[Hiring] Manager, Database Operations @Kapitus

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Database Operations, to lead and manage enterprise-scale databases in AWS RDS ecosystem. This role is responsible for ensuring the availability, security, performance, and scalability of all database platforms while supporting engineering teams and driving operational excellence through proactive management and automation.

What you will do:

• Database Operations & Cloud Management
  • Own end-to-end operations for all databases hosted in AWS RDS (Aurora, MySQL, SQL Server, etc.).
  • Architect and maintain high-availability, multi-AZ, and disaster recovery configurations.
  • Drive cost optimization and right-sizing strategies across cloud database infrastructure.
  • Define and enforce database operational standards, best practices, and governance policies.
  • Build & maintain infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) & Automation principle.
  • Integrate database changes into CI/CD pipelines to support automated, reliable deployments.
• Maintenance, Security & Compliance
  • Plan and execute all database maintenance activities, including:
    • Vulnerability remediation
    • Security patching
    • Version upgrades and minor/major releases
  • Ensure databases comply with internal security policies, audit requirements, and industry best practices.
• Engineering & Deployment Support
  • Partner closely with engineering and application teams to support database design, provisioning, deployment, and release activities.
  • Provide architectural guidance on database selection, configuration, scaling, and cost optimization within AWS RDS.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to:
    • Implement database migration strategies
    • Automate schema deployments
    • Support blue/green and zero-downtime deployment models
    • Ensure database components align with DevOps and SRE principles.
    • Establish automated validation, rollback, and compliance controls within deployment pipelines.
• Performance & Reliability
  • Lead proactive performance tuning initiatives.
  • Implement monitoring, alerting, and observability best practices (CloudWatch, Datadog, etc.).
  • Perform capacity planning and workload forecasting.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement preventive improvements.
• On-Call & Incident Leadership
  • Participate in and manage on-call rotation as defined by the department.
  • Lead major incident response and post-incident reviews.
  • Drive continuous improvement to reduce MTTD/MTTR and incident recurrence.
• Leadership & Operational Excellence
  • Lead and mentor database engineers/DBAs.
  • Drive automation-first culture and eliminate manual operational tasks.
  • Establish KPIs for availability, performance, cost efficiency, and deployment reliability.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Infrastructure, Security, DevOps, and SRE teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of database administration/operations experience, with 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Strong hands-on experience with AWS RDS (e.g., Aurora, MySQL, SQL Server, etc.).
• Proven experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, CDK).
• Experience with Delphix for database virtualization, data masking, and test data management is highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of database patching, backup/recovery, HA, and DR strategies.
• Experience integrating database deployments into CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, etc.).
• Proven expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting at scale.
• Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell).

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Database Specialty).
• Experience with automation tools (Terraform, CloudFormation, scripting).
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools (CloudWatch, Datadog).
• Experience operating databases in regulated or high-availability environments (24x7 systems).
• Experience with containerized workloads (EKS, ECS).
• Knowledge of GitOps practices.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary Range of $120,400-$193,200.
• Annual Incentive Compensation Eligibility – Up to 15% annually.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and employer-paid vision plans through UnitedHealthcare (UHC).
• 100% Company Paid Insurances: Basic short-term and long-term disability insurance, as well as vision insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance: Supplemental life insurance and enhanced short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave: Company-paid maternity and parental leave beyond state-mandated policies.
• LifeBalance Program: Discounts on outdoor activities, the arts, health, and fitness.
• Plum Benefits Discount Program: Access exclusive discounts on shows, travel, car rentals, and more.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 annually in tuition reimbursement.
• Transit Reimbursement: For all work-related travel.
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time.
• Retirement Benefits: 401K plan managed through Fidelity, featuring a 25% match on employee contributions.