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 Responsibilities****Database 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 systems

OT 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 uptime

Performance & 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 planning

Backup, 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 exercises

Security & 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 schedules

Documentation & Governance

• Produce detailed SOPs, architecture diagrams, and deployment guides
• Follow formal change management processes
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory inspections

Essential Skills & Experience****Technical 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 optimisation

OT / 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
• Chemicals

Soft 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.

** for a confidential discussion.**