Database Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Database Engineer
- Company: Billups
- Location: Belgrade, Beograd, Serbia
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Database Administration
- Date Posted: June 13, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
- Remote Status: Remote (Serbia only)
🚀 Role Summary
- Design, code, support, and maintain databases, data pipelines, and data stores for advertising applications.
- Collaborate with team members to deliver scalable solutions and support manual and automated testing in a continuous deployment environment.
- Develop software that empowers customers to optimize their business processes.
- Take ownership of functionality from development through deployment, ensuring high-quality code and continuous releases with minimal bugs.
- Contribute new ideas, research, and knowledge to the team to increase skills for all.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on database architecture, performance tuning, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and scalable data management for advertising applications.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
-
Database Architecture & Development:
- Design and build database systems and services using best practices.
- Demonstrate proper use of data structures, algorithms for traversing them, and optimizing their use.
- Strive for properly designed, structured, and indexed database schemas, and clean, well-tested, and expressive code.
-
Database Support & Maintenance:
- Maintain services, databases, and support data pipelines to keep the systems in good working state.
- Deliver and support scalable innovative solutions to business teams using modern development approaches and best practices.
-
Collaboration & Communication:
- Collaborate with other developers, product, and design stakeholders.
- Actively participate or lead team meetings, mentor junior staff, pair-program, and learn on your own.
- Work with product owners, analysts, designers, and other developers to estimate the size and scope of work.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, math, or a related STEM field.
Experience: At least 3 years of hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server as a database architect, developer, and administrator.
Required Skills:
- Excellent knowledge of SQL/TSQL
- Experience in writing stored procedures and functions
- Deep knowledge of concurrency models and transactional integrity
- Hands-on experience with designing efficient indices
- Experience with database and query performance tuning
- Good practical skills in working with large data sets
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with AWS or Azure cloud services
- Familiarity with data pipelines and ETL processes
- Knowledge of Agile methodologies and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or JavaScript would be beneficial for working with data pipelines and processing large datasets.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Include examples of database design, schema creation, and optimization.
- Showcase your experience with SQL/TSQL, stored procedures, and functions.
- Demonstrate your ability to work with large datasets and optimize query performance.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide documentation for your database projects, including schema design, data modeling, and performance tuning strategies.
- Include any relevant test cases, test plans, or test results that demonstrate your commitment to quality and testing.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: According to data from Glassdoor and Payscale, the average salary for a Database Engineer in Belgrade, Serbia is approximately 400,000 RSD (Serbian Dinar) per year, which is roughly equivalent to €3,400 per month. This range can vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific company.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Collaborative and innovative work environment
- Remote work options for Serbian residents
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time (CEST). Some flexibility may be available for maintenance windows and project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is not explicitly stated, research indicates that the average salary for a Database Engineer in Belgrade is approximately €3,400 per month. This range can vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific company.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Advertising technology and marketing services.
Company Size: Medium-sized company with a team of around 100-250 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: 2013, with a history of innovation and adaptation in the digital marketing landscape.
Team Structure:
- Cross-functional teams consisting of developers, product managers, designers, and marketing specialists.
- Flat hierarchy with a focus on agile methodologies and continuous improvement.
- Strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and customer success.
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum methodologies with sprint planning for web projects.
- Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure high-quality deliverables.
- Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management for efficient and scalable solutions.
Company Website: Billups
📝 Enhancement Note: Billups is an advertising technology company that focuses on providing innovative solutions for digital marketing. Their team structure and development methodologies emphasize collaboration, innovation, and customer success.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Database Engineer Career Level: Mid-level, with a focus on database architecture, development, and maintenance. Responsible for designing, coding, supporting, and maintaining databases and data pipelines for advertising applications.
Reporting Structure: This role may report directly to the Engineering Manager or work closely with other database administrators and engineers within the team.
Technical Impact: The Database Engineer will have a significant impact on the performance, scalability, and reliability of advertising applications by ensuring efficient and well-designed database systems.
Growth Opportunities:
- Senior Database Engineer: With increased experience and expertise, the Database Engineer can progress to a senior role, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior team members.
- Database Architect: By demonstrating exceptional skills in database design, architecture, and performance tuning, the Database Engineer can advance to a database architect role, focusing on strategic database design and optimization.
- Technical Lead: With strong technical leadership skills and a deep understanding of database systems, the Database Engineer can become a technical lead, driving innovation and best practices within the team.
📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry standards and company size, the Database Engineer role at Billups offers significant growth opportunities, including progression to senior roles, database architect, and technical lead positions.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.
Office Location(s): Belgrade, Serbia, with remote work options available for Serbian residents.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative workspace with dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and one-on-one discussions.
- Access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools to ensure optimal productivity.
- Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with designers, marketing specialists, and other stakeholders.
Work Schedule: Standard working hours, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time (CEST), with some flexibility for maintenance windows and project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: Billups offers a modern, collaborative work environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration. While the role is primarily on-site, remote work options are available for Serbian residents.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Assessment (60 minutes): Demonstrate your SQL/TSQL skills, database design principles, and performance tuning strategies through practical exercises and case studies.
- Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview (45 minutes): Discuss your problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and cultural fit with the Billups team.
- Final Interview & Decision (30 minutes): Meet with the Engineering Manager or another senior team member to discuss your career goals, expectations, and the final decision.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your database design, schema creation, and optimization projects.
- Include examples of your SQL/TSQL skills, stored procedures, and functions.
- Showcase your ability to work with large datasets and optimize query performance.
- Emphasize your problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and commitment to quality and testing.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your SQL/TSQL skills, focusing on advanced topics like stored procedures, functions, and performance tuning.
