Head of Database Engineering and Operations

Job Reference:: 2025-4302
Location:: New York
Category:: Technology
Solution:: Other
Role Category:: Hybrid

Your Team Responsibilities

We are seeking the head of Database Engineering & Operations for MSCI's large database infrastructure spread across our Tier-IV data center, Google cloud and Azure, to lead and grow our team responsible for the performance, availability, and scalability of critical database platforms — Oracle, SQL Server, Cassandra, MongoDB and Apache Ignite — across our hybrid cloud environment which incorporates on premise data centers, Azure, GCP and Oracle Cloud. This role combines technical depth with strong leadership skills, ensuring the stability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of both legacy and modern data systems. This role requires very deep 20+ years of hands-on engineering experience with multi-vendor databases - structured and non-structured.

This is an executive level positions that requires candidate evidence prior positions leading mission critical database infrastructure that powers MSCI's multi-billion dollar business. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strategic mindset, capable of driving engineering modernization, automation, and operational excellence in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Strategy

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of database engineers and administrators.
Define and execute a strategic roadmap for database engineering and operations.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Database Engineering & Architecture

Provide technical leadership for the design, deployment, and optimization of Oracle, SQL Server, Cassandra and other NoSQL databases on the MSCI Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Platform
Guide infrastructure design and implementation decisions for on-premises and cloud-hosted database workloads
Drive standardization of database architecture, tooling, automation, and best practices.

Operations & Performance

Oversee 24/7 database operations, ensuring system reliability, availability, performance and proactive maintenance.
Own and optimize backup, recovery, HA/DR, patching, and capacity planning processes.
Develop robust monitoring, alerting, and incident response procedures.
Develop designs to enable fast recovery of databases ranging from 50TB to 250TB

Cloud & Automation

Lead the transition and integration of database services into cloud and hybrid environments.
Promote Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) practices for database provisioning and deployment.
Drive automation of routine operations to reduce manual effort and increase reliability.

Security, Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with data security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, GDPR).
Enforce access controls, encryption, auditing, and other data governance measures.
Partner with InfoSec and compliance teams to perform risk assessments and audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with application development, DevOps, SRE, and business intelligence teams to support data-intensive applications.
Participate in architectural reviews, performance tuning sessions, and capacity planning initiatives.

Vendor & License Management

Manage vendor relationships for database platforms, tools, and support contracts.
Monitor and optimize database licensing usage and costs.

Integrate AI into all the operations and management processes outlined above

Your skills and experience that will help you excel

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
15+ years of experience in database engineering or administration.
10+ years in a leadership and overseeing multi-platform database environments.
Strong hands-on experience with:
- Oracle (Data Guard, RMAN)
- SQL Server (Always On, SSIS, SSRS)
- Cassandra (Data modeling, scaling, tuning)
Proven experience in managing hybrid cloud environments (on-prem + AWS, Azure, or GCP).
Solid understanding of backup/recovery, disaster recovery strategies, and high availability architectures.
Experience with scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Python, Bash) and database automation tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with IaC tools (Terraform, Ansible) and CI/CD pipelines for database changes.
Familiarity with Kubernetes, containerized databases, or DBaaS platforms.
Knowledge of monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, SolarWinds, OEM, SQL Monitor).
Certifications such as:
- Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
- AWS Certified Database – Specialty
- Apache Cassandra Administrator Certification

About MSCI

What we offer you

Salary range: $221,000 - $287,000 / year plus eligible for annual bonus

Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location, ensuring your financial security, health, and overall wellbeing.

Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces.

A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.

A global network of talented colleagues, who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.

Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.

Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.

We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups. All Abilities, Asian Support Network, Black Leadership Network, Climate Action Network, Hola! MSCI, Pride & Allies, Women in Tech, and Women’s Leadership Forum.

At MSCI we are passionate about what we do, and we are inspired by our purpose – to power better investment decisions. You’ll be part of an industry-leading network of creative, curious, and entrepreneurial pioneers. This is a space where you can challenge yourself, set new standards and perform beyond expectations for yourself, our clients, and our industry.

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected parental leave), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. MSCI is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please email Disability.Assistance@msci.com and indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Please note, this e-mail is intended only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation; it is not intended for other inquiries.

To all recruitment agencies

MSCI does not accept unsolicited CVs/Resumes. Please do not forward CVs/Resumes to any MSCI employee, location, or website. MSCI is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs/Resumes.

Note on recruitment scams

We are aware of recruitment scams where fraudsters impersonating MSCI personnel may try and elicit personal information from job seekers. Read our full note on careers.msci.com

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Benefits

At MSCI, we are committed to providing benefits that empower you to Be Well and Stay Well in all aspects of your life.

Use the following site to learn about the coverage options that support you and your family physically, emotionally, and financially: MSCI | Benefits (benefitsatmsci.com)

Development opportunities

At MSCI career paths are multi-directional, and we believe that new and challenging experiences drive both professional growth and business success.

Everyone here is responsible for leading their own development and we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way. Whether that means deepening your expertise, moving across teams, or stepping into leadership, you’ll have access to internal mobility, learning and skills development, stretch opportunities and mentoring.

Discover more about how you can grow your career at MSCI

New York

7 World Trade Center
250 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
United States

Located in 7 World Trade Center and easily accessible by public transport, our New York office offers a modern workspace with panoramic views of the city. Inside, you’ll find flexible work areas, collaboration spaces, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and leisure areas to unwind. The office is designed to support people in working the way that suits them best, accommodating all working styles and offering amenities that keep you energized throughout the day. A vibrant community — supported by our Employee Resource Groups — and year-round professional and social events make it a place where you’ll feel welcomed and supported to do the best work of your career.

Learn more about our New York office.

Recruitment process

Apply online

First, click Apply and upload a CV that shows us the skills and passion you could bring to this role, as well as your contact details so we can reach out to you.
Talk to our recruiter

If you look like a good match, our recruiters will arrange a chat where we’ll ask about your motivations, experience, and background, and where you can ask us anything you want to know about working at MSCI.
Interview with our team

If you like what you hear, and we think you have what we need, then it’s time to interview with your future team, either virtually or in the office. These interviews will give you a clear insight into the team and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. Read our interview top tips.
Make your decision

If you’re successful, we’ll make you an offer and give you any further information you need to help you make your decision. If the answer is yes, it’s time for some background checks, and then we’ll welcome you on board. Learn more about our onboarding experience.