Senior Database Engineer
Space Telescope Science Institute · Baltimore, Maryland, United States · $135K–$150K/yr
Research Services · 501-1,000 employees
About the role
The Senior Database Engineer will design and optimize scalable data platforms for large-scale astronomical datasets while maintaining production-grade data pipelines. They will collaborate with scientists and engineers to deliver high-performance data services and drive innovation in operational efficiency.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of experience in building production-scale data platforms and optimizing high-performance database systems is required.
Benefits
Full description
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by AURA, supports NASA's flagship astronomy missions, including Hubble, James Webb, Roman, and TESS. We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer to build and optimize the large-scale data platforms behind the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST), one of the world's largest astronomical science archives.
You'll work on challenging engineering problems involving petabyte-scale scientific data, high-performance databases, distributed data processing, and modern cloud-native infrastructure.
- Design and optimize scalable data platforms for large scientific datasets.
- Develop and maintain production-grade Apache Airflow data pipelines.
- Optimize PostgreSQL databases through advanced query tuning, indexing, and table partitioning.
- Design and support high-performance MPP database solutions for large-scale analytics.
- Build reliable, automated deployment pipelines using Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, and Ansible.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to deliver scalable, reliable, and high-performance data services.
- Drive innovation by improving performance, scalability, automation, and operational efficiency.
Top Skills:
- Scalable Data Management
- Apache Airflow Pipeline Development
- PostgreSQL Query Performance Tuning and Table Partitioning
- MPP Database Architecture
- Python and Advanced SQL
- Kubernetes & Docker
- CI/CD Automation
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Innovative mindset and ability to quickly learn new technologies
Experience with one or more of the following is a plus:
- AWS
- Apache Iceberg
- Trino
- Lakehouse architectures
- Large-scale scientific or research data platforms
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience designing and building production-scale data platforms.
- Proven experience developing scalable data pipelines and optimizing high-performance database systems.
If you're excited about solving difficult engineering challenges at massive scale while supporting some of NASA's most ambitious science missions, we'd love to hear from you.
Our excellent benefits include:
Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
12 days sick leave, up to 24 days’ vacation, and 10 paid holidays
Flexible work schedule with healthy work/life balance
Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more
Salary range is $135,000 - $150,000. Final compensation is based on experience, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.
Application link - Senior Database Engineer
Applications received by 09/04/2026 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Reference #:0015735
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.
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