Contra Lead PostgreSQL Database Engineer/DBA

About Contra

Contra is a professional network for the independent digital workforce. Digital professionals use Contra to create stunning visual profiles, earn money commission-free, and build high-quality professional communities and referral networks. Contra was started by a group of independents who were tired of existing professional networks that are blind to the needs of digital professionals. We’re creating a new way to work for the independent digital workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a Lead PostgreSQL Database Engineer/DBA to help us ensure high availability and quality of our professional network.

You will be the first dedicated Database Engineer/DBA hire. Your role will be to establish the best practices for the company, implement it, and (over time) build the database team.

This is a highly demanding role at a very fast-growing startup, working in a team of highly-accomplished, yet humble team who deeply care about the mission of the company. If you ever wanted to work on a rocketship, this is as close as it gets.

How you’ll add value at Contra:

• Design enterprise-scale database schemas.


• Ensure the database runs smoothly and securely.


• Transform business requirements into relational database structures.


• Craft readable, performant and scalable SQL queries.


• Collaborate with the rest of the team through planning, code reviews and regular communication.


• Plan for system expansion and suggest improvements.


• Mentoring peers in database use.


• Identify and troubleshoot problems with data quality.

You’ll be successful here if you:

• Carefully plan your work and build for the future


• Deliver transparent, honest, and direct feedback to your peers on an early-stage product


• Enjoy participating in all parts of the product process, not just coding


• Thrive in a remote-first environment


• Are fluent in verbal and written English

Our stack:

• TypeScript


• Backend: Node.js, GraphQL, GraphQL Helix, Redis, PostgreSQL, Neo4j


• DevOps: Gitlab CI/CD, ArgoCD, Kubernetes


• Frontend: React, Suspense, & Relay

How Contra can add value for you:

• Remote-first culture


• Healthcare for employees


• Well-funded company built to scale


• Competitive salary + equity


• Generous vacation policy + paid holidays off


• Flexible parental leave


• Team retreat post-COVID


• No Meeting Wednesdays


• Half day every third Friday of the month


• A custom Slack emoji, just for you

Our interview process:

• Complete a self-assessment form (10-15 minutes)


• Non-technical (introduction & culture) interview (30-45 minutes)


• Technical interview with CTO (30-45 minutes)


• Technical interview with Backend Lead Engineer (30-45 minutes)

You will receive the final answer from Contra no later than 48 hours after your final interview.