Principal Database Administrator

OpenText is seeking a Principal Database Specialist to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing database solutions within the Platform Modernization organization. This role focuses on modernizing legacy database systems, including those on End of Support Life (EOSL) platforms like Oracle, SQL Server, and DB2, to ensure scalable, resilient, and future-ready architectures for on-premises and hybrid environments. The specialist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align modernization efforts with business objectives, reduce technical debt, and enhance system reliability, driving the implementation of the database modernization roadmap.

Must Have

• Lead database modernization projects
• Transition legacy database platforms to modern systems
• Execute database modernization roadmaps
• Assess legacy database environments for obsolescence and performance
• Design and implement modern database architectures (cloud-native, NoSQL, containerized)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration
• Ensure compliance and mitigate EOSL database risks
• Mentor database engineers and SMEs
• 8+ years in database roles, 4+ years in legacy system modernization
• Expertise in Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• Knowledge of hybrid infrastructure, virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)
• Familiarity with DevOps tools, GDPR, and HIPAA

Good to Have

• Oracle Certified Professional certification
• Azure Database Administrator certification
• AWS Certified Database Specialty certification

OPENTEXT - THE INFORMATION COMPANY

OpenText is a global leader in information management, where innovation, creativity, and collaboration are the key components of our corporate culture. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to partner with the most highly regarded companies in the world, tackle complex issues, and contribute to projects that shape the future of digital transformation.

AI-First. Future-Driven. Human-Centered.

At OpenText, AI is at the heart of everything we do—powering innovation, transforming work, and empowering digital knowledge workers. We're hiring talent that AI can't replace to help us shape the future of information management. Join us.

Our Platform Modernization Organization drives the lifecycle management and continuous modernization of compute, database, storage, and network infrastructure. We treat lifecycle management as a strategic lever to enhance systems, deliver measurable value for internal and external customers, protect the business, and safeguard our reputation.

By leveraging modern technology and advanced tooling, we streamline operations, minimize downtime, and strengthen system reliability. With a relentless focus on continuous improvement, we enable the organization to adapt quickly to evolving demands, ensuring scalable, secure, and future-ready platforms that power business success and customer satisfaction.

Your Impact:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Platform Modernization, the Principal Database Specialist provides strategic leadership and technical expertise in the design, implementation, and optimization of database solutions as part of the Platform Modernization organization. This role focuses on modernizing legacy database systems, including those on End of Support Life (EOSL) platforms (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, DB2), to ensure scalable, resilient, and future-ready architectures for on-premises and hybrid environments.

The Principal Database Specialist collaborates with Solution Architects, Senior SMEs, and application owners to align database modernization with business objectives, reduce technical debt, and enhance system reliability. This role drives the implementation of the database modernization roadmap, fosters continuous improvement, and mitigates risks to protect business operations.

As a Principal Database Specialist, you will:

• Lead database modernization efforts, transitioning legacy platforms (e.g., Oracle on AIX, SQL Server on EOSL Windows Server) to scalable, modern systems.
• Execute database-specific modernization roadmaps, aligned with lifecycle heatmaps and strategic goals across compute, storage, network, and database portfolios.
• Assess legacy database environments for obsolescence, performance issues, and compliance gaps; contribute to high-level and low-level modernization designs.
• Design and implement modern architectures, including cloud-native databases, NoSQL, and containerized solutions to improve scalability and resilience.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Solution Architects, Senior SMEs, and security/architecture groups to ensure seamless integration.
• Ensure compliance and risk mitigation, addressing EOSL database risks and aligning with regulatory and security standards.
• Research and recommend emerging technologies, such as distributed databases and serverless data platforms, to enhance performance and lifecycle management.
• Mentor Senior Database Engineers and SMEs, promoting best practices in automation, governance, and database implementation.

What you need to Succeed:

• 8+ years in database roles, with 4+ years focused on modernizing legacy systems in enterprise environments.
• Led complex modernization projects, migrating EOSL platforms to modern database solutions.
• Expertise in legacy and modern platforms, including Oracle, SQL Server, DB2 on AIX/Windows Server, and PostgreSQL, MongoDB, cloud-native databases.
• Designed scalable architectures, incorporating high-availability, disaster recovery, and containerized database solutions.
• Strong knowledge of hybrid infrastructure, virtualization (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and modernization patterns like microservices and API integration.
• Experienced in lifecycle management, assessing obsolescence risks and contributing to strategic modernization roadmaps.
• Familiar with DevOps tools and compliance standards, including GDPR and HIPAA, for secure and automated database environments.
• Certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional, Azure Database Administrator, or AWS Certified Database Specialty are considered assets.

One last thing:

OpenText is more than a corporation—it’s a global community built on trust, character, and purpose. Here, we act ethically, care deeply about people, and always put our customers first. We help teams succeed through collaboration, tackle challenges with resilience, and innovate with intention.

Join us on our mission to drive positive change through privacy, technology, and teamwork. At OpenText, we don’t just have a culture—we live our values. Choose us because you want to be part of a company that empowers you to make a meaningful impact.

OpenText's efforts to build an inclusive work environment go beyond simply complying with applicable laws. Our Employment Equity and Diversity Policy provides direction on maintaining a working environment that is inclusive of everyone, regardless of culture, national origin, race, color, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, family status, age, veteran status, disability, religion, or other basis protected by applicable laws.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact us at hr@opentext.com. Our proactive approach fosters collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, enriching OpenText's vibrant workplace.