At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and manage SQL Server environments to support sustainable technologies.
- Company: Join Johnson Matthey, a leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global challenges while advancing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of SQL Server experience and strong problem-solving skills required.
At Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. As a Senior Database Engineer, you’ll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history. Using advanced metals chemistry, you’ll help tackle the world’s biggest challenges - cutting emissions, powering modern life and supporting life‑saving technologies - by applying, refining and recycling metals that matter for a healthier, more sustainable, circular future.
Note: This is a Renewable Fixed Term Contract and interested candidates must currently be based in Malaysia with valid work right status.
The role: As a Senior Database Engineer, you will help drive our goals by:
- Designing, implementing, administering, and supporting Microsoft SQL Server environments across on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure platforms.
- Managing SQL Server lifecycle activities including installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, migrations, capacity planning, and decommissioning.
- Administering and supporting Azure SQL services, including SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Database, and Azure SQL Managed Instance.
- Designing, implementing, and maintaining High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) solutions, including Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, Backup & Recovery, and Disaster Recovery planning.
- Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing SQL Server performance through proactive performance tuning, query optimization, index management, execution plan analysis, and database health assessments.
- Leading SQL Server version upgrade and migration projects, ensuring minimal business disruption and adherence to operational standards.
- Supporting and optimizing backend databases for Power BI reporting and analytics platforms.
- Developing automation solutions using PowerShell, T-SQL, SQL Agent Jobs, and Azure automation capabilities to improve operational efficiency.
- Monitoring database health, availability, capacity, and performance to ensure services operate within agreed SLA and operational targets.
- Implementing and maintaining database security standards, including security patching, vulnerability remediation, access management, encryption, auditing, and compliance controls.
- Collaborating with infrastructure, cloud, application, network, backup, and security teams to deliver reliable database services and project outcomes.
- Acting as an escalation point for complex database incidents, problem management activities, and major service disruptions.
- Participating in 3rd Line Incident Management, Service Request Fulfilment, Change Management, and Operational Support activities.
- Maintaining accurate technical documentation, operational procedures, standards, and knowledge articles.
- Providing technical coaching and mentoring to team members on database technologies and best practices.
- Participating in on-call rotations supporting critical production services.
Key skills that will help you succeed in this role:
- 5+ years of hands‑on Microsoft SQL Server administration experience within enterprise environments.
- Strong expertise supporting Microsoft SQL Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and newer versions.
- Proven experience administering SQL Server across both on‑premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure environments.
- Extensive experience managing SQL Always-On Availability Groups (AG), Failover Clustering, SQL Replication, Backup & Recovery, and Disaster Recovery Solutions.
- Strong database performance tuning skills including Query Optimization, Index Tuning, Execution Plan Analysis, Blocking and Deadlock Troubleshooting, Capacity Planning, and Resource Utilization Analysis.
- Experience administering Azure SQL services including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines.
- Proven experience performing SQL Server upgrades, migrations, and database consolidation activities.
- Advanced T-SQL scripting and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong PowerShell scripting and automation capabilities.
- Experience supporting Power BI reporting environments and SQL backend databases.
- Experience with SQL monitoring and performance tools such as SolarWinds DPA and Azure Monitor.
- Strong understanding of database security, auditing, access control, encryption, and vulnerability management.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300).
- Experience supporting Power BI Service and enterprise analytics platforms.
- Familiarity with Oracle Database Administration.
- Experience with enterprise backup solutions such as Veeam.
- Experience using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Azure Automation.
- Understanding of ITIL Incident, Problem, Change, and Service Management processes.
- Experience working within globally distributed, highly regulated enterprise environments.
What we offer: We make sure salaries are fair, competitive and aligned to individual roles, experience and responsibilities. We are also supportive of hybrid and flexible working and where applicable, offer life, medical and other benefits that support our employees’ financial and physical wellbeing, such as:
- EPF Employer contribution of 15%
- Life Insurance, Medical Coverage for Dependents
- Dental and Optical Claims (Pay and Claim – for Employee)
- Competitive annual bonus plan
Inclusivity statement: At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.
Contact & Accessibility: For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact us. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.
Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
Senior Database Engineer (Renewable Fixed Term Contract) employer: Matthey
At Johnson Matthey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our LEAD Graduate Rotational Programme not only provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits but also prioritises employee growth through structured development and exposure to senior leadership. Located in the UK, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to tackling global challenges while enjoying a supportive environment that values inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Database Engineer (Renewable Fixed Term Contract)
✨Get Involved in Open-Source Projects
Diving into open-source projects is a brilliant way to showcase your skills and connect with other developers in the community. Not only will you beef up your GitHub profile but you might also catch the eye of someone at Matthey who values hands-on experience over just theory.
✨Attend Local Tech Meetups
Tech meetups are gold mines for networking and discovering job opportunities, especially in the fast-paced world of software engineering. Check out local listings for events in your area and don’t shy away from introducing yourself. This could lead directly to a temporary position at Matthey!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
With temporary roles, it’s all about standing out in a short space of time. Create a portfolio website where you highlight your projects and skills. Talk about your code, and provide links to your GitHub repositories. This will not only demonstrate your abilities but will also make it easier for recruiters at Matthey to see what you bring to the table.
✨Leverage Temporary Job Boards
Don’t forget to check specialised job boards for temporary software development roles. Websites like We Work Remotely or Remote OK often list short-term gigs that can be a perfect fit. Apply directly through our website as well, making sure your application is sharp—temporary roles can move fast!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Database Engineer (Renewable Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Make sure your CV highlights your tech stack and any programming languages you’re proficient in. Include specifics about any frameworks or technologies you’ve worked with; they can make you stand out in the sea of applicants. It’s all about showing that you have the chops we need at Matthey!
Portfolio 2.0:Since you’re applying for a temporary gig, it’s super important to showcase a portfolio that highlights your best projects. Include links to GitHub or any personal projects that demonstrate what you can do in a real-world environment. This gives us a taste of your style and your problem-solving approach!
Keep It Brief and Relevant:With a temporary position, we want to see your ability to hit the ground running. Be concise in your CV and cover letter; stick to experiences that directly relate to the role. Highlight any previous temporary roles or freelance gigs that show your adaptability and quick learning!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Personalise it for Senior Database Engineer (Renewable Fixed Term Contract) at Matthey! Mention why this temporary role excites you and how you see yourself contributing in the short run. Show us what you've got and why you're the one for this quick turn-around!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matthey
✨Nail the Technical Skills
For a software engineering role, you'll likely face technical questions or coding tasks during your interview. Brush up on the relevant programming languages and frameworks that Matthey uses, and don’t forget to practice some coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Showing your coding prowess can really make you stand out!
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Even for a temporary role, having a grasp of system design principles can be crucial. Be ready to discuss how you would architect a software solution, including discussing trade-offs, scalability, and performance considerations. Having examples from previous projects can really show off your analytical thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to emphasise your ability to hit the ground running. Highlight experiences where you quickly adapted to new technologies or teams. Let’s make it clear to the interviewers at Matthey that you can learn on the job and deliver results in a short timeframe!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a portfolio or GitHub ready showcasing your projects. Having tangible evidence of what you've done—be it personal projects, contributions to open-source, or previous work—can convey how capable you are. Tailor this for what might interest Matthey, so it's relevant and sparks conversation during your interview.
