Senior Database Developer – AI/ML Data Systems

Senior Database Developer – AI/ML Data Systems Work Location: At Profit Recovery Partners (PRP), we believe that collaboration and innovation thrive when we're together. This position is fully onsite at our Santa Ana office, allowing for real-time teamwork, immediate problem-solving, and a strong sense of community among our team members. Who You Are: As a Senior Database Developer – AI/ML Data Systems, you will be a senior member of our database development team, responsible for leading the design, development, optimization, and maintenance of complex database systems that power our core business applications. You are an expert in relational database design, T-SQL development, and performance tuning, and you bring strong problem-solving instincts to complex data challenges. Beyond that core strength, you have genuine curiosity and aptitude for how databases plug into modern AI/ML systems — vector search, retrieval-augmented generation, and LLM-integrated applications — and you're eager to extend your database expertise into that space as our data and AI strategy grows. You will collaborate with stakeholders, architects, data scientists, and engineering teams to deliver scalable, efficient, and secure data infrastructure, some of which increasingly supports AI-driven solutions. What You Will Do: Core Database Development (Primary Focus) Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex and highly scalable database systems, including data models, schemas, tables, views, and stored procedures, supporting both transactional and analytical workloads. Conduct advanced performance tuning and optimization, including query optimization, indexing strategies, and database configuration enhancements, to maximize system performance. Develop and implement proactive monitoring solutions to detect and resolve performance issues, system bottlenecks, and database errors in a timely manner. Investigate and resolve complex database-related issues, including data anomalies, performance bottlenecks, and system failures, using advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools. Design and implement robust data integration and ETL processes, leveraging advanced tools and technologies (e.g., Azure Data Factory, SSIS) to ensure seamless data flow across multiple systems and sources. Provide expert-level database administration, including capacity planning, backup/ recovery, disaster recovery planning, and high availability configurations. Develop and implement security measures, access controls, and encryption techniques to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations, data privacy requirements, and best practices. Contribute to data architecture standards, guidelines, and governance frameworks, ensuring data consistency, integrity, and interoperability across systems. Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the database development team, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment. Perform other duties as assigned. AI/ML Data Systems (Growth area / Aptitude) Partner with data scientists and AI engineers to extend database and data pipeline expertise into emerging AI initiatives, for example, preparing and structuring data that feeds machine learning models or LLM-powered applications. Develop working familiarity with vector databases and embedding stores (e.g., pgvector, Azure AI Search, Pinecone, PostgreSQL) as they relate to structuring and serving data for semantic search and RAG-style applications. Explore integration points between traditional database systems and AI services/APIs (e.g., Azure OpenAI), such as supporting structured data access for natural language querying or automated classification workflows. Use AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) to improve development velocity and code quality, and help the team adopt these tools responsibly. Stay current on emerging database and AI/ML technologies and propose ways they could apply to our data landscape, this is an area you're expected to grow in, not one you need to walk in mastering.   What You Need: 10+ years of progressive experience in database development, administration, and optimization, with a focus on complex database solutions. Expert-level proficiency with relational databases, preferably Microsoft SQL Server with demonstrated mastery of T-SQL and advanced performance tuning/optimization strategies. Deep experience designing complex data models, including conceptual, logical, and physical design phases. Strong expertise with ETL/data integration tools and processes using advanced tools and frameworks (e.g., Azure Data Factory, SSIS, Apache Kafka). Solid working knowledge of database security, backup/recovery, and high-availability/disaster-recovery design. Demonstrated ability to mentor other database developers and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.   Strongly Preferred / Aptitude:  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred. Genuine experience in and some exposure to AI/ML adjacent data work, vector databases, embeddings, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) concepts, or LLM APIs (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Anthropic, OpenAI). Working proficiency in Python, ideally with some exposure to data/ML libraries (e.g., pandas, LangChain or similar orchestration frameworks). Advanced certifications in database management systems or AI/data engineering (e.g., Azure Data Engineer Associate, Azure AI Engineer Associate, Azure AI Fundamentals) preferred. Demonstrated track record of picking up new technologies quickly and a track record of directed learning.   Who We Are: Profit Recovery Partners is a management consulting firm specializing in enterprise cost optimization and spend reduction. We partner with FORTUNE 1000 corporations, leading law firms, private equity firms, and private enterprises across North America to design, implement, and sustain transformative cost-reduction strategies. Leveraging deep category expertise, proprietary analytics, and supplier-negotiation intelligence, PRP delivers measurable financial impact and operational efficiency. Our client engagements have generated more than $11 billion in verified savings, reinforcing PRP’s reputation as a trusted advisor to executives seeking lasting performance improvement and sustainable cost reduction results.   Why Join Us:  At PRP, we offer more than just a job — we provide a dynamic, supportive environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:  Comprehensive Benefits:   Full medical, dental, and vision coverage  Optional pet insurance  Access to a gym membership discount (offered through our healthcare provider and available for select fitness centers)  $200/month waived medical benefit for employees who opt out of our health plans  Cell phone stipend for applicable roles  Financial Wellness: 401(k) plan with company match   Time Off to Recharge: Generous paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and jury duty leave Strong Foundation: Over 29 years of consistent growth and success Fun & Connection: Annual summer retreat, holiday parties, happy hours, and themed celebrations throughout the year Career Growth: A collaborative, high-performing team with frequent recognition and opportunities for internal promotion Our Culture: Fast-paced, team-driven, and fueled by a shared commitment to excellence Giving Back & Getting Involved: We’re proud of our employee-led committees that support causes and initiatives that matter to us all: Corporate Social Responsibility Youth Rising Group Women’s Empowerment Group Wellness Committee These groups offer meaningful opportunities to give back, connect with colleagues, and help shape a more inclusive and supportive workplace.  Learn more at https://prpllc.com   The salary range for this position is: $118,640.00-$163,130.00. Actual compensation within the range will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, education, qualifications, and applicable employment laws.   Equal Opportunity Employer