaining high availability. Clear communication and documentation are essential, as you may lead database design reviews, help troubleshoot production issues, and establish best practices that support both rapid development and system stability.

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

AspectStaff Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systemsMaintaining, securing, and backing up databases
Skills & CertificationsSQL, data modeling, performance tuning, often with certifications like Oracle or Microsoft SQL ServerDatabase management, backup/recovery, security, often with certifications like Oracle DBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, data engineering projects, cloud platformsIT operations, support teams, data security teams
Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, any data-driven organizationLarge enterprises, government agencies, organizations with extensive data management needs

The main difference is that Staff Database Engineers focus on designing and building database systems, while Database Administrators primarily manage and maintain existing databases. Both roles require strong SQL skills and certifications, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

How do you become a staff database engineer?

To become a staff database engineer, candidates typically need extensive experience in database design, management, and optimization, often 8+ years in related roles. Advanced knowledge of SQL, data modeling, and familiarity with database management systems like Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL are essential, along with strong problem-solving and leadership skills. Earning relevant certifications and demonstrating the ability to lead complex projects can also support career advancement to this senior level.

How much money does a staff database engineer make?

A staff database engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in database management, SQL, and cloud platforms, which can influence salary levels.

What is a staff database engineer?

A staff database engineer is a senior technical role responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining large-scale database systems. They often lead complex projects, optimize database performance, and collaborate with engineering teams, typically requiring expertise in SQL, data modeling, and database management tools.
Infographic showing various Staff Database Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,513 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Database Reliability Engineer

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Future Ventures
Investment Clubs and Venture Capital Companies • 1 - 10 employees

$135K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own the health, uptime, and performance of all Oracle and PostgreSQL databases.

  • Develop automation code for routine database tasks and implement monitoring and disaster recovery strategies.

  • Research, troubleshoot, and support data-related issues for software development teams.


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER

SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database Reliability Engineer with expert-level technical knowledge and broad hands‑on experience in Oracle and PostgreSQL database technologies. This employee will be in the IT Engineering organization and join a team of database administrators and engineers responsible for all database technologies used throughout SpaceX. The ideal candidate will be flexible, flourish in a fast paced and challenging environment and have an insatiable desire to learn. They should be a self‑starter, self‑motivator, and possess ingenuity to excel at this position. This individual will need to demonstrate strong knowledge in Linux, server/storage infrastructure, and troubleshooting skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Ownership of the health, uptime and performance of all Oracle and PostgreSQL databases
  • Partner with internal customers to understand current challenges, plan/communicate improvements and anticipate future needs
  • Develop code for automation of routine tasks by leveraging Python, bash, or a similar scripting language
  • Engineer, deploy, maintain, and own all aspects of database monitoring
  • Provide comprehensive and fully vetted backup restore solutions
  • Engineer, implement, and routinely test disaster recovery (DR) strategies
  • Identify and optimize abusive queries to increase system efficiency
  • Design and standardize detailed test conditions and test cases to ensure quality of queries and reports
  • Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to our software developer teams
  • Collaborate on problem resolution, team decisions, and project planning
  • Develop strong documentation and support runbooks
  • Document actions taken on and all configurations applied to database systems
  • Support and foster the professional growth of other database engineering and administration staff via cross‑training, coaching, and responsibility sharing
  • Participate in an on‑call rotation
  • Act as a database design, optimization, and maintenance subject matter expert for various teams as they build out and troubleshoot their applications
  • Automate database administration and implementation tasks and provide self‑service solutions for customers
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering discipline and 8+ years if experience in IT; OR 5+ years of professional experience with database reliability or DevOps in lieu of a degree
  • 5+ years experience in optimizing SQL queries and data replication
  • 5+ years experience in developing monitoring tools and tuning databases
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Expertise in at least two database technologies (i.e. mysql, postgres, oracle, etc.)
  • Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Experience with highly available solutions and clustered environments
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to conversations regarding planning, status updates, root cause analysis, and other collaborations
  • Knowledge of configuration management automation and limiting the amount of manual toil
  • Knowledge of data structure design and modeling
  • Understanding of infrastructure such that you can assist in determining where in the infrastructure a problem originates (whether from a database issue or other)
  • Good knowledge of development cycle to interface well with developers
  • Experience with Oracle RAC, RMAN, Barman, PGhero and similar backup/troubleshooting technologies
  • Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
  • Have a working knowledge and provide basic support for MS SQL and Windows Server
  • Experience with GIT and Python
  • Machine learning experience
  • Big Data experience
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $135,000.00 - $175,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affi... or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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