Site Reliability Engineering - Database Administration
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Site Reliability Engineer - Database Administration
- Company: Visa
- Location: Austin, Texas, United States
- Job Type: Part-time
- Category: DevOps & Infrastructure
- Date Posted: June 20, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Maintain and optimize databases for mission-critical applications in a high SLA environment
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure database services meet SLAs and performance targets
- Develop and automate scripts and tools to streamline administration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance tasks
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex database issues, providing technical influence and subject matter expertise
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on database administration and engineering practices, with a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and maintain system health.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
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Database Administration:
- Architect, develop, deploy, and maintain PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL databases in high SLA environments
- Ensure 24x7 database operation and availability, including participation in on-call rotation and routine tasks such as backups, patching, and upgrades
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Performance Monitoring & Optimization:
- Conduct proactive and reactive performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolution of escalated issues (Level 2 and 3), including root cause analysis and corrective actions to maintain stability
- Develop and maintain monitoring dashboards and alerting systems to identify and resolve anomalies, optimize performance, and ensure system health
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Collaboration & Project Planning:
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of database services within SLAs and performance targets
- Participate in project planning to ensure objectives and timelines are met
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high level of technical responsibility, requiring strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with guidance only in the most complex situations.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, CIS/MIS, Business, or a related field, or 3+ years of relevant work experience
Experience: 2+ years of relevant work experience, ideally with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Required Skills:
- Proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML, C++)
- Strong understanding of Linux/UNIX and Windows operating systems, networks, storage, tiered application environments, and security
- Foundational knowledge and hands-on experience with relational databases (RDBMS) such as SQL Server, including administration, troubleshooting, performance tuning, SQL queries, and stored procedures
- Familiarity with database monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Prometheus) and container concepts
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills; able to resolve complex system and database issues efficiently
- Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills; able to collaborate across teams and document technical information clearly
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with database installation, configuration, backup, recovery, security management, and use of DBA tools/utilities
- Strong grasp of software engineering principles, data modeling, and business intelligence tools
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team in complex organizational environments
- Resourceful, results-driven, adaptable, and eager to continuously learn and stay current with database technologies
- Willingness to support on-call rotation, including weekends, as required
📝 Enhancement Note: While the role requires a strong technical background, it also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and collaboration skills to work successfully within a team environment.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
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Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate proficiency in database administration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting through case studies or project examples
- Showcase experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies
- Highlight skills in automation, scripting, and tool development for database management
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Technical Documentation:
- Provide clear and concise technical documentation for database administration tasks, including installation, configuration, backup, recovery, and security management procedures
- Include examples of SQL queries, stored procedures, and database schema designs to showcase your technical expertise
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on database administration, your portfolio should emphasize your technical skills and experience in this area, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and optimization.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $84,600 - $119,650 USD per year (including potential sales incentive payments)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- 401(k), FSA/HSA
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Program
Working Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is subject to change. Visa offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, life insurance, paid time off, and a wellness program.
🎯 Team & Company Context
Company Culture:
- Industry: Financial services and payments technology
- Company Size: Large (over 20,000 employees)
- Founded: 1958
Team Structure:
- The PRE Tech team focuses on providing an excellent developer experience, supporting database servers such as SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres, DB2, and various NoSQL database technologies
- The team collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Infrastructure Engineering, Product Development, Business and Technical Operations, System Administrators, and Network Engineers
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum methodologies and sprint planning for web projects
- Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices
- Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management
Company Website: Visa
📝 Enhancement Note: Visa is a large, established company with a global presence in the financial services industry. The PRE Tech team operates within a complex organizational environment, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level Site Reliability Engineer with a focus on database administration and engineering practices
Reporting Structure: This role serves as both a technical and functional specialist, working independently with guidance required only in the most complex situations
Technical Impact: Responsible for maintaining and optimizing databases for mission-critical applications, ensuring high SLA environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver database services within SLAs and performance targets
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical leadership potential with architecture decision-making and team management responsibilities
- Specialization in specific database technologies or emerging trends in database management
- Mentorship and knowledge-sharing opportunities within the PRE Tech team and across Visa
📝 Enhancement Note: As a mid-level Site Reliability Engineer, this role offers opportunities for technical growth and leadership within the PRE Tech team and across Visa. The company's large size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career progression and skill development.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Large, global financial services company with multiple locations worldwide
Office Location(s): Austin, Texas, United States
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative workspace with opportunities for cross-functional interaction between developers, designers, and stakeholders
- Access to development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to support database administration tasks
- Opportunities for knowledge-sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning within the PRE Tech team and across Visa
Work Schedule: Varies upon the needs of the department, with on-call rotation requirements including weekends as needed
📝 Enhancement Note: Visa's large, global work environment offers ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. The PRE Tech team operates within a complex organizational structure, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to succeed.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Preparation: Brush up on database administration fundamentals, SQL queries, and performance optimization techniques
- Web Architecture Expectations: Familiarize yourself with Visa's technology stack and database management practices
- System Design Discussion: Prepare for questions about database design, schema optimization, and scalability
- Final Evaluation Criteria: Demonstrate your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the PRE Tech team
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies
- Include case studies or project examples demonstrating your proficiency in database administration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting
- Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide clear, concise technical documentation
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your SQL skills, including queries, stored procedures, and performance optimization techniques
