Senior Oracle / SQL Database Administrator (OT Environment)

Job Title: Senior Oracle / SQL / MySQL Database Administrator (Operational Technology Environment) 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 ResponsibilitiesDatabase 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 systemsOT 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 uptimePerformance & 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 planningBackup, 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 exercisesSecurity & 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 schedulesDocumentation & Governance • Produce detailed SOPs, architecture diagrams, and deployment guides • Follow formal change management processes • Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory inspections Essential Skills & ExperienceTechnical 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 optimisationOT / 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 • ChemicalsSoft 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.