Senior Oracle DBA and Systems Architect

Location: Houston, TX

Department: IT Infrastructure / Database Architecture  

Reports To: Director of IT Infrastructure  

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Summary:

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Oracle DBA and Systems Architect to lead their Oracle database and UNIX/Linux systems architecture. This role combines advanced expertise in Oracle Database Administration and Linux Systems Architecture to drive the design, implementation, and maintenance of our Oracle environments on UNIX/Linux platforms. The ideal candidate will work on both architectural and hands-on levels, ensuring robust, high-performance, and scalable solutions. This position also involves leading a team of database and systems engineers to advance strategic projects, optimize performance, and ensure the security and reliability of critical infrastructure.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Architect, design, and implement Oracle database solutions on UNIX/Linux platforms, focusing on performance, scalability, and security.
• Lead and mentor a team of DBAs and systems engineers in both project and operational tasks, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee database infrastructure planning and capacity management, ensuring system resilience, availability, and effective failover solutions.
• Manage Oracle database installations, configurations, patching, and upgrades, ensuring optimal integration with Linux/UNIX systems.
• Design, implement, and optimize Oracle RAC (Real Application Clusters), Data Guard, GoldenGate, and other high-availability and disaster recovery solutions.
• Develop and enforce security best practices for Oracle databases, including encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards.
• Drive automation efforts using tools such as Ansible and shell scripting to streamline database and system provisioning, maintenance, and monitoring.
• Perform advanced performance tuning at both the database and operating system levels, implementing proactive monitoring and alerts to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with Cloud, DevOps, and Application teams to support hybrid cloud deployments and ensure optimal database and systems integration.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across Oracle databases and UNIX/Linux systems, leading root cause analysis and implementing preventive measures.
• Stay current with Oracle database advancements, emerging technologies, and industry best practices, evaluating potential improvements for our infrastructure.

 Required Skills and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience as an Oracle DBA, with at least 5 years in an architectural or lead role.
• Expertise in Oracle Database 12c, 19c, and other recent versions, including installation, configuration, and administration.
• Deep understanding of UNIX/Linux systems architecture, especially Oracle Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Extensive experience with Oracle RAC, Data Guard, GoldenGate, and advanced clustering/high-availability technologies.
• Proficiency with performance tuning at both database (SQL tuning, indexing strategies) and OS levels, along with database monitoring tools (e.g., Oracle Enterprise Manager).
• Advanced skills in backup and recovery strategies, including RMAN configuration and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of security practices for Oracle databases, including encryption, user privileges, and compliance (e.g., SOX, HIPAA).
• Experience with cloud environments (e.g., Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, AWS, or Azure) and supporting hybrid database architectures.
• Proficiency with automation tools (Ansible, Terraform) and scripting languages (Shell, Python) to automate database and system tasks.
• Proven leadership experience in managing or mentoring DBA and engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, load balancing) in relation to Oracle database environments.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Oracle Certified Master (OCM), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).
• Experience integrating Oracle databases into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) for database deployment.
• Familiarity with ITIL practices and project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum).