SQL Database Administrator (DBA)

Job Title: SQL Database Administrator (DBA)

Location: Costa Rica (San José preferred, but open to fully remote within Costa Rica)

Work Hours: Must work Pacific Standard Time (PST) hours

Employment Type: Full-time / Contract

Interview Process: 1–2 rounds (troubleshooting, situational, and behavioral questions)

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on SQL Database Administrator who is passionate about database performance, reliability, data integrity, and automation. You will work behind the scenes with a collaborative DevOps and Engineering team to ensure that “the plumbing works and the data moves.”

This is a technical, problem-solving, and customer-minded role where you will wear multiple hats and work across SQL, Linux, AWS, ETL, and DevOps.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and optimize SQL databases (performance tuning, indexing, query optimization)
• Troubleshoot database and performance issues across SQL, Linux, and AWS environments
• Manage ETL processes and data pipelines to ensure high data accuracy and reliability
• Use AWS services such as Fargate, EC2, DynamoDB, S3, AWS Transfers
• Collaborate with DevOps and Business teams to support deployments and data operations
• Participate in database backup, recovery, and high availability strategies
• Implement best practices for security, monitoring, and automation
• Escalate issues appropriately and proactively identify potential risks
• Stay current with modern tools, emerging technologies, and industry trends

Technical Requirements

Must-Have:

• Expert-level SQL experience (querying, tuning, troubleshooting)
• Strong Linux knowledge (power user level; ability to navigate and troubleshoot)
• Proven AWS experience (Fargate, EC2, DynamoDB, AWS Transfers, etc.)
• Experience with ETL processes, data integration, and performance troubleshooting
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools (e.g., GitHub, CI/CD)
• Ability to work independently and solve complex problems across systems

Nice-to-Have:

• Programming in Python (ideal), Go, or Rust
• Experience in a small company or startup environment where you wore multiple hats
• Prior Technical Lead experience but prefers being an individual contributor

Soft Skills & Mindset

We place high value on how you think and how you work, not just what you know.

• Curious and proactive problem solver
• Thinks critically and from the customer’s perspective
• Able to navigate ambiguity and “figure it out”
• Solutions-focused and resourceful (e.g., if a tool is taken away, you can still solve the problem)
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical teams
• Knows when to escalate and when to ask the right questions
• Team-oriented, collaborative, easy-going but professional
• Ensures data accuracy for critical business partners (e.g., banks)

Why Join Us?

• High-impact role on a small, talented team
• Work with modern AWS + DevOps tooling
• Flexibility to work remotely (within Costa Rica)
• Opportunity to own and improve core data infrastructure
• Collaborative culture that values curiosity, innovation, and autonomy

Location Requirement

• Must currently live in Costa Rica (no exceptions)
• San José area preferred, but open to fully remote within Costa Rica
• Must be able to work PST (Pacific Standard Time) hours