SQL Database Administrator

SQL Database Engineer / SQL Architect

Amber Labs | Permanent

London (Hybrid - 3 Days Onsite per Week)

About Amber Labs

Amber Labs is a fast-growing UK technology consultancy delivering digital transformation across enterprise, government, and regulated sectors. We specialise in cloud, data, software engineering, cyber security, and AI, helping organisations deliver better services through modern technology and agile ways of working.

We are currently supporting the delivery of critical National Security programmes and are seeking an experienced SQL Database Engineer / SQL Architect to join our growing engineering and architecture teams.

This role will support the design, implementation, optimisation, and management of secure, mission-critical database platforms that underpin some of the UK's most important operational services.

The Role

As a SQL Database Engineer / SQL Architect , you will be responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and optimising enterprise-scale SQL database environments across secure and highly regulated programmes.

Working within multidisciplinary delivery teams, you will collaborate with solution architects, infrastructure engineers, cloud specialists, and software development teams to ensure database solutions are secure, resilient, scalable, and performant.

You will play a key role in defining database strategy, establishing best practices, supporting cloud adoption initiatives, and ensuring critical systems remain available, secure, and compliant.

Key Responsibilities

• Database Architecture & Engineering
• Design, implement, and maintain secure and highly available SQL Server database environments.
• Develop database architecture standards, patterns, and best practices.
• Lead database design and data modelling activities for new and existing systems.
• Manage and optimise database performance, availability, scalability, and reliability.
• Design and implement backup, recovery, business continuity, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Conduct performance tuning, indexing optimisation, and query analysis.
• Implement monitoring, alerting, and proactive maintenance processes.
• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and cloud teams to improve platform performance.
• Support database migrations, upgrades, and modernisation initiatives.
• Contribute to cloud adoption and database architecture within AWS environments.
• Ensure security controls, auditing, governance, and compliance requirements are maintained.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical database issues.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineering teams.

Essential

• SQL Server
• SQL
• Database Architecture & Design
• Database Performance Tuning
• High Availability & Disaster Recovery
• Backup & Recovery Management
• Database Monitoring & Optimisation
• Data Modelling
• Database Security & Governance

Desirable

• AWS
• Cloud Database Technologies

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a SQL Database Engineer, SQL Server DBA, Database Consultant, or Database Architect.
• Strong expertise administering and supporting enterprise-scale SQL Server environments.
• Experience designing and implementing highly available and resilient database solutions.
• Strong understanding of performance tuning, indexing strategies, query optimisation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing and maintaining backup, recovery, and disaster recovery plans.
• Knowledge of database security, encryption, auditing, and access management.
• Experience supporting mission-critical production environments.
• Strong understanding of database design principles and data modelling techniques.
• Experience working within secure, government, defence, or highly regulated environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working within Agile delivery teams.

Security Requirements

• Active SC Clearance required.
• Must be eligible and willing to undergo DV Clearance .

Location

• National Security Programme
• London (North of the River) or (South of the River)
• Hybrid Working: 3 Days Onsite per Week

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Private medical insurance.
• Hybrid working model.
• Personal training budget to support professional development.
• Access to industry-leading National Security and Defence programmes.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and complex technical challenges.
• Employer pension contributions.
• Referral bonus scheme.
• Regular team socials and networking opportunities.
• The opportunity to join a growing consultancy and help shape its future success.

Diversity & Inclusion

Amber Labs is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background, identity, or experience. We value diversity of thought, experience, and perspective, and actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to perform at their best while contributing to the success of our clients and communities.