- Familiarize yourself with database design principles, data modeling, and normalization techniques.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and cultural fit.
ATS Keywords:
- Database Management Systems: Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle
- SQL: T-SQL, PL/SQL, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL
- Data Modeling & Design: Entity-Relationship (ER) Diagrams, Database Schema, Database Normalization
- Performance Tuning: Indexing, Query Optimization, Database Optimization, Database Performance Monitoring
- Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Programming Languages: Python, R, JavaScript (bonus skills for working with data pipelines and processing large datasets)
- Collaboration & Communication: Agile/Scrum Methodologies, Cross-Functional Teams, Stakeholder Management
📝 Enhancement Note: To optimize your application and interview process, focus on demonstrating your SQL/TSQL skills, database design principles, and performance tuning strategies. Prepare for technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and final decision-making discussions.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Database Management Systems:
- Microsoft SQL Server (primary focus)
- Familiarity with other database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle is a plus
SQL & Query Languages:
- T-SQL (Transact-SQL) for Microsoft SQL Server
- Familiarity with other SQL dialects like PL/SQL, SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL is a plus
Data Modeling & Design:
- Entity-Relationship (ER) Diagrams
- Database Schema Design
- Database Normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF, 4NF, 5NF)
Performance Tuning:
- Indexing strategies (clustered, non-clustered, unique, composite, etc.)
- Query optimization techniques
- Database optimization and performance monitoring tools
Cloud Services:
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)
- Azure (Microsoft Azure)
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP) (bonus skill)
Programming Languages (bonus skills for working with data pipelines and processing large datasets):
- Python
- R
- JavaScript
📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the primary database management system (Microsoft SQL Server) and relevant SQL dialects, data modeling techniques, and performance tuning strategies. Bonus skills in cloud services and programming languages can provide additional value in working with data pipelines and processing large datasets.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Database Engineer Values:
- User-focused: Prioritize user experience and performance in database design and optimization.
- Collaborative: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and scalable data management solutions.
- Innovative: Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies.
- Quality-driven: Strive for clean, well-tested, and expressive code, and maintain high-quality database systems.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional integration: Collaborate with designers, marketing specialists, and other stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective data management solutions.
- Code review culture: Participate in code reviews to maintain high-quality standards and share knowledge with the team.
- Knowledge sharing: Contribute to building a positive team spirit by sharing knowledge, providing mentorship, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
📝 Enhancement Note: Billups values a user-focused, collaborative, innovative, and quality-driven approach to database engineering. The team emphasizes cross-functional integration, code review culture, and knowledge sharing to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Database Design & Optimization: Design efficient, scalable, and well-indexed database schemas for advertising applications, optimizing query performance, and ensuring data integrity.
- Data Pipeline & ETL Processes: Work with large datasets, optimize data processing, and ensure data quality and consistency across multiple data sources.
- Cloud Migration & Management: Migrate and manage databases in cloud environments, leveraging services like AWS, Azure, or GCP to optimize performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
- Data Security & Compliance: Implement robust data security measures, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and maintain data privacy standards.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Expand your knowledge of database management systems, SQL dialects, data modeling techniques, and performance tuning strategies.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in database management, data processing, and cloud services to enhance your skills and adapt to new challenges.
- Leadership & Mentoring: Develop your leadership skills, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the growth and success of the database engineering team.
📝 Enhancement Note: Database Engineers at Billups face technical challenges in database design, optimization, data pipeline management, cloud migration, and data security. They have ample opportunities for learning, growth, and leadership development within the team.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
-
Database Design & Optimization:
- How would you design a database schema for an advertising application, considering performance, scalability, and data integrity?
- What indexing strategies would you use to optimize query performance for a given dataset?
- How would you approach database normalization, and what techniques would you use to ensure data consistency and integrity?
-
SQL/TSQL Skills:
- Can you write a stored procedure or function to perform a specific task, such as data manipulation, aggregation, or transformation?
- How would you optimize a complex SQL query to improve performance and reduce resource consumption?
Company & Culture Questions:
- How do you approach collaborating with cross-functional teams, and can you provide an example of a successful collaboration project?
- How do you ensure the quality and performance of your database systems, and what testing methodologies do you use?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in database management, and what emerging technologies have you explored recently?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Database Design & Optimization: Present your database design projects, highlighting your approach to schema creation, indexing, and performance tuning.
- SQL/TSQL Skills: Include examples of stored procedures, functions, and complex SQL queries, demonstrating your proficiency in SQL/TSQL.
- Data Pipeline & ETL Processes: Showcase your experience with data processing, optimization, and quality assurance, emphasizing your ability to work with large datasets and ensure data consistency.
📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for technical questions focusing on database design, optimization, and SQL/TSQL skills. Be ready to discuss your collaboration experience, testing methodologies, and emerging technologies in the context of company and culture questions. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight your database design, optimization, and SQL/TSQL skills, as well as your experience with data pipelines and ETL processes.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Database Engineer position at Billups:
- Customize Your Resume: Highlight your database design, SQL/TSQL, performance tuning, and collaboration skills, emphasizing your experience with Microsoft SQL Server and relevant technologies.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your database design, schema creation, optimization, and SQL/TSQL projects, emphasizing your problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and commitment to quality and testing.
- Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Billups' advertising technology focus, company culture, and team structure to ensure a strong cultural fit and understanding of the role's context.
- Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your SQL/TSQL skills, database design principles, and performance tuning strategies, and prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and cultural fit.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about the Database Engineer role at Billups. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 3 years of hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server. Proficiency in SQL/TSQL, database performance tuning, and familiarity with cloud services like AWS or Azure is preferred.