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Database engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Austin McCoy,
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
Database engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical database engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for database engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.3% of database engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a database engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 database engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how database engineers use python:
  • Used Selenium with Python, to automate the QA process for the part of VIU's Computer Science website.
  • Used Selenium with Python, to get the Google mentions for each article published in VIU blogs.

2. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how database engineers use troubleshoot:
  • Traced AutoTrader Latino inventory processed through the ETL and refresh to identify, troubleshoot, and correct code problems.
  • Worked with the Desktop Support team to troubleshoot customers' and users' issues.

3. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how database engineers use java:
  • Well versed in using SVN, source control utility and also flyway - an agile database migration framework for Java.
  • Championed the adoption of Java technologies including ActiveMQ, Spring, Hibernate and Maven.

4. AWS

Here's how database engineers use aws:
  • Used Chef Tools and Jenkins for automatic deployment of MySQL and SQL RDS and native instances to AWS environments.
  • Managed and orchestrated servers on Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform using Chef for configuration management.

5. Database Administration

Here's how database engineers use database administration:
  • Managed Daily/Weekly/Monthly database administration functions, such as backup/recovery/data management/performance monitoring/tuning/Jobs and Re-indexing.
  • Perform development database administration including logical/physical design, table space management, SQL and instance tuning, and back end development

6. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how database engineers use unix:
  • Managed and maintained Windows and UNIX servers including, security compliance, implementation and administration.
  • Utilized LEIS (Loop Electronic Inventory System) - a UNIX based system used to interface with and inventory DLC systems.

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7. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how database engineers use linux:
  • Scripted the Oracle RDBMS and ASM software installations for Linux virtual severs to ensure uniform installations across the Oracle environment.
  • Installed and configured management packs: Diagnostics, Performance, Configuration, Provisioning and Patch Automation, Linux.

8. Database Design

Here's how database engineers use database design:
  • Analyzed relational database design and engineering including traditional Entity-Relationship Modeling.
  • Documented database design, data definition language, defined data migration strategy between different products/versions and developed data migration procedures.

9. Oracle Sql

Here's how database engineers use oracle sql:
  • Extracted flat file mainframe data and pushed into relational databases/datamarts using Informatica PowerMart, PL/SQL, Oracle SQL*Loader, and scripting.
  • Managed day-to-day activities in production databases & Oracle SQL*Net Network Configuration.

10. Database Systems

Here's how database engineers use database systems:
  • Developed data migration scripts to export data from legacy database systems and import data into newly configured Oracle10g environment.
  • Led design and implementation of data center infrastructure and database systems including capacity planning and documentation for SaaS.

11. ETL

Here's how database engineers use etl:
  • Review and create Extraction, Transformation, and Loading (ETL) processes for optimal access and data manipulation methods.
  • Created and enhanced ETL processes, full refresh and incremental synchronization from multiple sources into client's data warehouse.

12. DBA

DBA is a shortening of the word Database Administrator or Database Administration, depending on its use. Database Administration is the process and skill of maintaining and upgrading databases and the information found inside. Databases are organized collections of information, the nature of which differs from one business, organization, or individual to another. Database management systems or DBMS software is the main way of administering and maintaining databases, as the name implies, and it is an important asset in scientific research, academia, and large and even small businesses.

Here's how database engineers use dba:
  • Standardized database maintenance activities by standardizing directory structure, documentation of DBA activities.
  • Established backup and recovery options and implemented automation of many DBA utility functions.

13. Debugging

Here's how database engineers use debugging:
  • Created Distributed Partitioned Views, Debugging / Troubleshooting Stored Procedures, upgrading existing ones.
  • Provided database support, utility product enhancements and debugging services for developers.

14. Perl

A Practical Extraction and Report Language, or simply PERL, is a programming language used for a script intended for syntax. You can see this when a particular web programmer or a junior developer creates a script for servers. It is used to manipulate text and utilize tasks such as web development, programming, and system administration.

Here's how database engineers use perl:
  • Create associations for all the contents with different clients in the Oracle database using PERL and SQL statements.
  • Developed, executed, and completed a key data migration project (Perl).

15. Database Backup

Here's how database engineers use database backup:
  • Determined a Production Database Backup and Recovery Strategy based on the Service Level Agreement.
  • Established database backup/recovery strategy using user-managed backup, RMAN.
top-skills

What skills help Database Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on database engineer resumes?

Austin McCoyAustin McCoy LinkedIn profile

Director of Javelina Engineering Student Success Center, Texas A&M University - Kingsville


-Internship/co-op experience -Research experience
-Good leadership skills and involvement on campus and in the community and activities where the individual works as part of a team.
-Well written resume can tell a lot about the technical writing skill; a resume needs to be clean and comfortable to read; recruiters can find what they are looking for easily.
-Less is sometimes more because students sometimes will put more information on a resume than is pertinent to the position applying for.

What database engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

I recommend enhancing skills in data analytics, if a graduate lacks such skills. Revitalizing business practices by analyzing user or inventory data is an integral part of almost all business applications. Hence, skills in data analytics will give a graduate an edge in the changing job market. Data analytics comes in various flavors: from gathering simple statistics to advanced machine learning. Hence, a graduate can always improve their skill from freely available online lectures, online classes such as Coursera, or on-ramp classes offered by many universities.

What type of skills will young database engineers need?

Vince BowenVince Bowen LinkedIn profile

Executive Director, Department Chair Energy Systems Technology & Education Center (ESTEC), Idaho State University

How to learn. How to problem-solve. Emotional Intelligence to work in teams and get along with coworkers/customers. Then they need the tech skills.

What technical skills for a database engineer stand out to employers?

John Russo

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Computer Science, Landmark College

As I mentioned above, the ability to adapt to change. My favorite course is database management systems. I tell my students that the software that we use today likely will not be around for the entire span of their careers. They really need to learn how to quickly work with new technologies, languages and systems. In the span of my career much has changed. I have always found new technologies exciting and refreshing. Employers want to hire graduates who have a set of technical skills in programming languages, database management systems and techniques (such as data mining) but also can learn on the job and be excited to learn new things.

List of database engineer skills to add to your resume

Database engineer skills

The most important skills for a database engineer resume and required skills for a database engineer to have include:

  • Python
  • Troubleshoot
  • Java
  • AWS
  • Database Administration
  • Unix
  • Linux
  • Database Design
  • Oracle Sql
  • Database Systems
  • ETL
  • DBA
  • Debugging
  • Perl
  • Database Backup
  • Application Development
  • Backup Recovery
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Database Development
  • Ssis
  • Shell Script
  • Data Analysis
  • PL/SQL
  • Azure
  • Disaster Recovery
  • ASM
  • Data Models
  • T-SQL
  • Oracle 12C
  • Cloud Computing
  • Database Performance
  • Data Warehouse
  • Escalation Support
  • RDBMS
  • Data Integrity
  • Capacity Planning
  • Data Warehousing
  • BI
  • JavaScript
  • SSRS
  • OLTP
  • Extraction
  • Visualization
  • Performance Issues
  • RAC
  • Encryption
  • OLAP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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