📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Database Engineer - Query Tuning - Postgres
Company: ServiceNow
Location: Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Database Administration
Date Posted: June 17, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site (with potential for flexible work arrangements)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Ensure production database stability, develop automation tools, and troubleshoot complex performance issues.
Key Skills: Database performance tuning, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, automation tools, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Team Context: Collaborate with various engineering and operations groups, as well as external teams like Customer Support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong foundation in database technologies and performance analysis, with a focus on Postgres, MySQL, and MariaDB. The ideal candidate will have a passion for chasing issues in complex systems and learning new technologies.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Database Performance Tuning: Optimize query performance and analyze execution plans for Postgres, MySQL, and MariaDB databases.
Automation Tools Development: Create tools to facilitate and improve day-to-day operations.
Production Triage: Gain broad knowledge across ServiceNow's application and codebase, working with various groups to identify and solve performance issues.
Problem and Performance Analysis: Learn to identify bugs and solve challenging performance issues quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as a well-rounded problem and performance analyst, with exposure to a wide range of technologies and teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 4+ years of database performance tuning on PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MariaDB, and 4+ years supporting or testing large-scale web-based distributed applications.

Required Skills:

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Unix skills (navigation, file manipulation, permissions, searching/finding files, and administrative actions)
Experience with SaaS, PaaS, or Cloud Infrastructure products/solutions
Ability to learn new technologies quickly
Passion for learning about the ServiceNow platform

Preferred Skills:

Experience integrating AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving
Familiarity with AI-powered tools, automating workflows, or analyzing AI-driven insights

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly required, experience with AI integration can be beneficial in this role, as ServiceNow is a global leader in AI-enhanced technology.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Case studies demonstrating database performance tuning and query optimization techniques
Examples of automation tools developed to improve operational efficiency
Documentation showcasing problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and technical expertise

Technical Documentation:

Well-commented code and clear documentation standards
Version control experience and familiarity with deployment processes and server configuration
Performance metrics and optimization techniques applied to previous projects

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with various teams and technologies, a diverse portfolio demonstrating adaptability and strong technical skills will be most impressive.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for this role in Costa Rica is ₡6,000,000 - ₡8,000,000 per year (approximately $10,000 - $13,000 USD). This range is based on regional market data and considers the candidate's experience level and the company's size and industry.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement savings plans with company matching
Employee stock purchase plan
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
A dynamic, collaborative work environment with a strong focus on innovation and growth

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range provided is an estimate, ServiceNow is known for offering competitive compensation packages, including benefits and growth opportunities, to attract top talent in the tech industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: ServiceNow is a global leader in AI-enhanced technology, providing an intelligent cloud-based platform that connects people, systems, and processes to empower organizations to work better.
Company Size: Medium to large (8,100+ employees worldwide)
Founded: 2004
Team Structure: The ideal candidate will work closely with various engineering and operations groups, as well as external teams like Customer Support, to ensure production database stability and improve performance.
Development Methodology: ServiceNow follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Company Website: https://www.servicenow.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and customer success. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be eager to learn and grow with the company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Database Administration Career Level: This role is suited for a senior database engineer with 5-10 years of experience in database performance tuning and large-scale web application support. The candidate will have a strong foundation in database technologies, performance analysis, and troubleshooting skills.

Reporting Structure: The senior database engineer will report to the manager of the Software Action Team (SWAT) and collaborate with various engineering and operations groups, as well as external teams like Customer Support.

Technical Impact: The candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the stability of ServiceNow's production databases and improving performance through query optimization, automation tools development, and problem-solving.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Deepen expertise in database performance tuning, query optimization, and automation tools development.
Leadership Potential: Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and technical expertise to take on more complex challenges and mentor junior team members.
Architecture Decisions: Contribute to architectural decisions related to database performance and optimization, influencing the overall design and functionality of ServiceNow's platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow offers numerous growth opportunities for talented and motivated database engineers, with a strong focus on technical development and leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on innovation and employee well-being.

Office Location(s): America Free Zone North Plaza Real Cariari, C. Domingueños 600 America Free Zone, Heredia, Costa Rica

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: Open-concept workspaces that encourage collaboration and communication among team members.
Development Tools: Access to industry-standard development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal performance.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Opportunities to work with various teams, including design, marketing, and business teams, to ensure user-centric design and functionality.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines).

