[Remote] Contract: Senior Database Automation Engineer (LATAM) at Upwork

Latin America

Upwork Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • Deep experience in both database engineering/administration and software development (hybrid expertise)
  • Strong background in Python (required); ability to develop robust automation beyond basic scripting. Experience with Ruby or Perl acceptable if able to quickly adapt to Python
  • 7+ years of professional experience with relational databases, strong preference for Postgres. Experience with MySQL or Oracle valued. NoSQL (e.g., DynamoDB) a plus
  • Solid understanding of SQL; experience with procedural languages (PL/pgSQL or PL/SQL) beneficial
  • Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure) helpful; experience with Terraform and IaC tools a plus
  • Passion for automating repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency
  • Ownership, accountability, proactive, and resourceful in solving problems
  • Strong communication skills for working in a distributed, multicultural team
  • Based in LATAM timezone
  • Participation in 24/7 on-call rotation, including weekends and LATAM-friendly shifts

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement Python-based automation frameworks (not scripts) for database lifecycle management
  • Collaborate with infrastructure teams to integrate systems via APIs (AWS, Kubernetes, HashiCorp)
  • Optimize Postgres performance, replication, and backup strategies (99% of relational DB use cases)
  • Participate in LATAM Time-friendly on-call shifts with weekend coverage for incident response on high-severity database alerts

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

PostgresMySQLDynamoDBMongoDBTerraformRDSPrestoRancherPythonAWSKubernetesHashiCorpDatabase AutomationInfrastructure as CodeReplicationBackup Strategies

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the must-have skills for this Senior Database Automation Engineer role?

Candidates need hybrid expertise in database engineering/administration and software development, strong Python programming skills beyond basic scripting, 7+ years with relational databases (strong preference for Postgres), solid SQL proficiency, with cloud/DevOps familiarity as a plus.

Is this a remote position, and where is the team located?

This is a contract role through Upwork’s Hybrid Workforce Solutions (HWS) Team, a global group with members located all over the world, including LATAM time-friendly on-call shifts.

What is the compensation for this contract position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of on-call responsibilities does this role involve?

The role includes incident response for high-severity database alerts with 24/7 on-call rotation, specifically LATAM time-friendly shifts with weekend coverage.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

Candidates who have transitioned from database engineering to software development (or vice versa) are especially encouraged, along with deep Python skills for building automation frameworks and 7+ years of relational database experience, preferably Postgres.

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$143.8MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.
The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.
Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.
The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.
Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.
The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.
Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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