Database Engineer

About the Role

Database Engineer
Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office
40 hour work week but must be open to flexible hours (i.e. before or after typical business hours)
As a Database Engineer at Zoox, you will design, build, and operate scalable, secure data stores that
power our applications and analytics. Youll partner closely with application and data teams to shape
schemas, tune performance, and automate operations using AWS and infrastructure-as-code. Your work
will improve reliability, reduce cost, and accelerate delivery from development through production.
In this role, you will:
Design and develop efficient, scalable database solutions aligned to business requirements.
Install, configure, and upgrade database software and related tooling.
Monitor performance and optimize queries, indexes, and schemas for reliability and speed.
Implement and maintain database security controls to protect sensitive data.
Collaborate with application developers to optimize schema designs and SQL.
Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across environments.
Develop and maintain documentation for architecture, configuration, and runbooks.
Perform capacity planning and recommend infrastructure improvements.
Manage and support AWS database infrastructure (e.g., RDS/Aurora/Redshift).
Stay current on emerging database technologies, patterns, and best practices.
Qualifications:
Strong understanding of AWS and IaC for database resources.
Proven experience as a Database Engineer/DBA.
Deep knowledge of DBMSs (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Redshift).
Proficiency in SQL and query optimization.
Solid grasp of data modeling, normalization, and schema design principles.
Hands-on experience with performance tuning and monitoring.
Understanding of backup/restore and disaster recovery procedures.
Knowledge of database security best practices.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Nice to have:
AWS networking fundamentals.
Experience with Terraform Cloud and IaC workflows.
Automation/scripting with Python or Shell.
CI/CD for databases (e.g., Bamboo, Flyway, or similar).

Key Responsibilities & Skills

• Scalable Database Design
• Performance Tuning & Query Optimization
• Database Security Management
• Capacity Planning & Cost Optimization
• AWS Database Services Management
• Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) Implementation
• Schema Design & Data Modeling
• Incident Troubleshooting & Resolution
• Documentation & Runbook Development
• Automation of Database Operations

Technical Skills

• AWS (RDS / Aurora / Redshift)
• Terraform Cloud (IaC)
• PostgreSQL
• MySQL
• SQL Server
• SQL
• Python / Shell Scripting
• CI/CD (Bamboo / Flyway)
• Backup & Disaster Recovery Tools
• Monitoring & Alerting Tools

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Data Management, Software Engineering. Preferred: Master's in Computer Science, Master's in Data Science, Master's in Information Systems.

Industry Experience

• Technology / Autonomous Vehicles
• Cloud Services (AWS)
• Data Platform / Analytics
• SaaS
• Enterprise IT