Database Administrator

At Exacta Systems, we're not just shaping the future of gaming-we're redefining it. As a leader in historical horse racing (HHR) technology, we create cutting-edge gaming solutions that power thrilling player experiences nationwide. Now part of the Churchill Downs family, we're backed by a storied legacy of excellence in racing and gaming. This new chapter brings exciting opportunities for growth, stability, innovation, and impact. If you're looking for a career where technology meets tradition and where your ideas drive the future, let's explore the possibilities together!

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Database Administrator (DBA) to support the reliability, performance, and scalability of our database environments. This role is responsible for managing and optimizing database systems, ensuring data integrity and availability, and supporting engineering teams through effective database design, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

The Database Administrator will work closely with Engineering, DevOps, and Product teams to ensure our data systems are performant, secure, and aligned with the needs of a growing, high-throughput platform. This role requires a balance of operational excellence, proactive monitoring, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on maintaining uptime and supporting production environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Database Performance & Optimization

• Monitor, analyze, and optimize database performance across environments to ensure high availability and responsiveness
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, including query optimization, indexing strategies, and resource utilization
• Partner with Engineering teams to improve database design and query efficiency

Database Administration & Maintenance

• Install, configure, and maintain database systems (PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Perform or automate routine database maintenance, including backups, restores, patching, and upgrades
• Ensure database environments are stable, secure, and aligned with best practices

Backup, Recovery & Data Integrity

• Design, implement, and maintain backup and recovery processes to ensure data protection and business continuity
• Regularly test and validate backup and disaster recovery procedures
• Ensure data integrity and consistency across systems, including replication and synchronization processes

Production Support & Incident Response

• Support production environments by diagnosing and resolving database-related issues in a timely manner
• Participate in incident response efforts, including root cause analysis and post-incident documentation
• Collaborate with DevOps and Engineering teams to improve system reliability and prevent recurring issues

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain database security protocols, including access controls, encryption, and auditing
• Ensure database environments meet regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to the gaming industry
• Support internal and external audits as needed

Monitoring & Automation

• Implement and maintain monitoring solutions to proactively identify issues related to performance, capacity, and availability
• Automate routine database administration tasks to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention
• Partner with IT and DevOps to integrate database monitoring and alerting into broader system observability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Software Engineering teams to support database needs throughout the development lifecycle
• Provide guidance on database best practices, schema design, and data modeling
• Collaborate with Product and Analytics teams to ensure data structures support reporting and business intelligence needs

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong experience with relational databases, particularly PostgresSQL
• Experience with MongoDB
• Experience with database performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies
• Familiarity with backup and recovery tools and methodologies
• Understanding of high-availability and disaster recovery architectures
• Experience working in production environments with uptime and reliability expectations
• Knowledge of database security best practices and compliance considerations
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools
• Experience collaborating with teams in Agile environments
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3-6 years of experience in database administration or related roles

• Experience supporting production database environments

• Experience in gaming, financial systems, or other regulated industries is a plus

• Experience with cloud-based database environments (AWS, Azure) is a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer

• Ability to respond to system issues outside of standard business hours as needed

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and through virtual platforms

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

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