Remote Contract: Senior Database Automation Engineer (APAC)

Description:

• Upwork is seeking a Senior Database Automation Engineer to join their Data Infrastructure team within the Data Platform Services organization.
• The role involves designing, operating, and automating database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, DynamoDB, and MongoDB across Upwork’s global infrastructure.
• Responsibilities include orchestrating complex systems using Terraform, RDS, Presto, and Rancher to address challenges like zero-downtime migrations, end-to-end database provisioning, vulnerability management, and incident response for high-severity database alerts.
• Key responsibilities include designing and implementing Python-based automation frameworks for database lifecycle management, collaborating with infrastructure teams to integrate systems via APIs, optimizing Postgres performance, and participating in APAC Time-friendly on-call shifts with weekend coverage.

Requirements:

• Candidates must have deep experience in both database engineering/administration and software development, with a preference for those who have transitioned between the two fields.
• A strong background in Python is required, with the ability to develop robust automation beyond basic scripting; experience with Ruby or Perl is acceptable if the candidate can quickly adapt to Python.
• Candidates should have 7+ years of professional experience with relational databases, particularly Postgres, with additional experience in MySQL or Oracle valued; NoSQL experience is a plus but not required.
• A solid understanding of SQL is necessary, and experience with procedural languages like PL/pgSQL or PL/SQL is beneficial but not essential.
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure) and experience with Terraform and related infrastructure-as-code tools is helpful but not a core requirement.
• Candidates should have a passion for automating repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency, along with a proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration in a distributed, multicultural team.
• The position requires participation in a 24/7 on-call schedule, including weekends, with flexibility provided to balance workload after incidents.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to work on challenging, high-impact automation projects that are central to Upwork’s business.
• Collaboration with experienced engineers in a supportive, global team environment.
• Exposure to a wide array of technologies and complex systems orchestration.
• The chance to shape and improve the core data infrastructure of the world’s leading work marketplace.