PostgreSQL Database Administrator

We are seeking an experienced PostgreSQL Database Administrator (DBA) to manage, maintain, optimize, and secure enterprise PostgreSQL database environments. The ideal candidate will be responsible for database architecture, performance tuning, high availability, disaster recovery, security compliance, automation, and supporting mission-critical applications. This role requires strong technical expertise, proactive problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with development, infrastructure, cloud, and security teams.

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Install, configure, upgrade, clone and maintain PostgreSQL database environments. 
• Monitor database health, performance, and availability across production, staging, and development environments. 
• Manage database objects including schemas, tables, indexes, partitions, views, functions, and stored procedures. 
• Perform regular database maintenance activities such as VACUUM, ANALYZE, REINDEX, Statistics management, Storage optimization.
• Ensure database uptime and operational excellence through proactive monitoring and issue resolution.
• Analyze slow-running queries and optimize SQL performance. 
• Design and maintain effective indexing strategies. 
• Perform query execution plan analysis using EXPLAIN, EXPLAIN ANALYZE, pg_stat_statements
• Optimize PostgreSQL configuration parameters such as shared_buffers, work_mem, maintenance_work_mem, effective_cache_size, wal_buffers.
• Identify and eliminate performance bottlenecks related to CPU, memory, storage, and network resources.
• Develop, test, and maintain backup & disaster recovery procedures. 
• Execute database refreshes, restores during incidents and recovery operations.
• Implement database security standards and best practices.
• Manage PostgreSQL environments on cloud platforms. Azure Database for PostgreSQL (preferred), AWS RDS for PostgreSQL.
• Implement cloud-native monitoring and automation. 
• Optimize cloud database performance and costs. 
• Support hybrid and multi-cloud database architectures.
• Supports the AAR development staff in the areas of database design as it relates to reliability, resource utilization, practical operations, database environment, bug fixes, and interaction with vendor support