Database Engineer

Database Engineer

Caltech

Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

IPAC at Caltech invites applications for a Database Engineer to join the team that is developing the Survey Data System for NASA's Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission.

IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, is a dedicated team of scientists, engineers, and administrative personnel who provide science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. NEO Surveyor is a Planetary Defense mission, scheduled to launch in 2027, that is optimized to detect, track, and characterize solar system small bodies that pose a potential risk to the Earth.

Job Duties

As Database Engineer, you will work with the NSDS Lead Solar System Scientist, System Architect, Quality Assurance software engineer, and the IPAC Systems Engineering group to:

• Support in the development and implementation of database schemas for deployment to the NSDS Pipeline Operations system.
• Provide consultation and assistance to applications developers regarding performance or functionality needs; advise on proposed system changes, upgrades, and optimization of queries to serve specific functions.
• Tune database servers as needed based on access patterns and system limits.
• Perform basic database administration tasks, including managing backups, restoring content from possible failures, vacuuming expired objects, and monitoring health of databases.
• Collaborate with other IPAC database developers and administrators to share methods and tools across other projects, and to consult on solutions to problems.
• Write and maintain documentation on procedures and recipes for managing the NSDS Operations databases.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science, database design & administration, or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in designing, implementing, and administering relational database management systems.
• Experience with PostgreSQL database administration.
• Experience with transactional database engines.
• Experience with scripting and programming languages.
• Ability to write and maintain documentation on procedures, recipes, and updates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining database-related server and client software, including user accounts and roles.
• Ability to perform regression testing following all database software, operating system, and hardware upgrades.
• Optimization of database structures and/or queries according to use cases.
• Familiarity with using database performance monitoring tools, vacuuming (periodic refreshes according to scheduled maintenance), and backup / replication strategies.
• Experience managing extremely large datasets.
• Experience with parallel and/or non-relational database technologies.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and Contact information of 3 professional references.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2023

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link:

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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