Senior Database Engineer in London
Senior Database Engineer

Senior Database Engineer in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
CUBE

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Take ownership of database performance and reliability while driving continuous improvement.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with strong support for career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising critical databases and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SQL Server, performance tuning, and cloud database environments required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Ownership mindset with a focus on reliability, performance, and continuous improvement. Effective investigation and resolution of database incidents. Safe execution of database changes with minimal unplanned disruption. Measurable improvements in performance, reliability, or operational efficiency. Reduction in repeat issues through engineering-led improvements. Positive feedback from database team stakeholders. Pragmatic, engineering-led approach rather than ticket-only DBA support.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

Senior Database Engineer in London employer: CUBE

As a Senior Database Engineer at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and continuous improvement. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the reliability and performance of critical database systems. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive atmosphere that fosters growth and encourages a pragmatic approach to engineering challenges.
CUBE

Contact Detail:

CUBE Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your database projects and any automation scripts you've developed. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do beyond just a CV.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common database scenarios and problem-solving questions. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key when discussing complex issues with non-specialists.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our focus on reliability and continuous improvement.

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 Solutions
T-SQL
PowerShell
Database Troubleshooting
Cloud Database Support
PostgreSQL
Cosmos DB
CI/CD Practices
Change Data Capture (CDC)
Clear Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Ownership Mindset: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your ownership mindset. We love candidates who take responsibility for their work and focus on reliability and performance. Share examples of how you've improved processes or resolved incidents in the past!

Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to see your hands-on experience with SQL Server and other databases. Don’t just list your skills; give us the juicy details! Talk about specific projects where you’ve tackled performance tuning or automated database tasks.

Communicate Clearly: Clear communication is key, especially when explaining technical concepts. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and how you’ve collaborated with teams. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between development and operations!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at CUBE

✨Know Your Databases Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and Cosmos DB knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with performance tuning, query optimisation, and troubleshooting. Prepare examples of how you've resolved complex database incidents in the past.

✨Show Off Your Automation Skills

Since automation is key in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with T-SQL, PowerShell, or similar tools. Share specific instances where you've automated database provisioning or maintenance tasks, and how that improved operational efficiency.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

You’ll need to explain technical concepts to non-specialists, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of ways to simplify complex ideas and prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated risks and impacts in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Your Ownership Mindset

This role requires a proactive approach, so come prepared with examples of how you've taken ownership of database issues and driven improvements. Highlight any measurable outcomes from your initiatives, such as reduced downtime or enhanced performance.

Senior Database Engineer in London
CUBE
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>