[Hiring] Database Engineering Manager @Purple Wave

Role Description

Purple Wave is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Database Engineering Manager to lead our database function — setting the architectural direction for our database systems while managing the database administration team that operates them. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. Position is remote work eligible in the US for the qualified candidate.

The Database Engineering Manager is responsible for designing and optimizing our database infrastructure to ensure high performance, reliability, and scalability, and for leading and developing the database administration team responsible for its day-to-day operation. The position sets database architecture direction — including disaster recovery, clustering, replication, and encryption strategy — while managing the DBAs who execute and maintain these systems. The position works closely with our IT Infrastructure & Operations and Product Engineering teams to understand stakeholder needs and implement best practices for database management.

Responsibilities

• Lead: manage, develop, and set direction for the database administration team.
• Design, develop, and maintain database architecture for high availability, scalability, and performance, including disaster recovery (e.g., MaxScale), clustering (e.g., Galera), master-slave replication, and encryption-at-rest strategies.
• Optimize database systems for performance and reliability and cost.
• Collaborate with development teams to design and optimize queries and database access patterns.
• Monitor database performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Oversee operational database management, including user credential administration, backup and recovery, and database schema updates coordinated with Product Engineering releases.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to database architecture, processes, and procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to development and operations teams on database-related matters.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies related to database management.
• Undertake additional assigned duties as requested.

Management Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the database administration team, providing technical direction, mentorship, and career development.
• Set priorities and delegate operational database work (backups, credentialing, monitoring, schema releases) across the team to ensure reliable coverage.
• Conduct performance reviews, support hiring and onboarding, and build the team's technical capability over time.
• Establish and enforce standards, runbooks, and best practices for database operations and administration.
• Coordinate across time zones to ensure appropriate operational coverage and responsiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly manages one or more Database Administrators, with responsibility for their performance, development, and day-to-day direction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years proven experience as a Database Architect, Senior Database Administrator, or similar role, with demonstrated architecture ownership.
• 5+ years experience leading, mentoring, or managing database administrators or a technical team.
• Expertise in MariaDB, including replication, clustering (Galera), high-availability/proxy solutions (MaxScale), and backup strategies.
• Strong knowledge of database design, data modeling, and normalization.
• Proficiency in SQL and performance tuning.
• Experience with database security, encryption at rest, and data protection practices.
• Familiarity with cloud database solutions and services.
• Hands-on experience with AWS RDS (Relational Database Service).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently and be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Spanish speaking bi-lingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must be either a U.S. Citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.
• Requires the ability to satisfactorily complete a background check.

Working Settings

• Full-time Salaried Exempt, not eligible for overtime.
• Office hours are 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, Central Time zone; additional hours may be required depending on priorities.
• This position is remote work eligible within the United States.
• The first week of employment includes mandatory in-person training. Remote start arrangements are not available.
• Also mandatory: One week a year of in-person training with the department.
• Potential for 10% travel, should the need arise.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Compensation

• The salary varies based on experience and qualifications, but typically ranges from $142,900 to $170,200 per year. Salary paid bi-weekly.
• Monthly Bonus Program - determined by the Company’s monthly revenue result and are paid on a “percent to plan” payout formula. (90% = $300, 100% = $600, 110% = $900, 120% = $1,200).
• Monthly phone stipend in accordance with the Company’s cell phone policy, currently $120/month.
• Health insurance, Dental insurance, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with an employer match up to 4% starting the first day of employment.
• Company-paid Life Insurance with options for supplemental coverage.
• Fully paid Short-Term Disability provided by the Company.
• 3 Weeks of PTO annually (details shared during onboarding).
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) - Eligible to purchase company stock at a discount after 90 days of employment, with enrollment opportunities each May and November.