- Familiarize yourself with Visa's technology stack and database management practices
- Prepare for coding challenges or case studies that focus on database administration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting
ATS Keywords:
- Programming Languages: SQL, Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML, C++
- Database Technologies: SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, NoSQL
- Tools & Methodologies: Ansible, Scalable, Liquibase, Jenkins, Grafana, Prometheus, Splunk
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Troubleshooting, Communication, Collaboration, Documentation
📝 Enhancement Note: Visa's technical interview process focuses on assessing your database administration skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the PRE Tech team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies, as well as your familiarity with Visa's technology stack and database management practices.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role
Backend & Server Technologies:
- SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL
- NoSQL database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis)
Development & DevOps Tools:
- Ansible, Scalable, Liquibase, Jenkins
- Grafana, Prometheus, Splunk
- Linux/UNIX and Windows operating systems
📝 Enhancement Note: As a Site Reliability Engineer focusing on database administration, your technical expertise should span various database technologies, including SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL database technologies. Familiarity with relevant tools and operating systems is also essential for success in this role.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Web Development Values:
- Technical excellence and innovation in database administration and engineering practices
- Performance optimization and scalability for mission-critical applications
- Collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the PRE Tech team and across Visa
- Continuous learning and adaptation to emerging trends in database management
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional integration between the PRE Tech team and other teams, including Infrastructure Engineering, Product Development, Business and Technical Operations, System Administrators, and Network Engineers
- Code review culture and peer programming practices for database management tasks
- Knowledge-sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning opportunities within the PRE Tech team and across Visa
📝 Enhancement Note: Visa's PRE Tech team operates within a large, global organization, emphasizing collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning. The team's culture values technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration to deliver high-quality database services and support mission-critical applications.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Maintaining high SLA environments for mission-critical applications with minimal downtime and maximum performance
- Troubleshooting and resolving complex database issues, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Optimizing database performance and scalability for growing user bases and increasing data volumes
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Specialization in specific database technologies or emerging trends in database management
- Mentorship and knowledge-sharing opportunities within the PRE Tech team and across Visa
- Conference attendance, certification, and community involvement in database administration and engineering practices
📝 Enhancement Note: As a Site Reliability Engineer focusing on database administration, you will face technical challenges in maintaining high SLA environments, troubleshooting complex issues, and optimizing performance. Visa offers ample opportunities for learning, growth, and specialization in database technologies and management practices.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Database Administration: Describe your experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies
- Performance Optimization: Explain your approach to database performance tuning, indexing, and query optimization
- Troubleshooting: Share examples of complex database issues you've resolved and the steps you took to identify and address the root cause
Company & Culture Questions:
- Visa's Technology Stack: Demonstrate your familiarity with Visa's technology stack and database management practices
- Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and providing clear, concise technical documentation
- Problem-solving: Describe a challenging database issue you faced and how you approached solving it, highlighting your analytical and troubleshooting skills
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Database Administration: Highlight your experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies
- Performance Optimization: Showcase your ability to optimize database performance and scalability for mission-critical applications
- Technical Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to provide clear, concise technical documentation for database administration tasks
📝 Enhancement Note: Visa's interview process focuses on assessing your technical expertise in database administration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting. Be prepared to discuss your experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies, as well as your familiarity with Visa's technology stack and database management practices.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Site Reliability Engineer - Database Administration position at Visa:
- Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and other relevant database technologies, with a focus on database administration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting
- Optimize Your Resume: Emphasize your technical skills, experience, and achievements in database administration, with a focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and communication
- Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your SQL skills, familiarize yourself with Visa's technology stack, and practice coding challenges or case studies that focus on database administration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting
- Research Visa: Understand Visa's role in the financial services industry, the PRE Tech team's mission, and the company's culture and values
⚠️ 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.
Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)
Web Technology-Specific Focus:
- Tailor every section specifically to database administration and engineering practices
- Include database administration methodologies, performance optimization principles, and troubleshooting techniques
- Emphasize database administration skills, experience, and portfolio requirements
- Address database administration team dynamics, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and user experience impact
- Focus on database administration career progression, technical leadership opportunities, and emerging trends in database management
Quality Standards:
- Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information
- Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about database administration practices, team structure, or company information
- Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text
- Strategically distribute database administration and server management-related keywords throughout all sections naturally
- Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and database administration specialization
Industry Expertise:
- Include specific database technologies, management tools, and infrastructure requirements relevant to the role
- Address database administration career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in database teams
- Provide tactical advice for database portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies
- Include database administration-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance
- Emphasize performance optimization, accessibility standards, and user experience principles in database management
Professional Standards:
- Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout
- Use database administration and server management industry terminology appropriately and accurately
- Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to database administration professionals
- Provide actionable insights that give database administration candidates a competitive advantage
- Focus on database administration team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement
Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:
- Emphasize database administration best practices, performance optimization principles, and troubleshooting techniques
- Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the database administration discipline and role level
- Address browser compatibility, accessibility standards, and user experience design principles in database management
- Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable database architecture
- Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for database projects
Avoid:
- Generic business jargon not relevant to database administration or server management roles
- Placeholder text or incomplete sections
- Repetitive content across different sections
- Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific database administration role
- Marketing language unrelated to database administration, server management, or user experience
Application Requirements
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree or 3+ years of relevant experience, with proficiency in at least one programming language and a solid understanding of relational databases. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for this role.