📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Database Platform Engineer
Company: Dimensional Fund Advisors
Location: Remote - Austin Metro, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-06-05
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: Hybrid (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the office)

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned database engineer with a strong background in cloud platforms and infrastructure as code to drive innovation and empower the business through performant, secure, and scalable database platforms.
As a Senior Database Platform Engineer, you will leverage your expertise in database engines, cloud platforms, and programming languages to architect and automate database platform provisioning, configuration, monitoring, issue remediation, and security. You will collaborate with business and technology teams to create innovative solutions that enable users to provision, analyze, and consume data efficiently.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high level of technical complexity, requiring expert knowledge of database platform engines, infrastructure, and concepts. You will apply an engineering mindset to all aspects of your role, embodying best practices and driving high standards for database platform architecture and security.
📝 Enhancement Note: Your responsibilities will span the entire database platform lifecycle, from provisioning and configuration to monitoring and issue remediation. You will establish, implement, and maintain best practice standards around code quality, deployment, security, architecture, and automation.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong communication skills, as you will need to communicate complex concepts to various audiences, helping them understand the benefits of technologies and recommended courses of action.
📝 Enhancement Note: You will work with a variety of technologies, including SQL and NoSQL databases, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code tools. Experience with containerized platforms, object-oriented programming languages, and data distribution systems is preferred.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, requiring you to apply a high bar for database platform architecture and security to solutions. You will work with CI/CD and SDLC workflows, REST APIs, and non-DB direct interfaces.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

7+ years of experience engineering for database engines (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
5+ years of experience working with cloud platforms in various cloud service providers (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, RDS, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
7+ years of experience using SQL or NoSQL-based languages
5+ years of experience programming interpreted scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell)
5+ years of experience using and developing with configuration management products and applying Infrastructure as Code principles (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell DSC, Puppet, Chef, Cloud Formation)
Expert knowledge of relevant database platform engine internals, infrastructure, and concepts
Experience working and developing with/on REST APIs and other non-DB direct interfaces
Experience working with CI/CD and SDLC workflow (e.g., JIRA, Git, Bitbucket, GitHub, Liquibase, Jenkins, Octopus, DbUp)
Applies a high bar for database platform architecture and security to solutions
Embodies and applies an engineering mindset to all aspects of their role
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Required Skills:

Database Engineering
Cloud Platforms
SQL
NoSQL
Scripting Languages
Infrastructure as Code
REST APIs
CI/CD
Security
Automation
Communication
Database Architecture
Monitoring
Troubleshooting
Collaboration
Best Practices

Preferred Skills:

Working with containerized platforms (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience working with or interest in object-oriented programming languages (e.g., C#, Java, C++)
Experience working with or interest in data distribution systems (e.g., Kafka)

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, demonstrating your technical expertise through relevant projects, case studies, or GitHub repositories can significantly strengthen your application.

Portfolio Essentials:

A well-structured and up-to-date resume highlighting your relevant experience and skills
A GitHub or similar profile showcasing your coding skills, with a focus on database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code
Case studies or projects demonstrating your ability to architect, automate, and manage database platforms, with a focus on performance, security, and scalability
Examples of your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts effectively

Technical Documentation:

Documented code samples and explanations demonstrating your expertise in database engines, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code tools
Case studies or blog posts detailing your approach to database platform architecture, security, and best practices
Examples of your experience working with CI/CD and SDLC workflows, REST APIs, and non-DB direct interfaces

💵 Compensation & Benefits

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on market research and the role's requirements, the estimated salary range for this position in the Austin, TX area is $140,000 - $180,000 per year. This range takes into account the candidate's experience level, the role's complexity, and the regional cost of living.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 per year

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with company match
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Employee stock purchase plan
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Employee assistance program
Wellness programs and resources

Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the office)

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Investment Management

Company Size: Medium (2,001 - 5,000 employees)

Founded: 1981

Team Structure:

The database platform engineering team is part of the broader technology organization, working closely with business teams to deliver innovative solutions.
The team consists of database engineers, cloud engineers, and DevOps engineers, specializing in various aspects of database platform management and infrastructure as code.
The team follows an Agile development methodology, with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and delivering value to the business.

Development Methodology:

The team uses Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management and sprint planning.
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices are integral to the development process.
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are handled using infrastructure as code tools and best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors is a leading global investment firm, committed to delivering innovative investment solutions and exceptional client service. The company values collaboration, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to its clients' success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Database Platform Engineer - This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience, with a focus on driving innovation and empowering the business through performant, secure, and scalable database platforms.

Reporting Structure: This position does not manage employees. Instead, it focuses on collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions and drive business value.

