Senior Database Developer, PostgreSQL

Job Description

Job Description

• For local candidates within 45 miles of our Holland, OH headquarters this role is hybrid after 60-day orientation period.
• For candidates outside of local area, this role would be primarily remote. You will be required to come onsite for first week to onboard and as needed for conferences and meetings.
• Must currently live in the following U.S. states to be considered: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, Montana, Rhode Island, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada.
• Must be able to work business hours of 8:30am-5:00pm EST in addition to off-hours deployments or crisis resolution per the off-hours production support schedule
• We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas. All candidates must have authorization to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

About us:

What started in 1989 as a family-owned video rental store grew into a trusted partner dedicated to helping libraries thrive. A single suggestion to sell VHS tapes (remember those?) to public libraries inspired our founder, John Eldred to start Midwest Tape LLC – and set our mission in motion.

Fast forward to over 35 years later, we provide libraries across North America, New Zealand, and Australia with innovative products and equitable access to content. Backed by a passion for exceptional service and a deep understanding of library needs, we fuel libraries with unparalleled access to top-tier media content including physical media (audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and read-a-longs) as well as our digital platform, Hoopla Digital.

Hoopla, available on iOS, Android, and desktop, combines our decades of media expertise with modern technology to deliver an all-in-one experience for libraries and their patrons. With one of the strongest catalogs in the digital library space, Hoopla empowers libraries to reach patrons wherever they are.

We proudly partner with our library partners and content providers to strengthen communities through access to educational resources and entertainment experiences. Since 1989, our commitment has remained the same: supporting libraries with solutions that make a difference because strong libraries build healthy communities.

The Senior Database Developer is responsible for the design, development, optimization, and modernization of enterprise database solutions that support critical product, analytics, and operational systems. This role ensures database environments are scalable, secure, and high performing, with a strong focus on PostgreSQL and AWS technologies, including Aurora, Redshift, and RDS.

The position works closely with software developers, infrastructure teams, business intelligence, and other stakeholders to deliver reliable data architecture, improve system performance, and support data-driven decision-making. Responsibilities include advancing cloud-based data infrastructure, improving automation, establishing engineering best practices, and maintaining the long-term health, integrity, and governance of database systems.

This role also translates business and technical requirements into sustainable database solutions, supports performance tuning and continuous improvement efforts, and contributes to data governance, security, documentation, and cross-functional technical execution.

The ideal candidate brings deep PostgreSQL development expertise, strong AWS experience (Aurora, Redshift), a systems-thinking mindset, and the communication skills to collaborate effectively across engineering and business teams.

Database Design & Development

• Architect and implement scalable, high-performance relational database solutions in PostgreSQL.
• Write complex, optimized SQL and PL/pgSQL stored procedures, functions, and triggers.
• Continuously monitor, tune, and improve database performance, availability, and reliability.
• Lead scheduled version upgrades and evaluate emerging PostgreSQL, Aurora, and Redshift features for adoption.

Cloud & Data Infrastructure

• Manage and monitor cloud-based database hosts using AWS Aurora and Redshift.
• Design and maintain data pipelines supporting analytics, reporting, and operational workloads.
• Build and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform for database provisioning and configuration.
• Contribute to data mesh and data lake architecture initiatives.

Collaboration & Governance

• Partner with developers to improve application data access patterns and enforce best practices.
• Gather and translate user and stakeholder requirements into reliable database designs.
• Implement and uphold data governance, access controls, auditing, and security standards.
• Provide data management support and technical guidance to end users and application teams.

Documentation & Process

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, runbooks, and training materials.
• Research and recommend new database products, services, and architectural patterns.
• Participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies and contribute to sprint planning and delivery.

Core Database & SQL

• Expert-level SQL authoring including writing complex queries, query plan analysis, index optimization, and performance tuning.
• Solid understanding of data management fundamentals including permissions, backup/recovery, security, and monitoring.
• Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g., DynamoDB, MongoDB).

AWS & Cloud Platforms

• Proven experience with Amazon Aurora (PostgreSQL-compatible).
• Hands-on experience with Amazon Redshift for analytics and data warehousing
• Familiarity with AWS Lambda, Step Functions, and event-driven data workflows
• Infrastructure as Code using Terraform

Architecture & Engineering Practices

• Systems architecture thinking with experience designing microservices and data-layer integrations.
• Knowledge of data mesh, domain-driven design, and/or data lake architecture.
• Experience building and maintaining data pipelines.
• Proficient with Git and version-controlled database change management.
• Familiarity with .NET Framework, Java/JDBC, and/or Node.js for application integration.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams using JIRA and Confluence.
• Exposure to data governance, cataloging, and security best practices.
• Proficiency with AI-powered development tools (e.g., Claude).

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability under tight deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail

• B.S., M.S., in software engineering, computer science, or related area or equivalent experience.

• 10+ years of database development experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on PostgreSQL development, including PL/pgSQL.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to regularly sit for extended periods of time.
• Physically able to attend meetings, presentations, and training sessions.
• Perform repetitive motion type tasks.
• Remote work is possible; must be available during Eastern Time business hours and for off-hours production support.

Company Benefits:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401k + match
• Profit sharing
• Paid vacation and personal time
• Flex time
• 10 paid holidays
• Company performance bonus
• Holiday bonus
• Training & career development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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