Sr. MySQL Database Administrator

Job Description:

Strategic Imperative: 

The Sr. MySQL Database Administrator plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability, performance, and scalability of our database systems. By combining advanced MySQL expertise with strong Linux administration skills, this role ensures our data platforms support high-volume, mission-critical applications. The successful candidate will drive database optimization, collaborate closely with development teams, and ensure smooth deployments through robust change management practices using Liquibase.

Primary Objectives: 

• Database Administration & Optimization: Oversee the stability, security, and performance of MySQL databases across production, staging, and development environments.

• Change Management: Implement database changes and schema migrations through disciplined processes and tools like Liquibase.

• Performance Tuning: Analyze, optimize, and tune complex SQL queries, schemas, and processes for maximum efficiency.

• Collaboration: Partner with developers and DevOps teams to design scalable, performant database architectures and troubleshoot issue.

• Automation & Reliability: Implement automation, monitoring, and backup/recovery strategies to ensure business continuity.

• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to junior DBAs and engineering teams to improve overall database proficiency.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Detailed Job Duties: 

• Administer and maintain MySQL databases for production, staging, and development environments.

• Design, implement, and manage backup, recovery, high availability, and disaster recovery solutions.

• Manage database deployments and schema migrations with Liquibase, ensuring consistent and accurate change control.

• Analyze query performance and tune SQL for optimal efficiency.

• Write and maintain complex stored procedures, triggers, and functions to support business logic.

• Partner with software engineers to review database architecture for new features and applications.

• Monitor database performance using tools such as Percona, DataDog, or CloudWatch and proactively address issues.

• Ensure database security through appropriate access controls, encryption, and compliance with corporate policies.

• Perform Linux system administration tasks related to database hosting, including patching, scripting, and automation.

• Participate in on-call rotation, providing advanced troubleshooting for critical incidents.

• Document processes, standards, and best practices for database operations.

• Mentor junior team members, sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
   

What does SUCCESS look like?

Success in this role is defined by the consistent delivery of secure, reliable, and high-performing database systems that support organizational growth. Within the first six months, the Sr. MySQL DBA will have streamlined database deployment processes using Liquibase and automation, significantly improved query performance through proactive tuning and optimization, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable database solutions. They will have developed comprehensive documentation and monitoring standards to ensure ongoing database health while establishing themselves as the go-to expert for database performance and troubleshooting.

The MUST Haves: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.

• Five plus (5+) years of experience administering MySQL databases in enterprise environments.

• Deep understanding of MySQL performance tuning, replication (including GTID), clustering, and partitioning.

• Strong Linux system administration skills (Ubuntu preferred).

• Proficiency with Liquibase or similar database change management tools.

• Demonstrated expertise in query optimization and performance troubleshooting.

• Proven experience writing and optimizing stored procedures, triggers, and functions.

• Experience collaborating with development and DevOps teams to design and manage scalable database solutions.

• Strong scripting skills (Bash, Python, etc.) for automation.

• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
   

The Nice to Haves: 

• Experience with cloud-based database services such as AWS RDS or Aurora.

• Familiarity with monitoring and logging tools like Percona, DataDog, or CloudWatch.

• Exposure to infrastructure as code (IaC) concepts and tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).

• Knowledge of other database systems (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.).