Principal Database Administrator Jobs
Principal Database Administrator jobs are open across healthcare, financial services, government, and enterprise technology, covering specializations in performance tuning, high availability architecture, and cloud-native database platforms, from senior DBA to staff and principal levels. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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INTRODUCTION
Temple University's Information Technology Services Department is searching for a Database and Application System Administrator!
Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
- A hybrid work schedule
- Full medical, dental, vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
- 3 Personal Days
- Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION-FREE
- A generous retirement plan and so much more!
Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant’s education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.
Position Summary
Temple University Database and Application team is seeking a passionate engineer professional interested in Information Technology and application/database support. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to work in a friendly collaborative environment with some of the latest technology.
As a Database and Application System Administrator, you will be part of a team working to support a large Enterprise application and many other ancillary systems. The job will give you an opportunity to learn from Senior Database Administrators on supporting databases performance, applications services, system administration and database management. The position also serves as a key technical resource for database and application infrastructure, working closely with IT teams, functional departments, application vendors, and implementation partners to ensure reliable and secure operation of critical systems. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge and experience with at least one database platform such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL and MySQL. The incumbent will also know how to use SQL, PL/SQL, C#, MySQL, Python, JSON, JAVA, Shell and Perl. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB DETAILS
This position requires a background check for PII/Cash Handling responsibilities.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
- At least three (3) years of experience in an IT related field
- Advanced knowledge of at least one of the following database platforms: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
- Advanced knowledge of Oracle SQL, PL/SQL, C#, MySQL, Python, JSON, JAVA, Shell and Perl
- Experience constructing script/program code to enhance processes
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with Higher Education Software
- Experience with an ERP system such as Ellucian Banner
- Experience with Oracle Exadata
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of database architecture, database schemas, database objects, file system structures, tables, and views
- Working knowledge of Docker Containers and Kubernetes
- Understanding of Windows and/or Linux server environments
- Working knowledge of distributed version control systems
- Ability to effectively interact with people in a professional manner when completing requests and supporting customers
- Ask questions when needed as you work as part of the delivery team.
- Build relationships with stakeholders; know how to collect requirements and document use cases and processes
- Ability to take initiative to learn the environment, understand the tech stack, internal ITS process and procedures
- Ability to apply time management skills and manage your own projects independently
- Ability to work nights/weekends/early mornings, for on-call coverage
This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote) – the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Department.
Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.
Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.
Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report
You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.
INTRODUCTION
Temple University's Information Technology Services Department is searching for a Database and Application System Administrator!
Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
- A hybrid work schedule
- Full medical, dental, vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
- 3 Personal Days
- Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION-FREE
- A generous retirement plan and so much more!
Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant’s education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.
Position Summary
Temple University Database and Application team is seeking a passionate engineer professional interested in Information Technology and application/database support. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to work in a friendly collaborative environment with some of the latest technology.
As a Database and Application System Administrator, you will be part of a team working to support a large Enterprise application and many other ancillary systems. The job will give you an opportunity to learn from Senior Database Administrators on supporting databases performance, applications services, system administration and database management. The position also serves as a key technical resource for database and application infrastructure, working closely with IT teams, functional departments, application vendors, and implementation partners to ensure reliable and secure operation of critical systems. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge and experience with at least one database platform such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL and MySQL. The incumbent will also know how to use SQL, PL/SQL, C#, MySQL, Python, JSON, JAVA, Shell and Perl. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB DETAILS
This position requires a background check for PII/Cash Handling responsibilities.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
- At least three (3) years of experience in an IT related field
- Advanced knowledge of at least one of the following database platforms: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
- Advanced knowledge of Oracle SQL, PL/SQL, C#, MySQL, Python, JSON, JAVA, Shell and Perl
- Experience constructing script/program code to enhance processes
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with Higher Education Software
- Experience with an ERP system such as Ellucian Banner
- Experience with Oracle Exadata
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of database architecture, database schemas, database objects, file system structures, tables, and views
- Working knowledge of Docker Containers and Kubernetes
- Understanding of Windows and/or Linux server environments
- Working knowledge of distributed version control systems
- Ability to effectively interact with people in a professional manner when completing requests and supporting customers
- Ask questions when needed as you work as part of the delivery team.
