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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Cloud Database Engineer - **Company:** Ford Motor Company - **Location:** Mi-Wuk Village, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $115,000.0 - $192,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cloud Database, Cloud Engineering, Computer Programming, Databases, Information Engineering, Relational Databases, DevOps, Disaster Recovery, Identity and Access Management, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, Machine Learning, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Performance Tuning, Query Optimization, Reliability Engineering, Data Logging, Google Cloud, Cloud Platform System, System Availability, Indexer, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Information Technology, Data Management, Terraform, Data Pipelines, Serverless Computing - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1dcf8b6450ed25a6 ## About the Role * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field. * 10+ years of experience in relational database engineering (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, AlloyDB or Spanner). * 5+ years of hands-on experience with GCP, especially: + Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL and/or Cloud SQL for SQL Server + AlloyDB + Cloud Spanner * Strong expertise in: + Database platform automation, design, indexing, and performance tuning + Backup/recovery and high availability architectures + Migration strategies and tools (e.g., DMS, Striim, replication tools) * Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and IaC. * Programming experience (Terraform, Python, Java, or Go). ## Description We are seeking a Principal Cloud Database Engineer (GCP & AI) to drive architecture, engineering, and innovation across enterprise-scale database platforms. This role will lead modernization efforts using Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services such as Cloud SQL, AlloyDB, and Spanner while integrating AI-driven capabilities into database operations and data platforms. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in relational database systems and cloud architecture with hands-on exposure to AI/ML technologies to enable intelligent, automated, and scalable data solutions. Technical Leadership * Lead architecture design and engineering for GCP relational database platforms (Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL, Cloud SQL for SQL Server, AlloyDB, Spanner). * Define and implement enterprise database standards aligned with security, scalability, and performance best practices. * Drive modernization initiatives including database migrations to GCP using tools such as DMS, Striim and migration frameworks. Cloud & Platform Engineering * Design highly available, resilient, and cost-optimized database solutions on GCP. * Implement infrastructure-as-code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform. * Enable secure connectivity patterns (IAM, VPC, Private Service Access, Private Service Connect, serverless integrations). * Lead Cloud Databases financial accounting, performance tuning, capacity planning, and database reliability engineering. AI & Data Innovation * Integrate AI/ML capabilities into database platforms (e.g., MCP, data agents, context engineering, anomaly detection, query optimization). * Consult with application teams to enable data pipelines for AI/ML workloads. * Evaluate and adopt AI-assisted database operations and automation solutions. * Drive initiatives on AI-enabled observability and self-healing systems. Operational Excellence * Establish best practices for backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and compliance. * Define monitoring, logging, and alerting strategies for database services. * Lead database governance and continuous cost optimization initiatives. * Provide CUD evaluation and recommendations. Collaboration & Leadership * Mentor Summer Interns, Ford College Graduates, Cloud engineers and Database Specialists; act as Subject Matter Expert for GCP relational databases. * Partner with application, DevOps, and architecture teams to deliver scalable solutions. * Influence platform strategy and roadmap for database and AI adoption. * Advocate with GCP product and engineering teams to enhance/mature GCP database services. ## Related Videos - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [MySQL Protocol Features You Should Be Aware Of](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100267-mysql-protocol-features-you-should-be-aware-of) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Optimizing Discovery: PostgreSQL's Role in Transforming GetYourGuide's Search](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1647-optimizing-discovery-postgresql-s-role-in-transforming-getyourguide-s-search) - [How building an industry DBMS differs from building a research one](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/768-how-building-an-industry-dbms-differs-from-building-a-research-one) - [Coding for Good: Achieving social change with an app](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1645-coding-for-good-achieving-social-change-with-an-app) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Making Data Warehouses Fast: A Developer’s Story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/107-making-data-warehouses-fast-a-developer-s-story) - [7 Cloud Computing Trends Coming in 2025 for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/412-7-cloud-computing-trends-coming-in-2025-for-developers) - [Got AI ideas but no money? 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