Principal Database Engineer

Job Description :

Technical Deep Dive Opportunities :

• SSIS Project Modernization : The role presents an opportunity to migrate or modernize existing SSIS packages. This could involve refactoring legacy packages for improved performance, error handling, and maintainability. Investigating newer SSIS features available in SQL Server 2022+ (e.G., improved control flow tasks, enhanced logging) would be a key component. Further, the encryption / archiving requirement suggests a need for expertise in security best practices within SSIS, potentially involving sensitive data handling procedures and compliance regulations.
• SQL Server Performance Tuning Focus : The role emphasizes database tuning and performance, suggesting a need for in-depth SQL Server internals knowledge. This includes query plan analysis, index optimization, statistics management, and understanding resource utilization. The senior developer could implement strategies such as :
• Query Store analysis : Using Query Store to identify and fix regression issues after code changes or server upgrades.
• Extended Events : Leveraging Extended Events to capture detailed performance data for troubleshooting bottlenecks.
• In-Memory OLTP : Exploring the potential of In-Memory OLTP for performance-critical workloads.
• Advanced T-SQL Development : Beyond basic stored procedure writing, the role requires proficiency in advanced T-SQL concepts. This includes utilizing indexed views, user-defined functions (UDFs), triggers, cursors (though their use should be minimized in favor of set-based operations), XML handling, and distributed transactions. Understanding transaction isolation levels and concurrency control mechanisms in SQL Server is crucial. Specifically, the description calls for SQL Server 2017 or higher, meaning utilizing newer features of T-SQL.

Operational and Support Responsibilities :

Root Cause Analysis and Problem Prevention : The job description emphasizes identifying root causes and proposing solutions to prevent recurring problems. This requires a strong analytical skillset and a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Implementing monitoring and alerting systems to proactively detect potential issues is essential. Developing a knowledge base of common problems and their solutions would also be beneficial.

Database Topology and Documentation : Documenting database topology, architecture, processes, and procedures is a critical responsibility. This documentation should be comprehensive, up-to-date, and easily accessible to other team members. This also includes maintaining data dictionaries and data lineage documentation. The documentation should be kept in a centralized repository, following a consistent format.

Operational Support and Problem Resolution : Providing operational support and resolving recurring problems requires strong communication and collaboration skills. This includes working with other members of the data team to understand their needs and providing timely and effective solutions. The ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple competing demands is also essential.

Capacity Planning and Resource Management : Assisting with capacity planning and resource expansion requires an understanding of database performance metrics and resource utilization. This involves analysing data to identify trends and predicting future resource needs. The senior developer may also be responsible for recommending hardware upgrades or software optimizations.

Collaboration and Communication :

Working with Project Managers : Collaborating with project managers to understand business needs and opportunities for process improvement is crucial. This requires the ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications and to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Teamwork and Knowledge Sharing : Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the team is essential. This includes sharing knowledge and expertise with other team members, mentoring junior developers, and participating in code reviews.

Years of Exp :

05-09 Years