Senior Database Engineer (Renewable Fixed Term Contract)

At Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. As a Senior Database Engineer, you’ll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history. Using advanced metals chemistry, you’ll help tackle the world’s biggest challenges - cutting emissions, powering modern life and supporting life-saving technologies - by applying, refining and recycling metals that matter for a healthier, more sustainable, circular future.

Note: This is a Renewable Fixed Term Contract and interested candidates must currently be based in Malaysia with valid work right status

The role:

As a Senior Database Engineer, you will help drive our goals by:

• Design, implement, administer, and support Microsoft SQL Server environments across on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure platforms.

• Manage SQL Server lifecycle activities including installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, migrations, capacity planning, and decommissioning.

• Administer and support Azure SQL services, including SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Database, and Azure SQL Managed Instance.

• Design, implement, and maintain High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) solutions, including Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, Backup & Recovery, and Disaster Recovery planning.

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize SQL Server performance through proactive performance tuning, query optimization, index management, execution plan analysis, and database health assessments.

• Lead SQL Server version upgrade and migration projects, ensuring minimal business disruption and adherence to operational standards.

• Support and optimize backend databases for Power BI reporting and analytics platforms.

• Develop automation solutions using PowerShell, T-SQL, SQL Agent Jobs, and Azure automation capabilities to improve operational efficiency.

• Monitor database health, availability, capacity, and performance to ensure services operate within agreed SLA and operational targets.

• Implement and maintain database security standards, including security patching, vulnerability remediation, access management, encryption, auditing, and compliance controls.

• Collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, application, network, backup, and security teams to deliver reliable database services and project outcomes.

• Act as an escalation point for complex database incidents, problem management activities, and major service disruptions.

• Participate in 3rd Line Incident Management, Service Request Fulfilment, Change Management, and Operational Support activities.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, operational procedures, standards, and knowledge articles.

• Provide technical coaching and mentoring to team members on database technologies and best practices.

• Participate in on-call rotations supporting critical production services.

Key skills that will help you succeed in this role:

• 5+ years of hands-on Microsoft SQL Server administration experience within enterprise environments.

• Strong expertise supporting Microsoft SQL Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and newer versions.

• Proven experience administering SQL Server across both on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure environments.

• Extensive experience managing:

  • SQL Always-On Availability Groups (AG)

  • Failover Clustering

  • SQL Replication

  • Backup & Recovery

  • Disaster Recovery Solutions

• Strong database performance tuning skills including:

  • Query Optimization

  • Index Tuning

  • Execution Plan Analysis

  • Blocking and Deadlock Troubleshooting

  • Capacity Planning

  • Resource Utilization Analysis

• Experience administering Azure SQL services including:

  • Azure SQL Database

  • Azure SQL Managed Instance

  • SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines

• Proven experience performing SQL Server upgrades, migrations, and database consolidation activities.

• Advanced T-SQL scripting and troubleshooting skills.

• Strong PowerShell scripting and automation capabilities.

• Experience supporting Power BI reporting environments and SQL backend databases.

• Experience with SQL monitoring and performance tools such as:

  • SolarWinds DPA

  • Azure Monitor

• Strong understanding of database security, auditing, access control, encryption, and vulnerability management.

• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300).

• Experience supporting Power BI Service and enterprise analytics platforms.

• Familiarity with Oracle Database Administration.

• Experience with enterprise backup solutions such as Veeam.

• Experience using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Azure Automation.

• Understanding of ITIL Incident, Problem, Change, and Service Management processes.

• Experience working within globally distributed, highly regulated enterprise environments.

Even if you only match some of the skills, we’d love to hear from you to discuss further!

What we offer:

We make sure salaries are fair, competitive and aligned to individual roles, experience and responsibilities. We are also supportive of hybrid and flexible working and where applicable, offer life, medical and other benefits that support our employees’ financial and physical wellbeing, such as:

• EPF Employer contribution of 15%
• Life Insurance, Medical Coverage for Dependents
• Dental and Optical Claims (Pay and Claim - for Employee)
• Competitive annual bonus plan

Ready to make a meaningful impact on your career and the environment? Join us and help shape a sustainable future while advancing your career!

At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.

For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected]. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.

Closing date for applications: This job advertisement will be posted for a minimum of 2 weeks, early application is advised.

#MyCareerMatters #CareersThatMatter

To submit your application, please click the "Apply" button online.

All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice: Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice. By applying for this role and creating an account you are agreeing to the notice.

Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.