Public Cloud Database Engineer - job 3 of 14

As a Public Cloud Database Engineer at American Express, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing database technologies in AWS and GCP. Your primary duties include evaluating new database versions, establishing configurations and best practices, and collaborating with various teams to enhance database operations for our key financial applications. You will also be tasked with documenting, presenting, and explaining best practices to application developers and operational support teams.

To be considered for the Public Cloud Database Engineer role at American Express, a bachelor’s degree is preferred alongside substantial experience with relational and NoSQL databases such as Cloud SQL and Cassandra. Candidates should have hands-on experience in database deployment in cloud environments, coupled with certifications in AWS and/or GCP, scripting proficiency (Ansible, Python), and familiarity with DevOps practices to ensure effective database provisioning and automation.

The work environment for a Public Cloud Database Engineer at American Express is inclusive, supportive, and dynamic. You’ll be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and fosters open communication, allowing you to contribute your ideas towards solving complex challenges. Flexibility is inherent in our culture, with hybrid working arrangements that enable you to balance in-office collaboration with remote work.

American Express is committed to the professional development of its employees, particularly in tech roles including Public Cloud Database Engineers. This includes dedicated time for upskilling, access to a wide range of training programs, and opportunities to participate in open-source project contributions within the engineering community, allowing you to keep your skills relevant and fresh.

As a Public Cloud Database Engineer at American Express, you will be utilizing a range of modern tools and methodologies, including Jira for project management, Terraform for infrastructure as code, and various scripting languages for automation. Additionally, you will engage with continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) practices to facilitate efficient database management and operations.

When answering this question, highlight your specific hands-on experiences using cloud platforms such as AWS and GCP. Discuss the types of databases you have deployed, how you managed them, and any challenges you encountered along the way. Use metrics to demonstrate any improvements or efficiencies you helped create.

The ACID properties—Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability—are crucial for ensuring reliable transactions in database systems. When responding, define each property clearly. Provide examples of how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, particularly in high-stakes environments like American Express.

Be prepared to discuss a specific example that showcases your problem-solving skills. Explain the context, the issue you faced, and the steps you took to resolve it, including any collaboration with team members. Make sure to emphasize the outcomes and what you learned from the experience.

In your answer, discuss various optimization techniques such as indexing, partitioning, and query optimization. Mention specific tools or practices you’ve used to monitor and enhance database performance and how you assess the impact of these optimizations.

Security is a vital concern when managing databases in the cloud. Highlight your understanding of encryption, access control mechanisms, and compliance standards. Discuss the specific tools and practices you’ve implemented to protect sensitive data.

Define high availability (HA) and the significance it holds in financial applications. Provide examples of strategies you've employed, such as redundancy and failover processes, to ensure that critical databases remain operational at all times.

Describe your approach to establishing backup strategies, including frequency and types of backups. Talk about the recovery processes you’ve implemented and provide insights into any systems you’ve devised to minimize downtime during recovery operations.

The CAP theorem posits that in any distributed database system, one can only achieve two of the three desired properties: Consistency, Availability, and Partition Tolerance. Discuss how you approach trade-offs in real-world scenarios, particularly related to performance versus data accuracy.

Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning by discussing the resources you use, such as industry publications, forums, webinars, and training programs. Mention any professional networks or communities you participate in that help you keep your skills sharp.

Talk about the importance of automation in scaling and managing databases effectively. Provide examples of tasks you've automated and the tools (like Terraform or Python scripts) you've used to enhance efficiency and reduce human error in database administration.