- Build relationships with stakeholders; know how to collect requirements and document use cases and processes
- Ability to take initiative to learn the environment, understand the tech stack, internal ITS process and procedures
- Ability to apply time management skills and manage your own projects independently
- Ability to work nights/weekends/early mornings, for on-call coverage
This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote) – the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Department.
Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.
Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.
Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report
You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.
Principal Database Administrator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsPrincipal Database Administrator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software18
- Consulting & Professional Services8
- Staffing & Recruiting2
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
- Education1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal database administrator jobs.
- 8 or more years of hands-on database administration experience across enterprise environments
- Expert-level proficiency in SQL Server, Oracle, or PostgreSQL, with demonstrated performance-tuning skills
- Experience designing and maintaining high availability and disaster recovery architectures
- Proficiency with cloud database platforms such as AWS RDS, Azure SQL, or Google Cloud SQL
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a closely related field
- Relevant certifications such as Oracle DBA, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, or equivalent platform credentials
Tips for Your Principal Database Administrator Job Search
Tailor your resume to database scope
Principal-level roles expect you to own entire database environments, not individual instances. Reframe your resume around the scale you managed, the number of databases under your purview, and decisions you made independently rather than executed under direction.
Lead with platform depth over breadth
Hiring managers for principal database administrator roles want deep expertise in one or two platforms, not a long list of tools you've touched. Put your primary platform, version history, and advanced-feature work at the top, then list secondary platforms below.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal database administrator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name specific problems
Job descriptions that mention replication lag, disaster recovery gaps, or query optimization backlogs signal an active pain point. These roles fill faster and reward candidates who open cover letters with direct references to that exact problem and how they've solved it before.
Prepare a system-design walkthrough for interviews
Principal-level interviews typically include a live architecture exercise, not just behavioral questions. Practice walking through a database design decision out loud, covering trade-offs you rejected, not just the solution you chose, so the panel can see how you reason under constraints.
Negotiate scope alongside salary
At the principal level, your reporting structure and decision-making authority matter as much as pay. During offer discussions, clarify whether you'll own standards across teams or sit below a database architect, since your leverage shifts significantly based on that answer.
Principal Database Administrator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal database administrators?
The companies hiring the most principal database administrators right now include NTT DATA, CACI International, and Technology, Automation, and Management, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, Texas, and Maryland, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Healthcare systems, financial institutions, and large government contractors tend to maintain the most consistent demand for principal-level database talent.
How many principal database administrator jobs are remote?
About 68% of principal database administrator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting strong demand for experienced professionals who can operate independently without on-site supervision. Cloud database management and performance monitoring sub-specialties see the highest share of fully remote postings, while roles tied to on-premise legacy systems more often require in-person presence.
How do you become a principal database administrator?
Start by building deep expertise in at least one major database platform through hands-on administration of production environments. Progress from DBA to senior DBA by owning increasingly complex systems, then move into roles where you set standards, mentor junior staff, and lead architecture decisions. Earning a recognized platform certification and demonstrating cross-functional influence, not just technical output, is what typically separates senior from principal-level candidates.
Can you get hired as a principal database administrator without direct experience at that level?
You can move into a principal role without a previous principal title if you can document work that matches the scope: owning database strategy across multiple teams, driving disaster recovery design, or resolving performance issues that blocked business operations. Smaller organizations and growth-stage companies often promote strong senior DBAs directly when they can demonstrate they're already doing the work without the formal title.
What does the principal database administrator interview process look like?
Most processes run three to four rounds and include a technical screen covering query optimization and architecture fundamentals, a system-design exercise where you walk through a database solution under real constraints, and a behavioral panel focused on cross-team leadership and past incidents. Some employers add a take-home scenario involving schema design or a performance problem, and final rounds often include a conversation with engineering leadership about database strategy and long-term roadmap decisions.
Where can I find and apply to principal database administrator jobs?
You can find and apply to principal database administrator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your platform expertise, industry background, and seniority level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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