At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and optimise Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL databases in critical operational environments.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on mission-critical national infrastructure systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety-critical environments with senior-level ownership.
- Qualifications: 7+ years DBA experience with strong skills in Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Wokingham or Warwick – Hybrid (3 days onsite)
Clearance: SC Cleared or SC Eligible (Mandatory)
Level: Senior / Lead
Overview
Our client is seeking a Senior Database Administrator with deep expertise across Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL, and proven experience supporting databases within Operational Technology (OT) environments. This is not a traditional IT DBA role. You will be working within safety-critical, highly regulated, and change-controlled industrial environments, supporting systems that directly impact SCADA, plant operations, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and real-time production. The focus is on stability, resilience, and security — where uptime, compliance, and safety are non-negotiable.
Key Responsibilities
- Database Administration & Operations
- Administer, maintain, and optimise Oracle (12c/19c), SQL Server (2016+), and MySQL databases in production OT environments
- Perform installations, patching, configuration, upgrades, backups, and recovery
- Manage database objects, storage, schemas, tablespaces, indexing, and access controls
- Ensure 24/7 availability of mission-critical operational systems
- OT Systems Support
- Work closely with SCADA, control engineers, and plant operations teams
- Support databases integrated with PLCs, DCS, historians, and MES platforms
- Operate within restricted networks with strict change control and limited maintenance windows
- Troubleshoot issues impacting real-time operations and plant uptime
- Performance & Reliability
- Identify and resolve performance issues (wait events, deadlocks, slow queries)
- Implement high availability solutions including RAC, Data Guard, Always On, and Log Shipping
- Conduct proactive monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning
- Backup, Recovery & DR
- Manage RMAN, SQL Server backups, and MySQL backup strategies
- Execute point-in-time recovery and disaster recovery procedures
- Participate in resilience testing and DR exercises
- Security & Compliance
- Harden database environments in line with NIST, IEC 62443, ISO 27001
- Manage access controls, auditing, logging, and privilege management
- Apply patches within strict OT-approved schedules
- Documentation & Governance
- Produce detailed SOPs, architecture diagrams, and deployment guides
- Follow formal change management processes
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory inspections
Essential Skills & Experience
- Technical Expertise
- 7+ years hands-on DBA experience in production environments
- Strong administration experience with:
- Oracle 12c/19c
- Microsoft SQL Server 2016+
- MySQL (mandatory)
- Tools: RMAN, OEM, Data Pump, SQL Server Agent, SSIS/SSRS
- Database performance tuning and optimisation
- OT / Industrial Experience
- Experience supporting databases integrated with:
- SCADA / DCS
- MES
- Industrial Historians (OSI PI, Wonderware, AspenTech)
- Plant automation systems
- Understanding of OT network segmentation, security zones, and operational constraints
- Experience in regulated or safety-critical industries such as:
- Utilities / Power Generation
- Manufacturing
- Oil & Gas
- Pharmaceuticals / Life Sciences
- Chemicals
- Soft Skills
- Strong stakeholder communication with engineering and plant teams
- Ability to work independently within isolated OT environments
- Calm, incident-response mindset focused on safety and uptime
Preferred Qualifications
- Oracle OCP / OCM
- Microsoft Certified: Database Administrator
- Knowledge of IEC 62443, NIST 800-82 or OT cybersecurity standards
- Experience with OT-to-IT data replication
- Linux/UNIX administration for Oracle environments
Why Join?
- Work on mission-critical national infrastructure systems
- High-impact role supporting real-world operational environments
- Senior-level ownership and autonomy
- Hybrid working with stable long-term programme
- Competitive salary and benefits package
If you’re an experienced DBA who thrives in high-availability, safety-critical environments and enjoys working at the intersection of IT, OT, and industrial systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now for a confidential discussion.
Senior Oracle / SQL Database Administrator (OT Environment) in Wokingham employer: KBC Technologies UK LTD
Contact Detail:
KBC Technologies UK LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Oracle / SQL Database Administrator (OT Environment) in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in OT environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your experience with Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL in OT settings. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your DBA knowledge and troubleshooting skills. Mock interviews with friends or colleagues can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Oracle / SQL Database Administrator (OT Environment) in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL specifically in OT environments. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in safety-critical environments and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to work independently in isolated environments. We value calm, incident-response mindsets, so share examples of how you've handled high-pressure situations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at KBC Technologies UK LTD
✨Know Your Databases Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL. Be ready to discuss specific features, performance tuning techniques, and your experience with high availability solutions like RAC and Data Guard. This role is all about stability and security, so show them you’ve got the technical chops!
✨Understand the OT Environment
Since this position is in an Operational Technology environment, it’s crucial to understand how databases interact with SCADA systems, DCS, and MES platforms. Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in safety-critical industries and be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled performance issues or incidents in real-time operations. Highlight your calm, incident-response mindset and any specific situations where you ensured uptime and compliance under pressure. They’ll want to see that you can think on your feet!
✨Prepare for Security and Compliance Questions
Given the importance of security in this role, brush up on NIST, IEC 62443, and ISO 27001 standards. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve hardened database environments and managed access controls in previous positions. Showing your understanding of regulatory requirements will set you apart from other candidates.