📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Senior Database Engineer, VP
• Company: State Street
• Location: Gdańsk, Pomorskie, Poland
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Database Engineering
• Date Posted: 2025-06-19
• Experience Level: 10+
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of database engineers to deliver high-quality and performant database solutions
• Drive the Agile process and create a culture of continuous improvement
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of database systems
• Provide technical support to customers and assist in PoCs for prospective clients
• Lead efforts to develop and design database architecture, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability
• Establish and enforce database security best practices and develop high availability, robust disaster recovery strategies
• Optimize database performance through indexing, SQL query optimization, and other tuning techniques
• Work with engineering, SaaS Operation, support, and Implementation teams to provide technical support to current customers

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical leader with extensive experience in database engineering to drive a team of engineers and collaborate with various teams to deliver high-quality database solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading Agile teams, designing scalable database architectures, and optimizing database performance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management:

  • Lead and mentor a team of database engineers to deliver high-quality and performant database solutions
  • Provide technical guidance, training, and professional development opportunities for team members
  • Drive the Agile process and create a culture of continuous improvement of processes and methodologies through the engineering organization
  • Fulfill the Scrum Master role by leading the team in their Agile development process and working to foster a strong continuous improvement culture

• Database Architecture:

  • Lead efforts to develop and design database architecture to support Charles River applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability
  • Create strategic planning for scalable database solutions to support cloud architecture and microservices
  • Collaborate with system and software architects to set standards for operations, programming, security, and deployment of the databases
  • Oversee data model review processes to ensure data model consistency and accuracy across business applications

• Database Security and Disaster Recovery:

  • Establish and enforce database security best practices, including access controls, encryption, and data masking that ensure compliance with data protection regulations
  • Design and develop high availability, robust disaster recovery, and data purging and backup strategies

• Database Performance:

  • Lead efforts to optimize performance through indexing, SQL query optimization, and other database tuning techniques
  • Monitor database performance metrics, analyze and identify bottlenecks, and recommend short-term and long-term solutions
  • Lead efforts to define performance test strategy, and develop toolsets to generate synthetic datasets for effective and repeatable performance tests

• Collaboration:

  • Work with engineering, SaaS Operation, support, and Implementation teams to provide technical support to current customers
  • Support the sales organization and assist in the execution of PoCs for prospective customers
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of database systems

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience as a Database Architect or in a similar role supporting enterprise applications with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a supervisory role

Required Skills:

• Extensive hands-on experience in RDBMS and distributed data platform as a database engineering manager
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve database-related issues
• Proficiency in SQL and database design principles
• Experience with cloud database services or NoSQL databases
• Programming experience in Java, C++, C#, JDBC, Spring Boot, and Microservices is a plus
• Experience with developing applications for the financial markets is a plus (Fixed Income, Trading, FX, Risk, Portfolio/Wealth Management, Market Data, FIX, etc.)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with major relational databases such as MS SQL Server or Oracle, hardware sizing and configuration, operating systems, scripting, and database technologies
• Strong understanding of database security best practices and data protection regulations
• Ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional and organizational activities
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to clearly and succinctly summarize results for upper management
• Demonstrated experience with project planning and backlog management
• A minimum of 7 years working with an Agile development methodology strongly desired

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing your experience in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization
• Examples of your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive Agile processes and create a culture of continuous improvement
• Case studies demonstrating your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide technical support to customers
• Documentation of your experience with cloud database services, NoSQL databases, and programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, JDBC, Spring Boot, and Microservices

Technical Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of your database design principles, security best practices, and disaster recovery strategies
• Performance test strategies and toolsets for generating synthetic datasets
• Examples of your ability to optimize performance through indexing, SQL query optimization, and other database tuning techniques

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of this role, a strong portfolio is crucial to demonstrate your extensive experience in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization. Highlight your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive Agile processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Include case studies and technical documentation that showcase your expertise in cloud database services, NoSQL databases, and programming languages.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The salary range for this role is estimated to be between PLN 25,000 - 35,000 per month, based on regional market standards for senior database engineering roles in Poland. This estimate is inclusive of the average cost of living in the Gdańsk region and considers the candidate's experience level and the company's size and industry standing.

