Senior Database Engineer in London

Senior Database Engineer in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cube Asia

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and optimise SQL Server databases for critical applications while troubleshooting issues.
  • Company: Join a diverse tech company committed to inclusivity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with talented teams and develop your skills in a supportive atmosphere.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing database performance and reliability in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SQL Server, performance tuning, and cloud database support is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

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 (Required)

  • 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.
  • 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 Skills

  • 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.

CUBE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Senior Database Engineer in London employer: Cube Asia

CUBE is an exceptional employer for Senior Database Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like Azure SQL and PostgreSQL, alongside a culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Our focus on automation and engineering-led improvements not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers our team members to take ownership of their work, making CUBE a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

Cube Asia

Contact Details:

Cube Asia Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Database Engineer in London

Tap into Local Tech Meetups

Get yourself to local tech meetups or database management conferences. It's a really great way to meet industry professionals and potentially uncover unadvertised full-time roles. When chatting with people, mention your skills and interests in database management; you never know who might be looking for someone just like you!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Diving into open-source projects can not only sharpen your database skills but also get you noticed by employers. Many companies look for candidates who actively contribute to projects – it shows initiative and a real passion for the field. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to connect with other developers and expand your professional network.

Utilise Professional Bodies

Sign up for professional bodies related to database management, like the British Computer Society. They often host events and networking opportunities that can lead directly to job openings in the full-time market. Plus, it adds a nice touch to your professional profile!

Showcase Your Skills in a Public Portfolio

As you’re on the hunt for that full-time role, make sure to have a public portfolio that displays your best database projects. This can easily set you apart from the competition. And when you apply for roles, definitely mention it – it shows employers you mean business and are proud of your work!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Database Engineer in London

SQL Server Administration
Performance Tuning
Query Optimisation
Stored Procedure Development
AlwaysOn Availability Groups
High Availability/Disaster Recovery (HA/DR)
T-SQL

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your database skills:When applying for a full-time role in database management, it’s super important to highlight your skills with specific database technologies like SQL, NoSQL, or any relevant data visualisation tools. We want to see how you've used these tools in real projects, so don't shy away from detailing your hands-on experience!

Tailor your CV for data:Make sure your CV is structured clearly, focusing on your previous experience in database management. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact, like how you improved data retrieval times or reduced errors. This isn't just about what you've done; it’s about what you’ve achieved with your skills!

Craft a compelling cover letter:In your cover letter, share what excites you about database management and how you can contribute to Cube Asia. Mention any relevant projects where you tackled challenges or implemented new solutions. Let us know why you want to join our team and how your passion aligns with our goals.

Document your projects:If you've worked on interesting database projects—maybe during your studies or in previous roles—be sure to include those in your application. If you can, link to a portfolio or GitHub repo where we can see examples of your work. Having a tangible showcase of your skills will really make your application stand out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cube Asia

Brush Up on Database Tools

Make sure you're well-versed with popular database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Incorporating real-world examples of how you've used these tools in past projects will show that you can put theory into practice, which is something Cube Asia will definitely appreciate.

Know Your SQL Inside Out

Get ready for some technical questions focused on SQL queries and database design. We should anticipate coding challenges where you might need to optimise queries or design a database schema on the spot. Practising these problems will build our confidence to impress in the interview.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Besides just technical know-how, be prepared to answer scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would approach data integrity issues or handle performance bottlenecks — Cube Asia will want to see your analytical side!

Show Your Collaboration Spirit

Since this is a full-time role, it's crucial to highlight how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams or contributed to team projects in the past. Emphasising our interpersonal skills will demonstrate that you’re not just a tech wizard, but also a team player who fits well with Cube Asia's culture.