Lead System Engineer

Job Description We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Lead System Engineer specialized in PostgreSQL DBA to drive high-impact database initiatives, optimize performance, and ensure the reliability of our enterprise-scale PostgreSQL environments. The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional technical leadership, innovative problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset to work across teams and guide database strategies. Responsibilities - Lead advanced PostgreSQL engineering, architecture design, performance optimization, and automation initiatives - Ensure high availability, scalability, and security of PostgreSQL environments at enterprise scale - Drive continuous improvements, modernization, and automation across PostgreSQL infrastructure - Collaborate with development, product, cloud, and infrastructure teams on strategic database initiatives - Architect, configure, and manage complex PostgreSQL deployments, including clustering, replication, and distributed environments - Lead major version upgrades, migrations (On-Prem Cloud), consolidation, and patch cycles - Design and implement HA/DR solutions such as streaming replication, logical replication, and failover tools - Perform advanced performance tuning using EXPLAIN ANALYZE, query plan tuning, index optimization, and parameter tuning - Design and optimize backup/restore strategies using pgBackRest or enterprise tools - Analyze transaction bottlenecks, locks, vacuum overhead, WAL tuning, and large-scale performance issues - Plan and execute capacity forecasting and scalability improvements - Ensure database security measures like encryption, credential rotations, and audit readiness - Partner with development teams on schema design, stored procedures, and data model optimization - Review database deployment plans, participate in CAB meetings, and ensure smooth releases - Develop and maintain architecture diagrams, best practices, and documentation - Lead automation efforts using scripting, configuration management, and DevOps practices - Mentor L2 DBAs and provide technical leadership during major incidents Requirements - 9+ years of strong PostgreSQL DBA experience, including enterprise-level operations - Deep understanding of PostgreSQL internals, including WAL behavior, vacuum/autovacuum tuning, MVCC, indexing strategies, and partitioning - Expertise with replication methods such as streaming, logical, and cascading, alongside failover and DR architectures - Advanced performance tuning skills using logs, performance views, system statistics, and query plan analysis - Profound experience with pgBackRest for PITR, restore troubleshooting, and recovery scenarios - Proficiency in Linux administration and scripting with Shell and Python - Experience leading major incidents, migrations, and architectural discussions - Working knowledge of at least one additional RDBMS: Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL, or MongoDB - Communication and cross-functional collaboration skills - English language proficiency at an Upper-Intermediate level (B2) or higher Nice to have - Experience with cloud-native PostgreSQL platforms like AWS Aurora, RDS PostgreSQL, GCP Cloud SQL, or Azure - Knowledge of PostgreSQL extensions such as PostGIS, pg_partman, TimescaleDB, and pg_stat_statements - Experience with HA tools like Patroni, repmgr, Pacemaker, or Corosync - Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for database deployments - Expertise with large-scale OLTP/OLAP PostgreSQL systems - Possession of PostgreSQL or EDB certifications We offer - Opportunity to work on technical challenges that may impact across geographies - Vast opportunities for self-development: online university, knowledge sharing opportunities globally, learning opportunities through external certifications - Opportunity to share your ideas on international platforms - Sponsored Tech Talks & Hackathons - Unlimited access to LinkedIn learning solutions - Possibility to relocate to any EPAM office for short and long-term projects - Focused individual development - Benefit package: - Health benefits - Retirement benefits - Paid time off - Flexible benefits - Forums to explore beyond work passion (CSR, photography, painting, sports, etc.) EPAM is a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and development services. We are committed to having a positive impact on our customers, our employees, and our communities. We embrace a dynamic and inclusive culture. Here you will collaborate with multi-national teams, contribute to a myriad of innovative projects that deliver the most creative and cutting-edge solutions, and have an opportunity to continuously learn and grow. No matter where you are located, you will join a dedicated, creative, and diverse community that will help you discover your fullest potential.