Benefits:

• Medical Care
• Insurance
• Savings Plans
• Flexible Work Program
• Development Programs
• Educational Support

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexible arrangements available through the Flexible Work Program. The role may require occasional overtime or on-call duties to support critical systems and customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market standards and should be verified with the hiring organization. The benefits package is competitive and comprehensive, including medical care, insurance, savings plans, a flexible work program, development programs, and educational support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry:

• State Street is a leading provider of asset servicing, data & analytics, investments research & trading, and investment management solutions to institutional clients worldwide.

Company Size:

• State Street is a large, global organization with over 38,000 employees across 27 countries. This size provides ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

Founded:

• State Street was founded in 1792 and has a rich history in the financial services industry. The company has evolved and grown over the years, adapting to changes in the market and technology landscape.

Team Structure:

• The database engineering team is part of the Charles River Development (CRD) team, which became a part of State Street in 2018. The team works closely with various cross-functional teams, including engineering, SaaS Operation, support, and implementation teams, to provide technical support to customers and ensure seamless integration of database systems.

Development Methodology:

• The team follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration. The Scrum framework is used to manage and prioritize work, with regular sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives to drive progress and enhance processes.

Company Website:

• State Street Website

📝 Enhancement Note: State Street's culture is characterized by a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The company's size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the database engineering team and across the organization.

Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level:

• This role is at the senior level within the database engineering career path. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in database architecture, performance optimization, and team leadership, with a strong track record in driving Agile processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure:

• The senior database engineer, VP, reports directly to the head of the database engineering team within the Charles River Development organization. The role has a significant impact on the team's success and contributes to the overall strategic direction of the database engineering function.

Technical Impact:

• The senior database engineer, VP, plays a critical role in designing and implementing database architectures that support Charles River applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability. The role also drives the Agile process and creates a culture of continuous improvement, directly impacting the team's productivity and the quality of its deliverables.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: As a senior member of the database engineering team, the role offers opportunities to develop and refine technical leadership skills, mentoring team members, and driving the team's technical direction.
• Architecture and Design: The role provides ample opportunities to design and implement scalable database architectures, working with system and software architects to set standards for operations, programming, security, and deployment of databases.
• Emerging Technologies: State Street's commitment to innovation and emerging technologies, such as AI and Blockchain, presents opportunities for the senior database engineer, VP, to stay current with industry trends and contribute to the adoption of new technologies within the database engineering function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This senior-level role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the database engineering team and across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Work Environment

Office Type:

• State Street's office in Gdańsk is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster productivity and innovation. The office features open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas, with a focus on natural light and ergonomic design.

Office Location(s):

• State Street's office in Gdańsk is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and amenities. The office is situated in the Wrzeszcz district, known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic architecture.

Workspace Context:

• The database engineering team's workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication, with team members working closely together to deliver high-quality database solutions. The team's workspace features multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools to support their work.
• The team's workspace is connected to other cross-functional teams, allowing for seamless integration and collaboration on projects.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with flexible arrangements available through the Flexible Work Program. The role may require occasional overtime or on-call duties to support critical systems and customer needs. The work schedule is designed to balance work and personal life, with a focus on productivity and well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: State Street's office in Gdańsk provides a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster productivity and innovation. The office's location in the heart of the city offers easy access to public transportation and amenities, with a vibrant cultural scene and historic architecture. The work schedule is designed to balance work and personal life, with a focus on productivity and well-being.

Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1 - Technical Preparation: Prepare for technical assessments focused on database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization. Brush up on your knowledge of SQL, database design principles, and cloud database services or NoSQL databases. Familiarize yourself with the company's technology stack and the specific database technologies used in the role.
• Process Step 2 - Web Architecture Expectations: Be prepared to discuss your experience with designing and implementing scalable database architectures, as well as your ability to collaborate with system and software architects to set standards for operations, programming, security, and deployment of databases.
• Process Step 3 - Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your strong analytical and problem-solving skills by presenting real-life examples of how you have troubleshot and resolved database-related issues in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to performance optimization and disaster recovery strategies.
• Process Step 4 - Final Evaluation Criteria: Prepare to discuss your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive the Agile process and create a culture of continuous improvement within the database engineering team. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your experience with cloud database services, NoSQL databases, and programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, JDBC, Spring Boot, and Microservices.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tip 1 - Portfolio Curation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your experience in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization. Include examples of your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive Agile processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Tip 2 - Case Study Structure: Structure your portfolio case studies to highlight your user experience and technical implementation focus. Include details on the project's goals, challenges, and the solutions you provided to meet those challenges.
• Tip 3 - Code Quality Demonstration: Demonstrate your proficiency in SQL, database design principles, and cloud database services or NoSQL databases by including code samples and explanations in your portfolio.
• Tip 4 - Company-Specific Considerations: Tailor your portfolio to State Street's specific needs and requirements, highlighting your experience with the company's technology stack and your ability to contribute to the team's success.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge Preparation 1 - Typical Exercise Format: Familiarize yourself with the typical exercise format for database engineering assessments, which may include SQL queries, database design exercises, and performance optimization challenges.
• Challenge Preparation 2 - Time Management: Practice time management techniques to ensure you can complete the assessment within the given time frame. Prioritize the most important tasks and allocate your time accordingly.
• Challenge Preparation 3 - Communication: Prepare to communicate your thought process and technical reasoning clearly and concisely. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a simple and understandable manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization, as well as your leadership and mentoring skills. Prepare for technical assessments, web architecture discussions, problem-solving scenarios, and final evaluation criteria. Tailor your portfolio to State Street's specific needs and requirements, and practice communicating your thought process and technical reasoning clearly and concisely.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Technical Question 1 - Database Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of database fundamentals, including SQL, database design principles, and cloud database services or NoSQL databases. Demonstrate your proficiency in these areas with real-life examples and case studies.
• Technical Question 2 - Database Architecture: Prepare to discuss your experience with designing and implementing scalable database architectures, as well as your ability to collaborate with system and software architects to set standards for operations, programming, security, and deployment of databases.
• Technical Question 3 - Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your strong analytical and problem-solving skills by presenting real-life examples of how you have troubleshot and resolved database-related issues in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to performance optimization and disaster recovery strategies.
• Technical Question 4 - Leadership and Mentoring: Prepare to discuss your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive the Agile process and create a culture of continuous improvement within the database engineering team. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your experience with cloud database services, NoSQL databases, and programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, JDBC, Spring Boot, and Microservices.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Technical Question 5 - Company-Specific Web Development Culture: Research State Street's web development culture and be prepared to discuss how your technical skills and experience align with the company's values and goals. Prepare to discuss your understanding of the company's technology stack and your ability to contribute to the team's success.
• Technical Question 6 - User Experience Impact: Prepare to discuss your experience with user experience design and optimization, as well as your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of database systems. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your experience with cloud database services, NoSQL databases, and programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, JDBC, Spring Boot, and Microservices.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation Strategy 1 - Live Website Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your portfolio, showcasing your experience in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization. Include examples of your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive Agile processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Presentation Strategy 2 - Code Explanation Techniques: Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a simple and understandable manner. Prepare to walk the interview panel through your code samples and database design principles, highlighting your proficiency in SQL, cloud database services, and NoSQL databases.
• Presentation Strategy 3 - User Experience Showcase: Prepare a user experience showcase that demonstrates your ability to optimize database performance, ensure data security, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality database solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for technical questions that assess your understanding of database fundamentals, architecture, and problem-solving skills, as well as your leadership and mentoring abilities. Research State Street's web development culture and be ready to discuss your alignment with the company's values and goals. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a simple and understandable manner, and prepare a live demonstration of your portfolio that showcases your experience in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this senior database engineer, VP, position:

1. Portfolio Customization: Customize your portfolio to highlight your experience in database engineering, architecture, and performance optimization. Include examples of your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to drive Agile processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Tailor your portfolio to State Street's specific needs and requirements, highlighting your experience with the company's technology stack.
2. Resume Optimization: Optimize your resume for web technology roles, with a focus on project highlights and technical skills. Include relevant keywords and phrases to help your resume stand out in applicant tracking systems.
3. Technical Interview Preparation: Prepare for technical assessments, web architecture discussions, problem-solving scenarios, and final evaluation criteria. Familiarize yourself with State Street's technology stack and the specific database technologies used in the role. Practice communicating your thought process and technical reasoning clearly and concisely.
4. Company Research: Research State Street's web development culture, technology stack, and specific needs and requirements for the senior database engineer, VP, role. Prepare to discuss your alignment with the company's values and goals, as well as your ability to contribute to the team's success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.