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- Tasks: Take ownership of a large SQL Server database and implement performance improvements.
- Company: Join a secure, mission-critical programme with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a high-impact role within a secure environment.
- Qualifications: Deep Microsoft SQL Server expertise and experience with large enterprise databases.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports your career growth.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 90000 £ per year.
Taunton - 3 days per week onsite
Active SC Clearance required
£450 per day
Outside IR35
We are supporting a secure, mission-critical programme seeking a hands-on Senior Database Engineer to take ownership of a 1TB+ SQL Server estate. This is a delivery-focused engineering role - not documentation or governance. You will build on existing analysis to validate findings, map database structures to application functionality, and implement safe, incremental improvements to performance, resilience, and security.
Key Responsibilities- Rationalise and optimise a large SQL Server database
- Identify redundant/high-risk data structures
- Implement data retention and archival strategies
- Improve performance (indexing, partitioning, query tuning)
- Strengthen HA, resilience, and database security
- Safely promote schema changes through controlled release processes
- Deep hands-on Microsoft SQL Server expertise
- Experience with large enterprise databases (100s GB-TB scale)
- Strong query optimisation and execution plan analysis
- HA, backup/restore validation and resilience patterns
- Supporting large .NET Framework applications
- Deploying database changes safely via CI/CD or structured releases
High-impact role within a secure environment. Active SC clearance is essential.
Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
Locations
Senior Database Engineer - SC Cleared in Somerset, Taunton employer: Sanderson Government and Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government and Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Database Engineer - SC Cleared in Somerset, Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know about opportunities in database engineering. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or contributions to open-source databases, make sure to highlight them. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience with SQL Server and other relevant technologies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your SQL skills. Be ready to discuss your approach to query optimisation and database security. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new openings tailored to your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Database Engineer - SC Cleared in Somerset, Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server and large enterprise databases. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your query optimisation and execution plan analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Senior Database Engineer role. Mention your experience with HA, backup/restore validation, and any work you've done in regulated settings to really grab our attention.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve database performance and security. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the recruitment process. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government and Defence
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Microsoft SQL Server skills. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with large databases, especially around query optimisation and execution plans. They’ll want to see that you can talk the talk and walk the walk!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
This role is all about delivery, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've rationalised and optimised databases in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you implemented solutions, particularly around performance improvements and data retention strategies.
✨Understand the Security Landscape
Since this position requires active SC clearance, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of database security. Be prepared to discuss how you've strengthened HA and resilience in previous roles, and any experience you have with regulated environments.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CI/CD Processes
As they’re looking for someone who can safely promote schema changes, make sure you can explain your experience with deploying database changes via CI/CD or structured releases. Highlight any relevant projects where you’ve successfully managed these processes.