Entry Level Database Specialist Jobs
New grad database specialist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Manufacturing, with employers like Affiliated Engineers, GOCOOL, and Trimble hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Entry Level Database Specialist jobs
Hybrid Austin, TX: The role requires a mix of days in CDK's Austin, TX office and can be worked remotely on the remaining days. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of this office.
About us
CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance.
Position Summary
We are looking for an Associate Database Engineer to join our Platform Engineering team. This is a hands-on database development role focused on designing, implementing, reviewing, optimizing, and supporting database solutions that power critical business applications. Working alongside software engineers, architects, and platform teams, you will help build and evolve database schemas, stored procedures, queries, and data access patterns across Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL environments. This role is ideal for someone early in their career who enjoys solving technical problems, working with data, and learning how modern applications scale. You will contribute to database design decisions, support application development initiatives, improve performance and reliability, and help ensure database changes are delivered safely and efficiently within AWS-hosted environments. While operational support is part of the role, this is primarily a database engineering and development position rather than a traditional database administration (DBA) role.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain database objects, including tables, views, stored procedures, functions, and scripts.
- Partner with application development teams to design scalable and efficient data models.
- Review proposed database changes for quality, performance, maintainability, and adherence to standards.
- Analyze and optimize SQL queries, indexes, and execution plans to improve application performance.
- Support database deployments and schema changes through established release processes.
- Troubleshoot database-related application issues and assist in root cause analysis.
- Participate in code reviews and database design discussions.
- Create and maintain technical documentation for database solutions and standards.
- Assist with data migrations, integrations, and modernization initiatives.
- Contribute to database monitoring, reliability improvements, and operational support activities.
- Collaborate with teams across engineering, product, and operations to deliver high-quality solutions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
- 0-2 years of experience in software development, database development, or related technical roles.
- Foundational knowledge of relational database concepts and SQL.
- Exposure to Microsoft SQL Server and/or PostgreSQL through coursework, internships, projects, or professional experience.
- Understanding of database design principles, normalization, indexing, and data modeling.
- Familiarity with source control systems such as Git.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Eagerness to learn and grow within a collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing SQL queries, stored procedures, or database-backed applications.
- Familiarity with AWS services and cloud-native application architectures.
- Exposure to CI/CD tools and automated deployment practices.
- Understanding of application performance tuning and troubleshooting.
- Experience working in Agile software development environments.
What Success Looks Like
- Delivers high-quality database changes that meet functional and performance requirements.
- Contributes to application scalability, reliability, and maintainability through sound database design.
- Works effectively with software engineering teams to solve data-related challenges.
- Continuously develops technical expertise in SQL Server, PostgreSQL, AWS, and modern engineering practices.
Level: Associate (0-2 Years Experience)
Salary: $85,000 - $95,000
Non-discrimination clause: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed. CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location. The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.
We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401K Matching Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact. CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.
Hybrid Austin, TX: The role requires a mix of days in CDK's Austin, TX office and can be worked remotely on the remaining days. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of this office.
About us
CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance.
Position Summary
We are looking for an Associate Database Engineer to join our Platform Engineering team. This is a hands-on database development role focused on designing, implementing, reviewing, optimizing, and supporting database solutions that power critical business applications. Working alongside software engineers, architects, and platform teams, you will help build and evolve database schemas, stored procedures, queries, and data access patterns across Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL environments. This role is ideal for someone early in their career who enjoys solving technical problems, working with data, and learning how modern applications scale. You will contribute to database design decisions, support application development initiatives, improve performance and reliability, and help ensure database changes are delivered safely and efficiently within AWS-hosted environments. While operational support is part of the role, this is primarily a database engineering and development position rather than a traditional database administration (DBA) role.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain database objects, including tables, views, stored procedures, functions, and scripts.
- Partner with application development teams to design scalable and efficient data models.
- Review proposed database changes for quality, performance, maintainability, and adherence to standards.
- Analyze and optimize SQL queries, indexes, and execution plans to improve application performance.
- Support database deployments and schema changes through established release processes.
- Troubleshoot database-related application issues and assist in root cause analysis.
- Participate in code reviews and database design discussions.
- Create and maintain technical documentation for database solutions and standards.
- Assist with data migrations, integrations, and modernization initiatives.
- Contribute to database monitoring, reliability improvements, and operational support activities.
- Collaborate with teams across engineering, product, and operations to deliver high-quality solutions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
- 0-2 years of experience in software development, database development, or related technical roles.
- Foundational knowledge of relational database concepts and SQL.
- Exposure to Microsoft SQL Server and/or PostgreSQL through coursework, internships, projects, or professional experience.
- Understanding of database design principles, normalization, indexing, and data modeling.
- Familiarity with source control systems such as Git.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Eagerness to learn and grow within a collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing SQL queries, stored procedures, or database-backed applications.
- Familiarity with AWS services and cloud-native application architectures.
- Exposure to CI/CD tools and automated deployment practices.
- Understanding of application performance tuning and troubleshooting.
- Experience working in Agile software development environments.
What Success Looks Like
- Delivers high-quality database changes that meet functional and performance requirements.
- Contributes to application scalability, reliability, and maintainability through sound database design.
- Works effectively with software engineering teams to solve data-related challenges.
- Continuously develops technical expertise in SQL Server, PostgreSQL, AWS, and modern engineering practices.
Level: Associate (0-2 Years Experience)
Salary: $85,000 - $95,000
Non-discrimination clause: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed. CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location. The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.
We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401K Matching Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact. CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.
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Entry Level Database Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level database specialist job?
Start by building hands-on experience through personal projects, coursework, or internships that demonstrate you can design schemas, write queries, and maintain data integrity. Proficiency in SQL is the baseline most employers expect, and familiarity with at least one database platform such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server strengthens your candidacy. A portfolio showing real work gives hiring managers something concrete to evaluate, even when your resume is short.
Which companies hire entry level database specialists?
Companies hiring entry level database specialists right now include Affiliated Engineers, GOCOOL, and Trimble, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from mid-size technology firms, healthcare organizations, financial services companies, and government contractors that need junior talent to support growing data infrastructure teams.
Are there remote entry level database specialist jobs?
Yes, though on-site and hybrid roles still make up a significant share of openings at this level. About 37% of entry level database specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so candidates who are flexible on location will find the widest range of options while those open to on-site work will access the largest overall pool.
Are these new grad database specialist jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior database specialist roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or academic projects toward that threshold, or explicitly accepts a portfolio in lieu of professional history. Filtering for those signals helps recent graduates identify roles where they can compete from day one.
Which industries hire the most entry level database specialists?
Entry Level database specialist roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they generate large volumes of structured data and need junior professionals to support database administration, reporting pipelines, and data quality work under senior oversight.