Senior Database Automation Engineer

Summary

Join Upwork's Data Infrastructure team and contribute to designing, operating, and automating database systems across the global infrastructure. This role blends database engineering and software development to build mission-critical automations for core data assets. You will orchestrate complex systems, handling zero-downtime migrations, end-to-end database provisioning, vulnerability management, and incident response. The position requires expertise in Python-based automation frameworks, collaboration with infrastructure teams, and optimizing Postgres performance. The ideal candidate possesses hybrid expertise in database engineering and software development, strong Python programming skills, and 7+ years of relational database experience. The role involves a 24/7 on-call rotation with APAC time zone alignment preferred.

Requirements

• Hybrid expertise: Deep experience in both database engineering/administration and software development. Candidates who have transitioned from database engineering to software development (or vice versa) are especially encouraged
• Programming skills: Strong background in Python (required); ability to develop robust automation beyond basic scripting. Experience with Ruby or Perl is acceptable if you can quickly adapt to Python
• Database expertise: 7+ years of professional experience with relational databases, with a strong preference for Postgres. Experience with MySQL or Oracle is also valued. NoSQL experience (e.g., DynamoDB) is a plus but not required
• SQL proficiency: Solid understanding of SQL; experience with procedural languages (PL/pgSQL for Postgres or PL/SQL for Oracle) is beneficial but not essential, as most automation is done in Python
• Automation mindset: Passion for automating repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency
• Ownership & accountability: Proactive, resourceful, and able to take full responsibility for solving problems and delivering outcomes
• Collaboration: Strong communication skills; able to work effectively in a distributed, multicultural team

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Python-based automation frameworks (not scripts) for database lifecycle management
• Collaborate with infrastructure teams to integrate systems via APIs (AWS, Kubernetes, HashiCorp)
• Optimize Postgres performance, replication, and backup strategies (99% of relational DB use cases)
• Participate in APAC Time-friendly on-call shifts with weekend coverage

Preferred Qualifications

Cloud & DevOps familiarity: Experience with Terraform and related infrastructure-as-code tools is a plus, but not a core requirement. Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure) is helpful

Benefits

• Work on challenging, high-impact automation projects at the heart of Upwork’s business
• Collaborate with experienced engineers in a supportive, global team environment
• Gain exposure to a wide array of technologies and complex systems orchestration
• Opportunity to shape and improve the core data infrastructure of the world’s leading work marketplace