Application Database Administrator

l be part of the Retirement Plan Services (RPS) Technology team at Schwab. RPS is responsible for the architecture, design, implementation, and support of Schwab's retirement platform serving our 401k participants, clients, and back-office operations. As an Application DBA, you will be responsible for ensuring the performance, security, availability, and scalability of the databases that support our business-critical applications. You will work closely with development teams to ensure that database solutions are well-integrated with applications, optimized for performance, and meet business requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Database Management: Configure and maintain SQL Server databases to ensure high availability, scalability, and optimal performance.

• Performance Tuning & Optimization: Monitor and tune SQL queries, indexing, and overall database performance to support application efficiency. Implement performance optimization strategies such as query rewriting, indexing strategies, and database schema modifications.

• Security & Compliance: Configure and enforce database security standards, including user access management, encryption, and data masking. Ensure that databases comply with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and internal security policies.

• Collaboration with Development Teams: Work closely with developers to ensure database designs align with application requirements. Assist in the creation and modification of database objects to ensure they are optimized for performance and scalability.

• Code Review: Review and approve all database code submitted by application teams before deployment to production.

• Monitoring & Incident Response: Use SQL Server monitoring tools to track key performance metrics, detect issues, and ensure high availability. Respond to database incidents, troubleshoot performance bottlenecks, and resolve issues promptly.

• Capacity Planning & Scalability: Assess and plan for database growth by monitoring usage patterns and recommending infrastructure changes to meet the growing demands of our business partners.

• Documentation & Best Practices: Maintain up-to-date documentation of SQL Server database configurations, procedures, and best practices. Provide recommendations for process improvements and enforce standards across the database environment.

• Troubleshooting & Support: Provide advanced troubleshooting for database issues affecting applications, including resolving database connectivity problems, performance issues, and data integrity concerns.

What you have

Required:

• Extensive experience in managing SQL Server databases (SQL Server 2016 or later).

• 5+ years of expertise in SQL performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies.

• Proficiency in T-SQL code development (e.g. stored procedures, functions, and triggers).

• Familiarity with SQL Server Availability Groups and Transactional Replication.

• Knowledge of SQL Server security best practices, including TDE.

• Experience with SSIS and SSRS.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with SQL Server monitoring tools, preferably Foglight.

• Experience with Postgres.

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).

• Proficiency with source control applications, preferably GitHub and SQL Source Control.

• Experience working for a financial services firm or other highly regulated organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

What's in it for you

At Schwab, we're committed to empowering our employees' personal and professional success. Our purpose-driven, supportive culture, and focus on your development means you'll get the tools you need to make a positive difference in the finance industry. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.

We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you - both today and in the future:

• 401(k) with company match and Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid time for vacation, volunteering, and 28-day sabbatical after every 5 years of service for eligible positions
• Paid parental leave and family building benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance