What does a database engineer do?

A database engineer is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's network databases, preventing unauthorized access and activities, and upgrading data infrastructure. Database engineers manage the volume of stored data, ensuring that the information would not affect the traffic flow and navigation. They also design database according to business requirements and needs, conducting multiple quality checks before releasing the final outputs for high functionality. A database engineer must have excellent technical skills, as well as extensive knowledge of programming languages and database administration, to create efficient system networks.
Database engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real database engineer resumes:
- Create PHP page for loan officers to add to their contact list for leads which interact with the MySQL database.
- Develop Perl and awk scripts to validate the various data on LINUX base system.
- Develop procedures; UNIX shell, SQL, and Perl scripts; and software programs for database processing.
- Trace AutoTrader Latino inventory process through the ETL and refresh to identify, troubleshoot, and correct code problems.
- Develop, implement, and execute a quality assurance program and quality control standards for all ETL (SSIS) activities.
- Pioneer mainframe development the on PC.
- Perform work in the systems architecture area.
- Assist programmers in debugging issues and finding solutions.
- Create RAC database using ASM raw disks and on NetApp filer.
- Utilize macros and VBA queries to efficiently manipulate table and query data.
- Clean up and rewrite front end HTML and CSS to meet validation requirements.
- Develop, execute, and complete a key data migration project (Perl).
- Work on deletion prediction project using shell scripting, Perl scripting and Berkeley databases.
- Run explain plans to troubleshoot queries or determine the best strategy to enhance their execution.
- Adhere to document change control by raising RFC and perform modifications to databases during weekend windows.
Database engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Database Engineers are proficient in Python, Troubleshoot, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Database Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 10%
Used Selenium with Python, to automate the QA process for the part of VIU's Computer Science website.
- Troubleshoot, 6%
Traced AutoTrader Latino inventory processed through the ETL and refresh to identify, troubleshoot, and correct code problems.
- Java, 6%
Well versed in using SVN, source control utility and also flyway - an agile database migration framework for Java.
- AWS, 4%
Used Chef Tools and Jenkins for automatic deployment of MySQL and SQL RDS and native instances to AWS environments.
- Database Administration, 4%
Managed Daily/Weekly/Monthly database administration functions, such as backup/recovery/data management/performance monitoring/tuning/Jobs and Re-indexing.
- Unix, 3%
Managed and maintained Windows and UNIX servers including, security compliance, implementation and administration.
Common skills that a database engineer uses to do their job include "python," "troubleshoot," and "java." You can find details on the most important database engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a database engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Additionally, a database engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "conducted sql database optimization by introducing new partitions and indexes, which resulted in dramatic database performance improvement. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling database engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." According to a database engineer resume, here's how database engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "maintained telecommunication operation's information repository menu board in java. "
Detail oriented. database engineers are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to database engineer responsibilities, because "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." A database engineer resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "provided methodologies for object-oriented software development and efficient database design. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what database engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to database engineer responsibilities because "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical database engineer tasks: "resolved database performance issues, database capacity issues, replication, and other distributed data issues. "
The three companies that hire the most database engineers are:
- Oracle88 database engineers jobs
- Pegasystems67 database engineers jobs
- Meta54 database engineers jobs
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Database engineer vs. Salesforce administrator
A salesforce administrator is considered the gatekeeper for the marketing data and sales of their employer. The administrators create each user account and identify the proper data access level based on the role of the employees within the company. They perform tasks that help users create reports and reset their passwords for data quality, additional fields, and running of backups. It is also their job to handle the sales and service cloud applications for businesses. They are also business leaders with deep knowledge of the operation of their company.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a database engineer are more likely to require skills like "python," "troubleshoot," "aws," and "database administration." On the other hand, a job as a salesforce administrator requires skills like "dashboards," "custom objects," "workflow rules," and "sfdc." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Salesforce administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $100,809. On the other hand, database engineers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $117,631.salesforce administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than database engineers. In fact, salesforce administrators are 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Database engineer vs. Sql server developer
A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization. They conduct troubleshooting in databases which involve data validation and extensive testing to ensure that the end user's specifications are met. They are also involved in the maintenance of the organization's server.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, database engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "python," "troubleshoot," "java," and "aws." Meanwhile, an sql server developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "sql server analysis," "ssis packages," "sql server profiler," and "column." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Sql server developers earn a lower average salary than database engineers. But sql server developers earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $95,274. Additionally, database engineers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $117,631 annually.sql server developers earn similar levels of education than database engineers in general. They're 3.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Database engineer vs. Database developer/database administrator
A database developer/database administrator specializes in designing and developing database programs and systems, maintaining and updating them regularly. They are in charge of understanding project needs and guidelines, establishing and implementing test systems to identify potential risks and issues, fixing and upgrading components, and storing data according to protocols. They may also produce and present reports to managers and participate in creating security and recovery plans to protect company data. Moreover, as a database developer/database administrator, it is vital to be proactive at dealing with issues while adhering to company standards.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from database engineer resumes include skills like "python," "troubleshoot," "aws," and "database systems," whereas a database developer/database administrator is more likely to list skills in "ssis packages," "management system," "c++," and "vba. "
Database developer/database administrators earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $109,613. Database engineers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $117,631.When it comes to education, database developer/database administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to database engineers. In fact, they're 1.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Database engineer vs. Senior oracle database administrator
A senior Oracle Database administrator is responsible for designing network systems and improve existing databases and software programs for optimal performance. Senior Oracle Database administrators maintain the safety and security of the computer systems and application to prevent unauthorized access and activities by upgrading network infrastructures. They also perform multiple diagnostic tests on the system to ensure stability and smooth navigations and assist the end-users on troubleshooting issues. A senior Oracle Database administrator must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as operating communication systems, programming languages, and system codes.
Types of database engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











