Senior Database Engineer

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a key technical contributor supporting production and non-production SQL Server databases that underpin business-critical applications.
• Perform hands-on production DBA activities, including operational support, troubleshooting, and performance investigation.
• Support the operation of AlwaysOn Availability Groups.
• Investigate and resolve database-related issues such as performance degradation, blocking, deadlocks, resource contention, and application-impacting incidents.
• Ensure databases meet agreed standards for availability, performance, security, and recoverability.
• Support stable day-to-day operation of database services while identifying opportunities for improvement.

Cloud & Multi-Platform Support

• Support and operate Azure SQL workloads in line with platform and security standards.
• Provide hands-on support for PostgreSQL and Cosmos DB environments as part of the wider data estate.
• Work with platform and infrastructure teams in all areas impacting database services.
• Provide application-focused database support across the wider data estate where required.

Automation & Engineering

• Automate database provisioning, configuration, maintenance, and deployments using T-SQL, PowerShell, or equivalent tooling.
• Use version control and CI/CD pipelines to manage database scripts and operational changes.
• Contribute to reusable database patterns, standards, and operational tooling.
• Reduce manual effort and operational risk through engineering-led improvements.

Monitoring & Incident Response

• Monitor database health, performance, and capacity, responding to alerts and incidents as required.
• Take ownership of complex incidents, contributing to investigation, root cause analysis, and remediation.
• Validate backup, recovery, and resilience mechanisms through regular testing.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Work closely with developers and engineering teams to support effective database access patterns, query design, and schema changes.
• Act as a bridge between development and production operations, helping reduce production risk through early engagement and guidance.
• Maintain clear documentation for systems, changes, known issues, and operational procedures.
• Provide peer support within the DBA team and actively develop expertise across database engineering and operations disciplines.

Skills & Competencies:

• Practical experience administering and supporting SQL Server platforms.
• Strong hands-on experience in performance tuning, query optimisation, stored procedure development, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience designing, supporting, and troubleshooting AlwaysOn Availability Groups and HA/DR solutions.
• Experience working closely with application development teams.
• Exposure to supporting databases in cloud or hybrid environments.
• Advanced T-SQL skills for diagnostics analysis and development support.
• Experience in supporting databases in cloud or hybrid environments.
• Understanding of operational disciplines: monitoring, change control, incident management.
• Clear communication skills, able to explain system risks, impacts, and trade-offs to non-specialists.
• Ability to work independently within a defined scope, exercising sound judgement and accountability.

Desirable

• Working experience with PostgreSQL and Cosmos DB.
• Experience with Azure SQL and Azure-hosted database services.
• Automation and scripting experience (PowerShell, T-SQL, or similar).
• Familiarity with Agile or DevOps delivery models.
• Exposure to CI/CD practices for database changes.
• Knowledge of Change Data Capture (CDC) concepts and data change tracking mechanisms.