Database Engineer

The Open University UK; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open University is seeking a motivated Database Engineer to join their Professional Services Product Team. This role involves database administration, system design, and supporting IT solutions to enhance learning experiences. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid environment, contributing to innovative educational technologies.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave allowance

Christmas closure period

Qualifications

• Experience in administration of Ingres Database Management System.
• Understanding of database technologies and architecture.
• Sound knowledge of best practices in database engineering.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, implementation and support of IT database solutions.
• Contribute to data modelling and assist with database design.
• Implement security measures and contribute to quality assurance processes.

Skills

Database Administration

Data Modelling

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

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Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Closing Date: 29 May 2025

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Fixed Term Contract: End Date:

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

Job Description:

About the Role

At The Open University, we believe that where you start in life shouldn’t limit where you can go. Established over 50 years ago, The Open University is committed to providing accessible education to anyone, anywhere in the world. Our unique approach to education has transformed millions of lives, and we are continually innovating to help more people succeed.
Through initiatives like our partnership with the BBC, OpenLearn and digital pioneering distance learning methods, we reach more people than any other university, offering flexible, distance learning that fits into any lifestyle. We proudly serve all four nations of the UK, making higher education accessible for all.
Learn more about us.

About Digital Services, Open University

Digital Services is at the heart of delivering life-changing learning experiences that enrich society. We combine trusted design, data expertise, and cutting-edge technology to support lifelong learning.

Our objectives are to:
• Enhance the student and staff experience through simple, evidence-based solutions.
• Deliver value iteratively, securely, and at speed.
• Foster a vibrant, supportive workplace that embraces continuous learning and growth, empowering everyone to succeed.
As a service-led institution, we are committed to simplifying and improving how we work by organizing ourselves around the services we provide. This enables us to design and deliver outstanding services effectively and efficiently.

With our ethos of being “open to people, places, methods, and ideas,” we proudly support students in every setting imaginable—from submarines to prisons, and everywhere in between. We take pride in enabling our academics to teach and our students to learn, no matter the circumstances.

Job overview

As an Engineer at The Open University, you will be part of the Professional Services Product Team, a dynamic and innovative team responsible for the development, maintenance, and support of many of the Open University’s student and staff systems.

You will actively participate in all stages of database administration, from physical design, tuning and monitoring, and upgrades. Your contribution will ensure our solutions are secure, reliable, robust and performant.

We’re looking for a motivated Database Engineer to work as part of the team to assist with the day-to-day running, maintenance and development of the enterprise databases, consisting of Ingres and MS SQL Server. As a vital part of our team, you’ll contribute ideas, tackle technical challenges, and mentor junior engineers while supporting our commitment to continuous improvement and development.

The Open University is an employer committed to the ongoing development of staff both through its own award-winning distance teaching and industry standard training programmes. As an organisation it promotes a healthy work life balance with a generous leave allowance, a Christmas closure period and flexible working. Our team work remotely and at the university main campus in Milton Keynes. You should be able to attend in-person meetings, on campus, when required.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:
• Database Administration: Assist in the design, development, implementation and support of IT database solutions (in particular Ingres), and be responsible for on-going maintenance, performance analysis, tuning and management. Troubleshoot issues and support our diverse user base, providing expertise that staff can refer to for technical advice, demonstrating excellent customer service skills
• Data Modelling and Database Design: Contribute to data modelling and assist with database design to support application development and data integrity (DTAN – Level 3, DBDS – Level 4).
• System Design: Assist in the design and documentation of database and system architectures, ensuring that solutions are scalable, reliable, and meet The Open University needs. Estimate and agree the timescale of development activity.
• Methods and Standards - Contribute to the development of methods and standards, standard operating procedures and system documentation. Engage with both IT colleagues and business partners in development projects, that keep our enterprise systems sustainable and innovative. Research, assess and introduce new processes and technology to expand and improve IT services
• Information Security & Quality Assurance: Implement security measures and contribute to quality assurance processes to maintain the integrity and reliability of systems
• Support System Operations: Provide support for application and system operations, assisting in incident management, including out-of-hours as required, and ensuring smooth functioning of services
• Availability and Capacity Planning: Contribute to managing system availability and capacity, ensuring that services are reliable and scalable to meet current and future needs
• Problem Management: Participate in problem management processes, helping to identify and resolve underlying issues to improve system stability
• Provide Advice and Guidance: • Promote best practices by way of supporting and educating colleagues within your own area of specialist expertise
You will support this work by developing and advocating for the Open University’s Engineering manifesto and promoting best practices.

Skills and Experience

Key Skills and Experience:
• Database Administration: Experience in the administration of the Ingres Database Management System (including installation and patching), and an understanding of database technologies and architecture
• Database Design: Sound knowledge of best practices in database engineering and data security, including high availability, disaster recovery, monitoring, performance analysis and tuning.
• Data Modelling: Knowledge of physical modelling tools, and experience of how this is used in database design and development.
• Software Development Lifecycle: Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and deployment
• Security and Quality Focus: Understanding of information security and quality assurance practices to maintain the reliability and security of solutions
• System Support and Operations: Basic experience in supporting application and system operations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring system stability

Behaviours:
• Problem Solver: You approach challenges with a logical and analytical mindset, finding effective solutions to complex problems.
• Collaborative: You work well in team environments, communicating effectively, sharing knowledge and ideas, and contributing to collective success.
• Adaptable: You thrive in a dynamic work environment and are open to learning new skills and technologies.
• Detail-Oriented: You have a keen eye for detail, ensuring that your work is accurate, high-quality, and aligns with project goals.
• Curious and Innovative: You stay updated on the latest industry trends and are always looking for ways to incorporate new ideas and technologies into your work.

Essential Requirements

As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum of 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed above.

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

*Early Close: We reserve the right to close adverts sooner than the closing date.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We anticipate this being twice per month on average.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application,please contact:[e-mail] .

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The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.