The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking a Platform Engineer – Data Platforms to join our Minneapolis, Minnesota, team. In this hybrid role, you will design, build, and operate the foundational platform capabilities that keep our database and data services secure, reliable, and easy for teams to consume. You’ll deliver Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) capabilities through automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC), standardizing provisioning, configuration, monitoring, patching, and disaster recovery across on‑prem and Azure environments. You’ll also maintain strong operational ownership of SQL Server, partnering with application and integration teams to ensure scalable, governed, and performant data access.
A successful person in this role thinks like a platform owner: they reduce toil through reusable templates and self-service patterns, set clear standards with practical guardrails, and build observability to detect issues early and resolve them quickly. They are comfortable balancing delivery speed with operational risk, and they communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical partners.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining cloud infrastructure, automation, and database operations to build a “paved road” for teams to deploy and use data services effectively and safely while improving reliability, security posture, and modernization readiness over time.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Platform engineering/IaaS: build and operate standardized, repeatable infrastructure for database and data services across on‑prem and Azure (compute, storage, networking, identity, monitoring).
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) + automation: create reusable templates/modules (e.g., Terraform/Bicep/ARM) and automation pipelines for provisioning, configuration enforcement, patching, and drift remediation.
Observability + reliability: implement monitoring, alerting, dashboards, and operational runbooks; drive proactive capacity planning, incident response readiness, and continuous reliability improvements.
Database operations (SQL Server): administer and maintain SQL Server environments (backups/restores, HA/DR, patching/upgrades, performance tuning, indexing/stat maintenance) with validated, repeatable procedures.
Security + access governance: design and enforce RBAC/least-privilege access, service account hygiene, access request workflows, and periodic audits/recertification.
Modernization: support migration and architectural evolution (replication/SSIS constraints, cloud patterns, and AI-readiness), recommending pragmatic improvements aligned to risk and capacity.
About the opportunity
A hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Minneapolis, Minnesota, office.
About you – required core competencies
Education: bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or a related field or equivalent experience
Experience: five or more years of relevant experience in platform engineering, database engineering, or a hybrid role supporting production systems. Including:
building and operating Infrastructure-as-a-Service and Platform-as-a-Service for workloads across Azure and on‑prem environments (compute, storage, networking, identity).
delivering Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep/ARM) and automation (PowerShell/Python) for provisioning, configuration enforcement, patching, and drift remediation.
implementing observability for data services (monitoring, alerting, dashboards) and maintaining operational runbooks.
managing Microsoft SQL Server in a production environment, including backup/restore, HA/DR concepts, upgrades/patching, and performance troubleshooting.
proficiency in T‑SQL, query optimization, database performance tuning, and writing complex stored procedures (parameterization, control flow, error handling).
configuring and maintaining role-based access control (RBAC) / least-privilege access and auditing privileged permissions.
Software/programs: SQL Server, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Microsoft Azure ecosystem (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Azure Monitor), Infrastructure as Code tooling (e.g., Terraform, Bicep/ARM), and Git-based CI/CD.
Communication: strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different people
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Containerization: experience with Docker containers.
DevOps & CI/CD: familiarity with pipelines for continuous integration and delivery.
Compensation: anticipated range of $115,000–$125,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.