Database Engineer/Developer

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The role at a glance:

The Database Engineer/Developer serves as the primary owner and steward of NBBJ’s SQL Server platforms and operational data systems within the Digital organization. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, operation, security, and ongoing evolution of business-critical databases that primarily support Finance, but also integrate with operations, analytics, and firmwide reporting. The position combines deep database administration responsibilities with hands-on development, data integration, and close collaboration with our Finance team, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, HR, and application development teams.

In your new role, you will:

In practice, the role functions as the firm’s technical authority for SQL-based data platforms, ensuring reliability, integrity, compliance, and continuity of NBBJ’s core data assets. The approximate distribution of responsibilities is as follows:

55–65% Digital / firmwide responsibilities:

• Enterprise database development and architecture
• Data infrastructure and system integration
• Broader database administration supporting firm systems

35–45% Finance-focused responsibilities:

• Deltek Vantagepoint development, maintenance, and administration
• Finance-related analytics, 3rd party systems integrations, and reporting support
• AI and Database enhancements supporting Finance workflows and process evolution

Technical Responsibilities:

• SQL Platform Ownership and Administration
• Own and operate NBBJ’s SQL Server environments, including standalone and clustered deployments, including both on-premises and Azure PaaS and IaaS instances.
• Own and operate non-SQL environments such as Redis, MongoDB, MySQL.
• Install, configure, patch, and upgrade SQL Server instances and related components such as SQL Server Integration Services and Reporting Services, during nights or weekends as needed.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for SQL platform issues, performance tuning, and stability concerns.
• Design and maintain high availability and failover configurations, including backup and recovery processes, to ensure business continuity.

Database Development and Data Engineering:

• Design, build, and maintain operational and reporting databases that support finance, operations, BIM, and studio leadership.
• Develop and maintain SQL objects including schemas, tables, views, stored procedures, and functions.
• Implement data transformations and pipelines using SQL Server Integration Services and related tooling.
  
• Modify data models to support evolving business requirements while maintaining data integrity and performance.
  
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement repeatable, maintainable database changes and data engineering practices that support reliable reporting.

Enterprise Data Integration:

• Own and maintain data integrations between core enterprise systems, including Deltek Vantagepoint, HR and talent systems, finance and payroll platforms, and third-party vendors.
• Manage secure file transfers and system to system feeds, including SFTP based integrations.
  
• Troubleshoot and resolve data feed, synchronization, and downstream system issues in coordination with stakeholders.
  
• Ensure integrations are reliable, monitored, and documented to support operational continuity and reporting accuracy
• Security, Access, and Compliance Support
• Design and maintain role-based access controls for SQL environments, including separation of finance and nonfinance access.
• Collaborate with Cybersecurity and Infrastructure teams on security controls, service accounts, and incident response activities related to database systems.
  
• Support audit, compliance, and risk management activities by providing data, documentation, and secure handling of sensitive information.
• Ensure databases and integrations align with internal security standards and client confidentiality requirements.

Finance and Operational Partnership:

• Serve as a trusted technical partner to Finance, Operations, and other leadership teams.
• Support financial reporting and analysis lead process evolution, and drive system innovation.
• Translate strategic business questions into analytical approaches, including determining when traditional statistical methods, machine learning, or generative AI tools are the most appropriate path to insight
• Assist with audits and reviews by retrieving and validating system documentation and data outputs.
• Provide guidance on data usage, limitations, and interpretation for decision-making.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:

• Work closely with application developers, analysts, infrastructure engineers, cybersecurity, and business stakeholders.
• Document systems, processes, and dependencies to reduce institutional risk.
• Mentor and cross-train designated backups to ensure continuity of critical database functions.

What you will need to succeed:

• 10+ years of experience
• Advanced experience administering and developing on Microsoft SQL Server platforms.
• Strong expertise in SQL development, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with SQL Server Integration Services and Reporting Services.
• Experience supporting Finance teams, HR, or ERP systems such as Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint.
• Understands, has experience with, and can articulate mid-level to complex financial concepts
• Familiarity with Power BI and enterprise reporting platforms.
• Working knowledge of data governance, audit support, and security best practices related to enterprise data platforms.
• Experience designing and supporting business-critical operational and financial data systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and support production systems with high reliability expectations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

For Seattle / California / New York / Boston: the annual base pay range for this role is anticipated to be between $135,000 and $150,000. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their skills, qualifications and experience.

We believe that all NBBJ employees should love their work. This means not only loving what you do but having pride in your workplace. We strive to be that irresistible place to work by enhancing your employee experience with customized programs and comprehensive benefits. In addition to 100% covered employee healthcare costs and 401k contributions, we offer unique professional development opportunities, volunteer opportunities and access to leading technology and resources to further help you love your work and advance your career.

• NBBJ has been named three times by Fast Company as one of the most innovative architecture firms.
• Founded in 1943, our first office opened over 75 years ago in Seattle, Washington. We now have over 10 office locations around the globe.
• We are a transdisciplinary, cross-practice focused firm with a deep portfolio of Civic & Cultural, Commercial, Corporate, Healthcare, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Sports, and Urban Environment projects. We also have several areas of service expertise including: Architecture, Environmental Graphic Design, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Workplace Consulting and more.
• In the past decade, NBBJ has received more than 300 awards from leading global, national and regional award programs across the business, real estate and design communities.
• We work with 5 of the top global high-tech companies, 14 of the U.S. News and World Report Top Hospitals, and 4 of the top 10 highest-ranked learning institutions.
• Our clients include institutional leaders such as Cambridge University, Google, Samsung, Cleveland Clinic, Tencent, and Stanford University.