Technical Impact: As a Senior Database Platform Engineer, you will have a significant impact on the organization's ability to leverage data effectively. Your expertise in database engines, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code will enable the business to provision, analyze, and consume data efficiently, driving informed decision-making and improved performance.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: This role offers ample opportunities for technical growth, as you will work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experienced team members to drive innovation and improve database platform performance, security, and scalability.
Leadership Development: While this role does not involve direct management, there are opportunities to develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members, driving technical initiatives, and influencing the broader technology organization.
Career Progression: As a senior-level engineer, there are opportunities to progress into more senior roles, such as Principal Engineer or Engineering Manager, focusing on technical leadership, architecture, and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors values internal mobility and offers opportunities for career growth and development. Employees are encouraged to explore new roles and expand their skill sets within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid - The company offers a flexible work arrangement, with employees working in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and having the choice to work in the office or remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Office Location(s): The company has offices in various locations worldwide, with the primary office for this role being in Austin, TX.

Workspace Context:

The company provides a collaborative work environment, with dedicated spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions.
The office is equipped with modern development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to support the team's technical needs.
The company encourages cross-functional collaboration, with regular team-building activities and social events to foster a strong and inclusive work culture.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the office)

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors values work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements to support employees' personal and professional growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing your technical expertise in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code, as well as your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
Process Step 1: Technical assessment - You will be asked to complete a technical assessment, demonstrating your expertise in database engines, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code tools. This assessment may include coding challenges, architecture design exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
Process Step 2: Architecture and design discussion - You will be asked to discuss your approach to database platform architecture, security, and best practices. This discussion will focus on your ability to make strategic decisions and drive innovation in the database platform space.
Process Step 3: Team fit assessment - You will meet with members of the database platform engineering team and other stakeholders to assess your cultural fit and ability to collaborate effectively within the organization.
Process Step 4: Final evaluation - The final evaluation will focus on your overall fit for the role, considering your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive innovation and empower the business through performant, secure, and scalable database platforms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, demonstrating your technical expertise through relevant projects, case studies, or GitHub repositories can significantly strengthen your application.
Portfolio Tip 1: Highlight your experience with database engines, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code tools, with a focus on performance, security, and scalability.
Portfolio Tip 2: Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts effectively through case studies or project documentation.
Portfolio Tip 3: Demonstrate your expertise in database platform architecture, security, and best practices through blog posts, articles, or technical presentations.
Portfolio Tip 4: Include examples of your experience working with CI/CD and SDLC workflows, REST APIs, and non-DB direct interfaces to showcase your versatility as a database platform engineer.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges for this role will focus on assessing your expertise in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in these areas to demonstrate your technical prowess and commitment to continuous learning.
Challenge Preparation 1: Brush up on your database engine, cloud platform, and infrastructure as code tool knowledge, with a focus on performance, security, and scalability.
Challenge Preparation 2: Practice architecture design exercises and problem-solving scenarios to hone your ability to make strategic decisions and drive innovation in the database platform space.
Challenge Preparation 3: Prepare for team fit assessments by researching the company's culture, values, and mission, and reflecting on your own alignment with these aspects.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: SQL, NoSQL, Python, PowerShell, C#, Java, C++
Web Technologies: REST APIs, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell DSC, Puppet, Chef, Cloud Formation)
Databases: SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, RDS, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
Tools: JIRA, Git, Bitbucket, GitHub, Liquibase, Jenkins, Octopus, DbUp, Docker, Kubernetes
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, SDLC
Soft Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Problem-solving, Innovation, Leadership, Mentoring
Industry Terms: Database Engineering, Cloud Platforms, Infrastructure as Code, Database Architecture, Security, Automation, Monitoring, Troubleshooting

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the ATS keywords listed above, and incorporate them naturally into your resume, portfolio, and interview responses to optimize your application for this role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on backend and infrastructure technologies)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Backend Technology 1: SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB (expertise in database engines)
Backend Technology 2: Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, RDS (experience with cloud-based database platforms)
Server Technology 3: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud (experience with cloud service providers)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Development Tool 1: Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell DSC, Puppet, Chef, Cloud Formation)
DevOps Tool 2: CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Octopus, DbUp)
Monitoring Tool 3: Database monitoring tools (e.g., New Relic, Datadog, Prometheus)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role focuses on backend and infrastructure technologies, with a strong emphasis on database engines, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code tools. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in these areas to demonstrate your technical prowess and commitment to continuous learning.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Web Development Value 1: Innovation - Dimensional Fund Advisors values innovation and encourages its employees to drive technical advancements and improve database platform performance, security, and scalability.
Web Development Value 2: Collaboration - The company fosters a collaborative work environment, with dedicated spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions.
Web Development Value 3: Continuous Learning - Dimensional Fund Advisors encourages its employees to pursue continuous learning and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code.
Web Development Value 4: Performance Optimization - The company prioritizes performance optimization and encourages its employees to focus on improving database platform performance, security, and scalability.

Collaboration Style:

Collaboration Approach 1: Cross-functional integration - The database platform engineering team works closely with business teams, designers, and stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions and drive business value.
Collaboration Approach 2: Code review culture - The team encourages peer programming and code reviews to ensure high-quality, maintainable, and secure database platform solutions.
Collaboration Approach 3: Knowledge sharing - Dimensional Fund Advisors fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular team-building activities, social events, and technical presentations to promote continuous learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors values collaboration, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to its clients' success. The company's culture is built on a foundation of innovation, performance optimization, and a commitment to driving technical advancements in the database platform space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Web Development Challenge 1: Database performance optimization - Develop and implement strategies to improve database platform performance, security, and scalability, with a focus on reducing latency, improving query efficiency, and minimizing resource consumption.
Web Development Challenge 2: Cloud migration and optimization - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to migrate and optimize database platforms across various cloud service providers, ensuring cost-effectiveness, security, and high availability.
Web Development Challenge 3: Database security and compliance - Implement and maintain robust database security measures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
Web Development Challenge 4: Infrastructure as Code adoption - Drive the adoption of infrastructure as code principles and tools, automating database platform provisioning, configuration, and management to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Learning Opportunity 1: Technical skill advancement - Pursue continuous learning and professional development opportunities to advance your technical skills in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code.
Learning Opportunity 2: Conference attendance and certification - Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code. Pursue relevant certifications to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Learning Opportunity 3: Technical mentorship and leadership development - Seek mentorship opportunities from experienced team members and industry experts to develop your technical skills and leadership abilities. Pursue opportunities to mentor junior team members and drive technical initiatives within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors offers numerous opportunities for technical growth, learning, and development. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous learning and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical interview questions for this role will focus on assessing your expertise in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code, as well as your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
Technical Question 1: Database architecture and design - Discuss your approach to database platform architecture, security, and best practices. Provide examples of your experience designing and implementing scalable, secure, and performant database platforms.
Technical Question 2: Cloud platform expertise - Demonstrate your expertise in cloud-based database platforms, such as Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, and RDS. Discuss your experience migrating and optimizing database platforms across various cloud service providers.
Technical Question 3: Infrastructure as Code - Explain your experience with infrastructure as code tools, such as Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell DSC, Puppet, and Chef. Discuss your approach to automating database platform provisioning, configuration, and management.

Company & Culture Questions:

📝 Enhancement Note: The company and culture interview questions for this role will focus on assessing your cultural fit, alignment with the organization's values, and ability to collaborate effectively within the team.
Technical Question 4: Company culture and values - Discuss your understanding of Dimensional Fund Advisors' culture, values, and mission. Explain how your personal values and work style align with the organization's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Technical Question 5: Team collaboration and communication - Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams and communicating complex technical concepts effectively. Provide examples of your ability to drive consensus, make strategic decisions, and influence team dynamics.
Technical Question 6: Problem-solving and adaptability - Discuss your approach to problem-solving and adaptability in the face of technical challenges and changing priorities. Provide examples of your ability to think critically, make data-driven decisions, and drive innovative solutions in the database platform space.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, demonstrating your technical expertise through relevant projects, case studies, or GitHub repositories can significantly strengthen your application.
Presentation Strategy 1: Live website demonstration - Present your portfolio projects and case studies through live website demonstrations, showcasing your ability to provision, analyze, and consume data efficiently through performant, secure, and scalable database platforms.
Presentation Strategy 2: Code explanation techniques - Walk the interview panel through your code samples and explanations, demonstrating your expertise in database engines, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code tools.
Presentation Strategy 3: Architecture decision reasoning - Explain your approach to database platform architecture, security, and best practices, highlighting your ability to make strategic decisions and drive innovation in the database platform space.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. By demonstrating your technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the organization's values, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Database Platform Engineer position:

Concrete Preparation Step 1: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant experience and skills in database engineering, cloud platforms, and infrastructure as code. Incorporate ATS keywords naturally into your application materials to optimize your application for this role.
Concrete Preparation Step 2: Research Dimensional Fund Advisors' company culture, values, and mission. Reflect on your personal values and work style, and prepare to discuss your alignment with the organization's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Concrete Preparation Step 3: Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your database engine, cloud platform, and infrastructure as code tool knowledge. Practice architecture design exercises and problem-solving scenarios to hone your ability to make strategic decisions and drive innovation in the database platform space.
Concrete Preparation Step 4: Prepare for team fit assessments by researching the company's culture, values, and mission. Reflect on your experience working with cross-functional teams and communicating complex technical concepts effectively, and be ready to discuss your ability to drive consensus, make strategic decisions, and influence team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dimensional Fund Advisors offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, generous paid time off, employee stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities, employee assistance program, and wellness programs and resources. By following the application steps outlined above and demonstrating your technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the organization's values, you can position yourself for success in the application process and secure a rewarding career opportunity with Dimensional Fund Advisors.

Senior Database Platform Engineer