At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise MySQL databases for high-performance rail distribution platforms.
- Company: Join SilverRail, a tech company transforming eco-friendly travel.
- Benefits: Short-term contract with a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative, innovative environment focused on sustainability.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to reshape travel while enhancing your database skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in MySQL database administration and strong SQL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
At SilverRail, we’re on a mission to reshape the way the world travels. Rail is becoming the go‑to choice for short and medium‑haul travel worldwide, and we’re here to help make it happen. Our vision is to transform the online customer experience for rail travel, making it easier for customers to find, buy and use rail. Our technology is the backbone of rail and travel agencies worldwide, making it effortless for travellers to choose the eco‑friendly option and reduce their carbon footprint.
We’re looking for a MySQL Database Administrator to join our Engineering team on an initial three‑month contract to take ownership of the database infrastructure that underpins SilverRail’s rail distribution platforms. These systems process high volumes of search, booking and ticketing transactions for rail operators, retailers and travellers across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia/APAC, so reliability, performance and data integrity are critical.
The role sits within the Platform Engineering function and works closely with engineering, infrastructure and platform teams to design, tune and safeguard the databases behind our products. You’ll report to the Engineering Manager (Database & Infrastructure).
We’re looking for an experienced contractor with a solid grounding in MySQL database administration who can get up to speed quickly and work autonomously on schema design, query and database optimisation, and cloud‑hosted database infrastructure from day one. We are looking for someone who has supported systems with high transaction volumes and strict availability requirements, such as travel, e‑commerce or financial services.
Key Responsibilities
- Database Administration & Design: Design, implement and maintain MySQL database schemas that support scalable, reliable and high‑performance applications. Own the day-to-day administration of production MySQL databases, including monitoring, capacity planning and health checks. Plan and execute schema changes and migrations with minimal disruption to live services.
- Performance & Optimisation: Optimise SQL queries, indexes and schema design to improve performance and reduce latency across high‑traffic systems. Use SQL analytics to investigate performance bottlenecks and inform optimisation and capacity decisions. Design and maintain read/write splitting strategies to balance load across primary and replica databases.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Manage and maintain AWS RDS instances, including provisioning, configuration, patching, backups and scaling. Support high‑availability architecture and disaster recovery planning for database infrastructure. Monitor database costs and performance on AWS, recommending improvements where appropriate.
- Collaboration & Support: Work with engineering teams to review schema and query designs before release, providing guidance on best practice. Support incident response and root‑cause analysis for database‑related issues. Document database standards, processes and runbooks to hand over to the wider engineering team at the end of the contract.
Required Competence and Skills
- Essential: 5+ years’ experience as a MySQL Database Administrator, or in a role with substantial MySQL responsibility. Proven proficiency in database schema design and data modelling. Strong track record of database optimisation, including indexing, query tuning and performance monitoring. Advanced SQL skills, with experience using SQL for analytics, reporting and troubleshooting. Practical experience implementing and managing read/write splitting (read replicas) in a production environment. Hands‑on experience with AWS RDS, including provisioning, monitoring, backups and scaling. Able to work independently and deliver quickly with minimal ramp‑up time.
- Desirable: Experience with other AWS database or infrastructure services (e.g. Aurora, CloudWatch, IAM). Familiarity with infrastructure‑as‑code or database automation tooling (e.g. Terraform). Experience supporting high‑transaction‑volume, high‑availability systems (e.g. travel, e‑commerce or financial services). Awareness of data security and compliance considerations relevant to database systems (e.g. GDPR, PCI‑DSS). Previous experience delivering short‑term, project‑based contract engagements.
This is a unique opportunity to work for a tech company that is helping the environment by revolutionising the way we travel. Our values are simple: Do Good by working for a better tomorrow; Think Big Act Smart by being curious, adaptable and data‑driven; and remember that through collaboration we will always be Stronger Together.
We are a neurodiverse employer and are working hard to improve our recruitment processes, so if there is any way that we can make the recruitment experience better for you then please let us know in your application - all information will be treated as strictly confidential.
Database Administrator (short term contract) in London employer: SilverRail
At SilverRail, we pride ourselves on being an innovative tech company dedicated to reshaping travel while prioritising environmental sustainability. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and adaptability, providing employees with opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the future of travel, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and forward-thinking team based in vibrant London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Database Administrator (short term contract) in London
✨Get Social in the Data World
Join online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/Database to connect with others in database management. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed by industry insiders who might know of temporary roles!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a small project using the database software you’re familiar with—maybe something fun like a personal book or music database. Having a project to demonstrate will make you stand out to companies like SilverRail when they see your hands-on approach!
✨Utilise Temporary Staffing Agencies
Many temp positions in database management are filled through staffing agencies. Get in touch with agencies that focus on tech roles, and let them know you're on the lookout for short-term opportunities. They can be a great bridge to finding your next gig.
✨Direct Applications are Key!
Don’t shy away from applying directly to SilverRail through our website. Temporary roles often get posted without fanfare, so check back frequently, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you see a position that fits your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Database Administrator (short term contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the world of database management, it’s essential to showcase your technical skills upfront. Make sure your CV includes relevant programming languages, database systems you’ve worked with, and any data modelling tools you’re familiar with. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of SilverRail.
Document Your Projects:If you have completed any database projects, don’t forget to mention them! Include specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your experience with data migration or optimisation. Having a portfolio or a section on your CV detailing these projects can really set you apart in a temporary role.
Express Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to highlight your adaptability in your cover letter. Let us know that you’re ready to jump into different tasks and tackle challenges as they arise at SilverRail. This shows that you’re not just looking for another job, but you’re excited about contributing to our team.
Keep it Concise:For a temporary role like this, keep your application concise and focused. Use bullet points to list your relevant experience and skills, making it easier for us to absorb the info quickly. Your aim should be to grab attention without overwhelming us with unnecessary details. And remember, submit your application through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at SilverRail
✨Get Hands-On with Tools
In database management, it’s crucial to be familiar with the tools of the trade like SQL, NoSQL, or even data visualisation software. Make sure you’ve got some practical examples ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools, and maybe even try to whip up a sample database to share in a discussion. This shows you're not just theory, but can get stuck in.
✨Brush Up on Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that dive deep into your problem-solving skills. Be prepared to tackle scenarios where you might need to optimise a database query or explain data normalisation. This is a key area for database management roles, and demonstrating your understanding here can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new systems or tasks. Emphasise your eagerness to hit the ground running and how easily you can familiarise yourself with the company’s database systems. Companies love a candidate who can dive right in without unnecessary handholding!
✨Pitching Yourself and Your Availability
In a temporary role, your availability is crucial. Be upfront about your schedule and how you can commit to the temporary demands of the job. Plus, don’t forget to express your keen interest in learning and contributing to SilverRail—they’ll appreciate your enthusiasm for both the role and their team!
