PostgreSQL Database Engineer (Remote)

Requisition Id14410

Annual Salary Range:$$130,000.00-$$160,000.00

Work-Site Type:Remote

ORNL offers a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. In addition, this position is considered remote-eligible for ORNL in pre-approved locations. Remote-eligibility is not a continued guarantee and could be subject to change based on evolving organizational needs.

Note about pay range:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Link to benefits. https://jobs.ornl.gov/content/Benefits/?locale=en_US

Overview:

We're hiring a PostgreSQL Database Engineer! This position resides in the Research & Development group of the Software Engineering Group in the Application Development division of the Information Technology Services Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The Research & Development group focuses on engineering the next generation of high-quality scientific software. Our group innovates and inspires the next generation of cutting-edge scientific software, thus enabling Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to host the world's premier scientific software engineering group and transform science with software-defined solutions that are reliable, usable, and trustworthy.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Database Development & Maintenance:
  • Design, implement, and maintain complex PostgreSQL databases and schemas.
  • Write and optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, triggers, and functions.
  • Ensure data integrity, consistency, and security within the database environment.
  • Perform regular database tuning to improve performance and ensure efficient execution of queries.
  • Develop and manage database migrations, version control, and backup strategies.

• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  • Develop efficient data models for application requirements and reporting.
  • Assist in analyzing, querying, and visualizing large datasets for actionable insights.
  • Implement and maintain data pipelines, ETL processes, and batch jobs for data movement.

• Collaboration & Documentation:
  • Collaborate with backend developers, data engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate PostgreSQL with application architectures.
  • Provide technical support for troubleshooting database-related issues.
  • Write clear and comprehensive documentation for database design, queries, and best practices.
  • Conduct code reviews and share knowledge with team members.

• Database Security & Compliance:
  • Implement database security measures, including user roles, permissions, and encryption techniques.
  • Stay up to date with security patches and best practices for database management.

• Optimization & Troubleshooting:
  • Monitor database performance and resolve issues related to slow queries, indexing, and system resource utilization.
  • Troubleshoot database issues and optimize queries for improved performance.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, business, science, engineering or a related field of study and five (5) to seven (7) years of experience is required for consideration. An overall combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of proven experience in writing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and triggers.

• Three (3) to five (5) years of proven experience working with PostgreSQL in a production environment.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and PostgreSQL-specific features (e.g., CTEs, window functions, JSONB).
• Experience in database optimization, indexing, and query performance tuning.

• Proficiency in PostgreSQL administration, including backup strategies, monitoring, and performance tuning.
• Knowledge of database design principles, normalization, and data modeling.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on code quality and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).

• Familiarity with database replication, clustering, and high-availability setups.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure PostgreSQL) and containerization (e.g., Docker) is a plus.

• Innovation in Database Solutions - Candidate will explore and implement advanced PostgreSQL extensions, particularly those enhancing geospatial capabilities
• Experience creating and/or maintaining custom PostgreSQL extensions is a plus
• Experience optimizing queries and indexing strategies for spatial data
• Hands-on experience in designing databases to integrate GIS technologies
• Knowledge of popular GIS platforms or APIs is a plus (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS, Mapbox, etc.)
• Experience with PosgreSQL's Foreign Data Wrappers is a plus
• Experience with geospatial databases, such as PostGIS or equivalent technologies is highly advantageous
• Design and manage spatial databases and incorporate GIS-specific data types and functionalities where applicable (e.g. PostGIS)
• Familiarity with PostgreSQL extensions like PostGIS, pg_partman, and others is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

ORNL offers a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. In addition, this position is considered remote-eligible for ORNL in pre-approved locations. Remote-eligibility is not a continued guarantee and could be subject to change based on evolving organizational needs.

$130,000 - $160,000

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Link to benefits. https://jobs.ornl.gov/content/Benefits/?locale=en_US

Having difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability? Please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.