Database Engineer (DevOps)

Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers. Our client, Apex Systems, is seeking the following. Apply via Dice today! Job#: 2089528 Job Description: Apex Systems is partnering with one of our top Health Insurance clients to find a talented Database Engineer to join their growing team in Minnetonka, MN. If youre looking for a role where you can make an impact, grow your skills, and work with a respected organization-this could be the perfect fit! Position Overview We are seeking a Database Engineer (DevOps) to join our team on a contract-to-hire basis. This role is a cornerstone of our initiative to expand database operations into the cloud, with an emphasis on automation, optimization, and performance at scale. The successful candidate will be fluent in Snowflake and experienced in Azure cloud services, with bonus points for exposure to Cosmos DB and experience with Oracle (including Oracle Cloud Infrastructure/OCI). We need someone who thrives in a DevOps environment, relentlessly pursues optimization, and can help build out scalable, automated data infrastructure in the cloud. Key Responsibilities Database Engineering & Cloud Growth • Lead the design, automation, and management of Snowflake-based data solutions. • Develop and manage Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) templates to provision and maintain resources in Azure (required). • Support automation efforts of our Oracle OCI databases. • Implement and optimize Cosmos DB workloads where needed. Automation & Optimization • Automate database provisioning, user management, scaling, monitoring, and backup processes. • Optimize Snowflake performance, including query tuning, warehouse sizing, and storage usage. • Build tools and scripts to reduce manual workload and empower self-service for developers and analysts. • Use Ansible for consistent, repeatable configuration management of Azure database environments, limiting configuration drift. • Implement automated monitoring and alerting for database services for reliability, performance. • Define and track SLI and SLO for cloud database services. DevOps & CI/CD Integration • Integrate database operations into CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar). • Standardize deployments using Infrastructure-as-Code. • Implement automated monitoring and alerting for system health, reliability, and performance. Governance & Security • Enforce database and data security policies in Snowflake and Azure. • Implement access controls, auditing, and compliance monitoring. • Partner with security teams to ensure alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements. Innovation & Continuous Improvement • Stay current on Azure cloud-native database offerings, Snowflake enhancements, and DevOps tooling. • Recommend strategies for scaling, cost optimization, and performance improvements. • Promote a culture of relentless automation and continuous optimization. Qualifications Required: • Expertise with Snowflake (performance tuning, workload/cost management, and security). • Strong direct experience with Azure cloud services (Snowflake on Azure, Cosmos DB, Snowpipe configuration on Azure). • Familiarity with DevOps practices including Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform), CI/CD, and monitoring. • Proficiency with scripting/automation languages (Python, Ansible, PowerShell, and similar). • Experience with database performance monitoring and troubleshooting. • Strong problem-solving and optimization mindset. Preferred / Bonus Skills: • Expertise with Snowflake (performance tuning, workload/cost management, and security). • 5-8 years of progressive experience in database administration (Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres, or similar RDBMS). • 2-3 years applying automation practices (infrastructure as code, CI/CD, automation, monitoring). • Strong knowledge of high availability, disaster recovery, performance tuning, and database security. • Strong direct experience with Azure cloud services (Snowflake on Azure, Cosmos DB, Snowpipe configuration on Azure). • Familiarity with DevOps practices including Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform), CI/CD, and monitoring. • Proficiency with scripting/automation languages (Python, Ansible, PowerShell, and similar). • Experience with database performance monitoring and troubleshooting. • Strong problem-solving and optimization mindset.. Position Details • Type: Contract-to-Hire • Location: Minneapolis, MN or Madison, WI (Hybrid, on-site 3 days per week) • Reports to: Database Manager • Duration: Contract with intent to convert to full-time based on performance and business needs. EEO Employer Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or . Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.