Senior Database Engineer

Senior Database Engineer Key Responsibilities • Analyse and rationalise a 1TB+ SQL Server database, identifying redundant, obsolete, or high-risk tables and data structures. • Map database objects back to application functionality to determine what is required, what can be archived, and what can be safely removed. • Document and implement data retention and archival strategies aligned to business and regulatory requirements. • Improve performance through indexing, partitioning, query optimisation, and schema refinement. • Reduce single points of failure and improve database-level resilience. • Strengthen database security (encryption, access control, auditing). • Collaborate with developers to improve data access patterns and eliminate inefficient queries. • Work closely with architects and SREs to ensure database design supports system reliability objectives. • Safely promote database changes through development, test, and production environments using controlled release strategies. • Ensure rollback and recovery mechanisms are in place for structural changes. • Build on previous analysis rather than restarting discovery work. Required Skills & Experience • Deep hands-on expertise in Microsoft SQL Server. • Proven experience analysing and optimising large enterprise databases (hundreds of GB to TB scale). • Strong experience with query tuning, execution plans, indexing strategies, and partitioning. • Experience designing and implementing data retention and archival strategies. • Experience supporting large .NET Framework-based applications. • Strong understanding of database reliability patterns (HA, failover, backup/restore validation). • Experience deploying schema changes safely via controlled CI/CD or release processes. • Strong understanding of security principles at the database layer. • Ability to diagnose and resolve complex database issues under tight timelines. • Knowledge of performance monitoring and telemetry tools. Desirable Skills • Experience working in hybrid or Azure-integrated environments. • Familiarity with Well-Architected Framework principles applied to database systems. • Experience reducing technical debt in legacy monolithic systems. • Experience in regulated or secure environments. • Reduction in unnecessary or redundant data structures. • Clear understanding and discussion of database schema and business functionality. • Measurable improvements in reliability and performance. • Reduced storage growth and improved capacity planning. • Safe, controlled promotion of database changes without production instability. • Improved alignment between database architecture and system reliability objectives.