Please note the base salary will be determined by the successful candidate's education, skills and experience. The listed salary range serves as a general pay guideline for this position's pay level.

Database Reliability Engineer (DRE)

Location: Remote, Canada

We're seeking a talented individual to seamlessly integrate database management into our DevSecOps pipelines. In this pivotal role, you'll be instrumental in ensuring the security, reliability, performance, and automation of our database infrastructure. Champion "database as code" principles, automate database operations, and embed security best practices throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

Why pursue this opportunity

• Our mission - make insurance, investments and benefits simple, fast and easy for our customers.
• Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.
• Deliver excellence - provide a personal, accurate, professional, and courteous service and resolution to our customers.

What you’ll be working on

• Lead the integration of database schema changes, data migrations, and configuration into our existing CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Azure DevOps).
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and tools using languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash for database provisioning, patching, monitoring, backup, and recovery.
• Implement and evangelize version control (Git) for all database schemas, stored procedures, and configuration files. Utilize tools like Liquibase or Flyway for automated schema evolution.
• Collaborate with security teams to identify and remediate database vulnerabilities. Implement security best practices such as encryption, access control, auditing, and data masking within automated processes.
• Proactively monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement tuning strategies. Ensure high availability, disaster recovery, and data integrity through robust automated solutions.
• Work closely with development, operations, and security teams to define database requirements, troubleshoot issues, and promote a culture of shared responsibility for database health and security.
• Contribute to the definition and implementation of database infrastructure using tools like Terraform or Ansible for consistent and repeatable deployments across environments.
• Act as a key point of contact for complex database-related incidents, performing root cause analysis and implementing preventative measures.
• Create comprehensive documentation for database architectures, processes, and automation workflows. Define and enforce database best practices and standards.
• Continuously research and evaluate new database technologies, tools, and DevSecOps practices to drive innovation and efficiency.

What we’re looking for you to have

• 5+ years of experience as a Database Reliability Engineer, or a similar role with a strong focus on automation and DevOps principles.

• Deep expertise in at least one, and preferably multiple, database systems:

• Relational: PostgreSQL (highly preferred), SQL Server (highly preferred), DB2.

• NoSQL: MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra (experience with any of these is a plus).

• Proven experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions) and integrating database changes into automated pipelines.

• Strong scripting skills in languages like Python, PowerShell, Bash, or Ruby.

• Hands-on experience with database change management tools such as Liquibase, Flyway, or Redgate.

• Solid understanding of database security principles including encryption, access control, auditing, and vulnerability management.

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Ansible.

• Proficiency with Git for version control.

• Experience with database monitoring and observability tools (preferably Datadog).

• Familiarity with cloud database services (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL) is a significant asset.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex database issues.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

• A proactive, results-oriented, and continuous improvement mindset.

• Nice to haves:

  • Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and deploying databases in containerized environments.
  • Familiarity with secrets management solutions (e.g., HashiCorp Vault).
  • Certifications in database administration, cloud platforms, or security.
  • Experience with data modeling and database design for large-scale applications.

Beyond the salary

For regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
• Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non sales positions
• Competitive uncapped commission, for sales positions
• A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
• Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
• Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
• A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
• Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
• Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs
• A cash employee referral program

To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit https://www.empire.ca/workatempire.

Get to know us

Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact recruitment@empire.ca.