Staff Backend Engineer - Database Change Management @GitLab

Overview

GitLab is seeking a Staff Backend Engineer specializing in Database Change Management. This role involves leading the design and delivery of a new database migration validation and test framework to enhance performance and safety for GitLab.com and self-managed customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of the migration validation and test framework from initial approach through production use.
• Contribute to a dependency graph migration system that supports safe ordering, parallel execution, and low-downtime upgrades.
• Mentor intermediate engineers through pairing, code review, and design feedback.
• Document technical decisions asynchronously for team collaboration across time zones.
• Review schema migrations for safety, backward compatibility, and reliability.
• Collaborate with Distribution, Quality Assurance, Database Architecture, and other teams to support deployment methods.
• At Staff level, author architecture proposals and represent the team in technical reviews.

Requirements

• Deep experience with Ruby on Rails or a comparable framework's migration system.
• Production PostgreSQL experience, especially with schema changes and locking behavior.
• Track record of leading a system's delivery from design through implementation.
• Experience mentoring engineers through pairing and technical feedback.
• Strong written communication skills and capability to progress independently in a distributed environment.
• Sound judgment balancing reliability, safety, and delivery needs.
• Interest in serving as a senior technical presence while collaborating across regions.

Benefits

• Benefits to support health, finances, and well-being
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Team Member Resource Groups
• Equity Compensation & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Growth and Development Fund
• Parental Leave

Location

Remote, with specific location-based eligibility requirements applicable.

How to Apply

Please apply through GitLab's recruiting process.