Database Platform Engineer

Summary

Join Sourcegraph's Dev Infrastructure team as a Database Engineer and become a key technical leader driving high-impact database initiatives. You will optimize performance, scalability, and cost efficiency by tackling complex PostgreSQL challenges and collaborating across teams. This exciting role involves building automation for reliability and making a measurable impact on cloud efficiency. You'll work with a team trusted by leading software companies and benefit from above-average salary, equity, and generous perks. The role requires deep PostgreSQL expertise, cross-team collaboration skills, and a focus on database observability and cost optimization. Working hours must overlap with PST for at least 15 hours per week.

Requirements

• Clear and empathetic communication skills
• Deep Expertise in PostgreSQL – Hands-on experience with query optimization, schema design, indexing, migrations, and troubleshooting complex database issues
• Cross-Team Collaboration – Proven ability to work across engineering teams, effectively prioritize tasks, and balance project-specific work with broader system-wide improvements
• Database Observability – Experience implementing and utilizing monitoring tools to gain insights into database performance, reliability, and usage patterns
• Cost Optimization – Strong understanding of database cost management strategies, including performance tuning, indexing strategies, and cloud cost reduction techniques
• Your working hours overlap with 9am-5pm PT for at least 15 hours per week so we have time to collaborate synchronously when necessary

Responsibilities

• Familiarize yourself with the current database architecture, telemetry pipelines, and key pain points related to performance and data flows
• Collaborate with key teams to identify immediate optimizations and develop a short-term improvement plan
• Implement optimizations to improve query performance, indexing, and data ingestion latency
• Establish database best practices (e.g., schema design, query optimization) and document them for adoption across teams
• Lead the design and implementation of foundational changes to improve database scalability, reliability, and performance
• Collaborate with the Metrics and Operations team to design efficient telemetry pipelines and reduce data pipeline failures
• Design and implement a scalable, self-service database architecture that supports future growth while minimizing manual intervention
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure ongoing improvements in data migrations, schema evolution, and disaster recovery

Benefits

• Above-average salary
• Equity
• Generous perks & benefits