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