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, with a strong focus on providing the tools and resources necessary for success.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess the candidate's technical skills and understanding of database performance tuning and query optimization.
On-site Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment involving database performance tuning, query optimization, and problem-solving exercises.
Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview: A discussion of the candidate's problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit within the ServiceNow team.
Final Review: A review of the candidate's performance throughout the interview process and a discussion of the next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight case studies demonstrating database performance tuning and query optimization techniques.
Showcase automation tools developed to improve operational efficiency.
Emphasize problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and technical expertise.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on database performance tuning techniques for Postgres, MySQL, and MariaDB.
Familiarize yourself with automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, or PowerShell).
Prepare for problem-solving scenarios and be ready to discuss your approach to complex performance issues.

ATS Keywords: Database performance tuning, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, automation tools, problem-solving, analytical skills, Unix skills, AI integration, SaaS, PaaS, cloud infrastructure, performance analysis, troubleshooting, production stability, customer support.

📝 Enhancement Note: To optimize your resume for the ServiceNow application, focus on relevant database performance tuning skills, automation tools experience, and problem-solving examples. Highlight any experience with AI integration, SaaS, PaaS, or cloud infrastructure products/solutions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Database Technologies:

PostgreSQL
MySQL
MariaDB

Automation Tools:

Bash scripting
Python scripting
PowerShell scripting
Other relevant automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, or Chef)

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the specific automation tools used at ServiceNow, as this role involves developing tools to improve day-to-day operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

ServiceNow Values:

Customer-Driven: Focus on understanding and addressing customer needs to ensure user-centric design and functionality.
Innovation: Encourage creativity, continuous learning, and a growth mindset to drive technological advancements.
Integrity: Uphold ethical standards and maintain a strong commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with various teams, including design, marketing, and business teams, to ensure user-centric design and functionality.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer-to-peer code reviews and knowledge sharing to maintain high-quality standards and promote continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of mentorship and technical guidance to support the growth and development of team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's team culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and customer success. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be eager to learn and grow with the company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Query Optimization: Develop and implement strategies to optimize query performance and improve database efficiency.
Automation Tools Development: Create tools to automate repetitive tasks and improve operational efficiency.
Performance Analysis: Identify and address performance bottlenecks and optimize database performance under dynamic, real-world loads.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest database performance tuning techniques and tools, and adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Deepen expertise in database performance tuning, query optimization, and automation tools development.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with peers and learn about emerging technologies and best practices.
Certification & Community Involvement: Pursue relevant certifications and engage with online communities to expand knowledge and contribute to the broader database administration community.
Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities within ServiceNow to learn from experienced team members and develop leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow offers numerous challenges and growth opportunities for talented and motivated database engineers, with a strong focus on technical development, innovation, and leadership potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Database Performance Tuning: Discuss strategies for optimizing query performance and improving database efficiency.
Automation Tools Development: Describe your experience with automation tools and scripting languages, and how you've used them to improve operational efficiency.
Problem-Solving: Walk through a complex performance issue you've encountered and explain your approach to diagnosing and resolving the problem.

Company & Culture Questions:

ServiceNow Culture: Explain what you value most about ServiceNow's company culture and how you would contribute to it as a senior database engineer.
Customer Success: Describe your experience working with customers and how you've ensured their success in previous roles.
Innovation: Discuss a time when you drove innovation in a previous role and the impact it had on the team or organization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating database performance tuning and query optimization techniques, highlighting the problem, approach, and outcome.
Automation Tools: Showcase automation tools you've developed to improve operational efficiency, explaining the tools' functionality and the challenges they address.
Problem-Solving: Prepare a detailed walkthrough of a complex performance issue you've encountered, explaining your approach to diagnosing and resolving the problem.

📝 Enhancement Note: To succeed in the ServiceNow interview process, focus on demonstrating your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the team. Highlight any experience with AI integration, SaaS, PaaS, or cloud infrastructure products/solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this senior database engineer role at ServiceNow:

Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight case studies demonstrating database performance tuning and query optimization techniques, as well as automation tools developed to improve operational efficiency.
Optimize Your Resume: Emphasize relevant database performance tuning skills, automation tools experience, and problem-solving examples. Highlight any experience with AI integration, SaaS, PaaS, or cloud infrastructure products/solutions.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on database performance tuning techniques, automation tools, and problem-solving scenarios. Familiarize yourself with ServiceNow's technology stack and company culture.
Research ServiceNow: Learn about ServiceNow's products, customers, and industry presence to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and database administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with ServiceNow before making application decisions.

Senior Database Engineer - Query Tuning - Postgres