Database Systems Engineer Senior

Department: IT Cyber Platform Services
Salary/Grade: ITS/82

Job Summary:

The Senior Database Administrator (DBA) supports and manages the university's enterprise database environment, collaborating with both technical and functional teams to design, implement, and maintain robust database systems. This role ensures optimal database availability, performance, and security to meet institutional needs.

Please note : This position will be required to work a hybrid work schedule. That means there are some days required to be onsite at NU and other days remote.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration:

• Support development teams with database provisioning, cloning, data migration, and query optimization.
• Monitor and troubleshoot database performance and promptly respond to alerts and incident reports to maintain reliability and user satisfaction.
• Install, patch, and upgrade database software following the industry's best practices.
• Implement and maintain database backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Manage and tune database memory, indices, tables, and tablespaces for optimal performance and efficient resource utilization.
• Manage user accounts, roles, and permissions in alignment with NUIT security policy.

Development:

• Develop and update administration scripts for various functions.
• Document database configurations, procedures, and policies.
• Performs database capacity reporting and planning for future growth.

Others:

• Manage projects ensuring timelines and deliverables are met and meet expectations.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as required.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of experience as a Database Administrator or similar role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of SQL databases (e.g. Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL).
• Hands on experience with Oracle RAC, Oracle Multitenant, OEM, SQL Server always on, Postgres replication
• Proficiency in database security, encryption, and access control mechanisms.
• Expertise in database scripting languages (e.g., SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL) and familiarity with automation tools.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $111,803 - 120,000per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more .

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .