
Sr. Database Reliability Engineer
SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $205,000 / year
- Hawthorne, CA
Job highlights
- Own database health, uptime, and performance.
- Automate routine tasks with scripting.
- Develop and test backup/DR solutions.
- Optimize queries and troubleshoot data issues.
- Collaborate with internal customers and developers.
About the role
About SpaceX
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.Senior Database Reliability Engineer
SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database Reliability Engineer with expert-level technical knowledge and broad hands-on experience in OLTP as well as OLAP database technologies. This employee will be in the IT Engineering organization and join a team of database administrators and engineers responsible for all database technologies used throughout SpaceX. The ideal candidate will be flexible, flourish in a fast paced and challenging environment and have an insatiable desire to learn. They should be a self-starter, self-motivator, and possess ingenuity to excel at this position. This individual will need to demonstrate strong knowledge in Linux, server/storage infrastructure, and troubleshooting skills.Responsibilities
- Ownership of the health, uptime and performance of all PostgreSQL/Oracle/MySQL & Clickhouse databases
- Partner with internal customers to understand current challenges, plan/communicate improvements and anticipate future needs
- Develop code for automation of routine tasks by leveraging Python, bash, Ansible or a similar scripting language
- Engineer, deploy, maintain, and own all aspects of database monitoring
- Provide comprehensive and fully vetted backup restore solutions
- Engineer, implement, and routinely test disaster recovery (DR) strategies
- Identify and optimize abusive queries to increase system efficiency
- Design and standardize detailed test conditions and test cases to ensure quality of queries and reports
- Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to our software developer teams
- Collaborate on problem resolution, team decisions, and project planning
- Develop strong documentation and support runbooks
- Document actions taken on and all configurations applied to database systems
- Support and foster the professional growth of other database engineering and administration staff via cross-training, coaching, and responsibility sharing
- Participate in an on-call rotation
- Act as a database design, optimization, and maintenance subject matter expert for various teams as they build out and troubleshoot their applications
- Automate database administration and implementation tasks and provide self-service solutions for customers
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering discipline and 8+ years of experience in IT; OR 10+ years of professional experience with database reliability or DevOps in lieu of a degree
- 8+ years experience in optimizing SQL queries and data replication
- 8+ years experience in developing monitoring tools and tuning databases
Preferred Skills And Experience
- Expertise in at least two database technologies (i.e. MSSQL , MySQL, Postgres, Oracle, Clickhouse, Apache Iceberg etc.)
- Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to meet deadlines
- Experience with highly available solutions and clustered environments
- Ability to participate in and contribute to conversations regarding planning, status updates, root cause analysis, and other collaborations
- Knowledge of configuration management automation and limiting the amount of manual toil
- Knowledge of data structure design and modeling
- Understanding of infrastructure such that you can assist in determining where in the infrastructure a problem originates (whether from a database issue or other)
- Good knowledge of development cycle to interface well with developers
- Experience with Oracle RAC, RMAN, Barman and similar backup/troubleshooting technologies
- Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Have a working knowledge and provide basic support for MS SQL and Windows Server
- Experience with GIT and Python
- Machine learning experience
- Big Data experience
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Compensation And Benefits
- Pay Range: Level 1: $155,000 - $205,000. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
- Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.
- You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.Equal Opportunity Employer
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Affirmative Action Plan
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.Key skills/competency
- Senior Database Reliability Engineer
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
- MySQL
- Clickhouse
- Python
- Linux
- Automation
- Database Monitoring
- Disaster Recovery
Skills & topics
- Database Reliability Engineer
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
- MySQL
- Clickhouse
- Python
- Bash
- Ansible
- Linux
- Database Administration
- Automation
- Monitoring
- Backup
- Disaster Recovery
- Query Optimization
- OLTP
- OLAP
- DevOps
- IT Engineering
How to get hired
- Research SpaceX's culture: Understand their mission to explore stars and enable life on Mars.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 8+ years in IT/DevOps, SQL optimization, and monitoring tool development.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize expertise in PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, Clickhouse, Python, and Linux.
- Prepare for tough questions: Be ready to discuss problem-solving, collaboration, and handling fast-paced environments.
- Address ITAR requirements: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Technical preparation
Master PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and Clickhouse.,Become proficient in Python, bash, and Ansible scripting.,Deepen Linux and server infrastructure knowledge.,Practice query optimization and performance tuning.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you automated a complex task.,How do you handle challenging database performance issues?,Explain how you collaborate with development teams.,How do you manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key database technologies I'll be working with as a Senior Database Reliability Engineer at SpaceX?
- As a Senior Database Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, you will primarily work with PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and Clickhouse databases. Your role will involve ensuring their health, uptime, and performance, as well as optimizing queries and developing solutions for backup and disaster recovery.
- What level of experience is required for the Senior Database Reliability Engineer role at SpaceX?
- SpaceX requires a Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering with at least 8 years of IT experience, or 10+ years of professional experience in database reliability or DevOps. You'll also need 8+ years of experience in SQL query optimization, data replication, and developing monitoring tools.
- What are the core responsibilities of a Senior Database Reliability Engineer at SpaceX?
- Key responsibilities include owning database health and performance, automating routine tasks using Python or bash, engineering monitoring solutions, providing backup and disaster recovery, identifying and optimizing inefficient queries, and collaborating with internal customers and software development teams.
- Does SpaceX offer remote work for the Senior Database Reliability Engineer position?
- The job description does not explicitly state if the Senior Database Reliability Engineer position is remote, hybrid, or on-site. However, given the nature of the role and SpaceX's fast-paced environment, it is likely an on-site or hybrid position requiring significant on-premises involvement.
- What is the compensation range for a Senior Database Reliability Engineer at SpaceX?
- The stated pay range for Level 1 Senior Database Reliability Engineer at SpaceX is $155,000 - $205,000 annually. The final salary will be determined based on your specific job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
- What benefits does SpaceX offer to its employees?
- SpaceX offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, stock options or long-term cash awards, potential bonuses, and employee stock purchase plans. Employees also receive paid vacation and holidays.
- Are there specific ITAR requirements for this role at SpaceX?
- Yes, to conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants for this role must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee, or an asylee, or eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
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