Systems & Database Engineer - Durban

SUMMARY:
-

POSITION INFO:
ENVIRONMENT: Our client is seeking a skilled Systems & Database Engineer to maintain, support, secure and optimise its database and server infrastructure. The role forms part of the Online Support team and is responsible for ensuring the stability, performance, availability and integrity of business-critical systems. The successful candidate will work extensively with Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Server environments, physical and virtual infrastructure, backup and disaster recovery solutions, and proactive system monitoring. The position operates within a demanding 24\/7 real-time environment involving irreversible token generation, where system reliability, data integrity and rapid incident resolution are critical. This is a hands-on technical role requiring strong database administration and infrastructure support capabilities, with a focus on performance optimisation, automation, security and continuous improvement.   DUTIES: Database Administration & Optimisation •       Administer and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments. •       Monitor and optimise database performance, including query performance and indexing. •       Manage database backups, restores, replication and security. •       Identify and resolve database performance issues and ensure data integrity and availability. Server & Infrastructure Support •       Support, maintain and troubleshoot physical and virtual server environments. •       Monitor infrastructure health, performance and availability. •       Perform routine server maintenance, patching, upgrades and configuration changes. •       Identify infrastructure capacity concerns and recommend improvements. Monitoring & Incident Management •       Proactively monitor systems and databases to identify potential issues before they affect operations. •       Investigate and resolve infrastructure and database incidents. •       Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring failures. •       Manage and prioritise technical incidents, restoring service availability as quickly as possible. •       Escalate critical system failures, security risks and operational concerns where necessary. Backup & Disaster Recovery •       Maintain and test backup procedures for systems and databases. •       Develop, maintain and execute disaster recovery plans. •       Participate in disaster recovery testing and implement recovery procedures when required. •       Minimise the risk of data loss and system downtime. Automation & Scripting •       Develop and maintain SQL scripts, procedures and automation processes. •       Automate routine maintenance, monitoring and reporting tasks. •       Identify opportunities to reduce manual intervention and improve operational efficiency. Security & Compliance •       Maintain database and infrastructure security, ensuring appropriate access controls and data protection. •       Monitor and address security risks and vulnerabilities. •       Ensure systems comply with established security standards and audit requirements. •       Restrict or suspend access where security, data integrity or operational risks are identified. Documentation & Technical Support •       Maintain accurate technical documentation, system configurations and operational procedures. •       Provide technical support and collaborate with internal technical teams, developers and infrastructure specialists. •       Work with external vendors on technical solutions and infrastructure implementations. •       Recommend improvements relating to database administration, server performance, storage and infrastructure stability.   REQUIREMENTS: •       Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field. •       A degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline would be advantageous. •       3–5 years' experience in systems infrastructure support and\/or database administration. •       Practical exposure to server environments, Microsoft SQL Server administration, backups and technical troubleshooting. •       Strong experience with Microsoft SQL Server administration and performance optimisation. •       Working knowledge of Windows Server administration. •       Experience supporting server hardware and virtualisation technologies. •       Knowledge of backup and disaster recovery management. •       Understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP\/IP, VPNs and VLANs. •       Experience with SQL scripting and automation. •       Exposure to infrastructure monitoring and troubleshooting. •       Experience in high-availability hosted or enterprise environments would be advantageous. •       Exposure to disaster recovery, virtualisation and SQL performance tuning would be beneficial. •       Previous experience in systems engineering, infrastructure support, database support or technical operations would be advantageous. •       Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Server or infrastructure-related certifications would be beneficial.   ATTRIBUTES: •       Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. •       Excellent technical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills. •       Proactive approach to system monitoring, maintenance and infrastructure optimisation. •       High level of attention to detail, particularly when working with business-critical databases and systems. •       Ability to work effectively under pressure in a 24\/7 operational environment. •       Strong organisational and time-management skills. •       Good communication and relationship-management abilities. •       Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders. •       Accountable and decisive, with the ability to take ownership of technical issues and implement corrective actions.