# Intermediate Backend Engineer - Database Change Management

**Company:** [GitLab](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/gitlab)
**Location:** Remote
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Skills:** Ruby on Rails, Postgres, Database Schema Migrations, Performance Tuning, Backend Services, Algorithms, System Design, Database Upgrades, Backward Compatibility, Asynchronous Work
**Posted:** 2026-08-24

> Builds and maintains Ruby on Rails and PostgreSQL systems that make database upgrades safe, fast, and predictable. The role requires production backend engineering experience, schema migration and performance-tuning expertise, and strong asynchronous collaboration skills.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Build and test systems that safely apply database schema changes during upgrades for GitLab.com and self-managed customers.
- Develop and maintain testing frameworks that validate schema changes before production.
- Implement checks and safeguards to prevent failed or slow upgrades.
- Review and improve database schema migrations for safety, consistency, and backward compatibility.
- Collaborate with operations, packaging, distribution, and QA teams to improve upgrade reliability.
- Document upgrade procedures, schema-change patterns, and migration best practices.
- Identify operational needs and deliver incremental improvements to customer upgrades.

## Requirements
- Professional software engineering experience with PostgreSQL in large, complex production environments.
- Experience with schema migrations and performance tuning.
- Proficiency with Ruby on Rails and backend feature and service development.
- Ability to reason about software design, algorithms, and system-level trade-offs involving reliability, safety, and backward compatibility.
- Strong written communication skills and comfort working asynchronously in a distributed team.
- Self-directed work style and effective prioritization.
- Experience working with operations or infrastructure teams, or willingness to develop cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Alignment with GitLab’s values, including transparency, teamwork, inclusion, and open-source contribution.

## Benefits
- Health, financial, and well-being benefits.
- Flexible paid time off.
- Team member resource groups.
- Equity compensation and employee stock purchase plan.
- Growth and development fund.
- Parental leave.

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**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/79670ef1-8206-467b-a57a-f71ff918a006
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/79670ef1-8206-467b-a57a-f71ff918a006