Senior Database Automation Engineer

Job description

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We serve everyone from one-person startups to large, Fortune 100 enterprises with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.

Last year, more than $3.8 billion of work was done through Upwork by skilled professionals who are gaining more control by finding work they are passionate about and innovating their careers.

This is an engagement through Upwork’s Hybrid Workforce Solutions (HWS) Team. Our Hybrid Workforce Solutions Team is a global group of professionals that support Upwork’s business. Our HWS team members are located all over the world.

Join Upwork’s Data Infrastructure team within the Data Platform Services (DPS) organization, responsible for designing, operating, and automating all database systems (Postgres, MySQL, DynamoDB, MongoDB) across Upwork’s global infrastructure. This role combines database engineering expertise with software development rigor to build mission-critical automations for Upwork’s core data assets.

You’ll orchestrate complex systems spanning Terraform, RDS, Presto, and Rancher to solve challenges like:

• Zero-downtime migrations and cross-region replication
• End-to-end database provisioning (infrastructure deployment, user/access configuration, service integration)
• Vulnerability management and security hardening at scale
• Incident response for high-severity database alerts (²⁴⁄₇ on-call rotation)

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement Python-based automation frameworks (not scripts) for database lifecycle management
• Collaborate with infrastructure teams to integrate systems via APIs (AWS, Kubernetes, HashiCorp)
• Optimize Postgres performance, replication, and backup strategies (99% of relational DB use cases)
• Participate in APAC Time-friendly on-call shifts with weekend coverage

Must-haves (required skills):

• Hybrid expertise: Deep experience in both database engineering/administration and software development. Candidates who have transitioned from database engineering to software development (or vice versa) are especially encouraged.
• Programming skills: Strong background in Python (required); ability to develop robust automation beyond basic scripting. Experience with Ruby or Perl is acceptable if you can quickly adapt to Python.
• Database expertise: 7+ years of professional experience with relational databases, with a strong preference for Postgres. Experience with MySQL or Oracle is also valued. NoSQL experience (e.g., DynamoDB) is a plus but not required.
• SQL proficiency: Solid understanding of SQL; experience with procedural languages (PL/pgSQL for Postgres or PL/SQL for Oracle) is beneficial but not essential, as most automation is done in Python.
• Cloud & DevOps familiarity: Experience with Terraform and related infrastructure-as-code tools is a plus, but not a core requirement. Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure) is helpful.
• Automation mindset: Passion for automating repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency.
• Ownership & accountability: Proactive, resourceful, and able to take full responsibility for solving problems and delivering outcomes.
• Collaboration: Strong communication skills; able to work effectively in a distributed, multicultural team.

Additional Details:

• On-call rotation: The role requires participation in a ²⁴⁄₇ on-call schedule, including weekends. Actual incident frequency is low, but availability during assigned shifts is essential. Flexibility is provided to balance workload after incidents.
• Location: Open to candidates globally, but preference is given to those able to work business hours aligned with APAC time zone for coverage.

Why Join Upwork’s Data Infrastructure Team?

• Work on challenging, high-impact automation projects at the heart of Upwork’s business.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers in a supportive, global team environment.
• Gain exposure to a wide array of technologies and complex systems orchestration.
• Opportunity to shape and improve the core data infrastructure of the world’s leading work marketplace.

If you are passionate about databases, enjoy building automation for complex systems, and thrive in a collaborative, distributed environment, we encourage you to apply.

Upwork is proudly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Additionally, a criminal background check may be run on a candidate after a conditional offer to perform your services for Upwork is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.

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