Head of Database Engineering and Operations

MSCI•New York, NY

28d

About The Position

We are seeking the head of Database Engineering & Operations for MSCI's large database infrastructure spread across our Tier-IV data center, Google cloud and Azure, to lead and grow our team responsible for the performance, availability, and scalability of critical database platforms - Oracle, SQL Server, Cassandra, MongoDB and Apache Ignite - across our hybrid cloud environment which incorporates on premise data centers, Azure, GCP and Oracle Cloud. This role combines technical depth with strong leadership skills, ensuring the stability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of both legacy and modern data systems. This role requires very deep 20+ years of hands-on engineering experience with multi-vendor databases - structured and non-structured. This is an executive level positions that requires candidate evidence prior positions leading mission critical database infrastructure that powers MSCI's multi-billion dollar business. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strategic mindset, capable of driving engineering modernization, automation, and operational excellence in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
15+ years of experience in database engineering or administration.
10+ years in a leadership and overseeing multi-platform database environments.
Strong hands-on experience with:
Oracle (Data Guard, RMAN)
SQL Server (Always On, SSIS, SSRS)
Cassandra (Data modeling, scaling, tuning)
Proven experience in managing hybrid cloud environments (on-prem + AWS, Azure, or GCP).
Solid understanding of backup/recovery, disaster recovery strategies, and high availability architectures.
Experience with scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Python, Bash) and database automation tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience with IaC tools (Terraform, Ansible) and CI/CD pipelines for database changes.
Familiarity with Kubernetes, containerized databases, or DBaaS platforms.
Knowledge of monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, SolarWinds, OEM, SQL Monitor).
Certifications such as:
Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
AWS Certified Database - Specialty
Apache Cassandra Administrator Certification

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of database engineers and administrators.
Define and execute a strategic roadmap for database engineering and operations.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide technical leadership for the design, deployment, and optimization of Oracle, SQL Server, Cassandra and other NoSQL databases on the MSCI Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Platform
Guide infrastructure design and implementation decisions for on-premises and cloud-hosted database workloads
Drive standardization of database architecture, tooling, automation, and best practices.
Oversee 24/7 database operations, ensuring system reliability, availability, performance and proactive maintenance.
Own and optimize backup, recovery, HA/DR, patching, and capacity planning processes.
Develop robust monitoring, alerting, and incident response procedures.
Develop designs to enable fast recovery of databases ranging from 50TB to 250TB
Lead the transition and integration of database services into cloud and hybrid environments.
Promote Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) practices for database provisioning and deployment.
Drive automation of routine operations to reduce manual effort and increase reliability.
Ensure compliance with data security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, GDPR).
Enforce access controls, encryption, auditing, and other data governance measures.
Partner with InfoSec and compliance teams to perform risk assessments and audits.
Work closely with application development, DevOps, SRE, and business intelligence teams to support data-intensive applications.
Participate in architectural reviews, performance tuning sessions, and capacity planning initiatives.
Manage vendor relationships for database platforms, tools, and support contracts.
Monitor and optimize database licensing usage and costs.
Integrate AI into all the operations and management processes outlined above

Benefits

Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location, ensuring your financial security, health, and overall wellbeing.
Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces.
A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.
A global network of talented colleagues, who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.
Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.
Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.
We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups. All Abilities, Asian Support Network, Black Leadership Network, Climate Action Network, Hola! MSCI, Pride & Allies, Women in Tech, and Women's Leadership Forum.

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