Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of IT experience, including 5 years of hands-on Azure expertise, and a proven track record in activities such as blue-green deployments, database refreshes, and environment migrations (Dev → UAT → Prod).

This role requires the individual to predominantly work UK shifts and be available for weekend work during critical activities such as database refreshes and project implementations. The candidate must be collaborative and capable of working closely with development teams to ensure smooth operations, application transitions, and optimized database performance while leveraging automation for efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

1. Application Deployment and Maintenance
• Plan and execute application deployments, including blue-green deployment strategies to ensure minimal downtime and seamless rollbacks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve application-related issues across frontend, backend, and middleware layers.
• Collaborate with development and QA teams to align infrastructure with application needs.
2. Database Management and Refreshes
• Manage, maintain, and refresh databases (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL) for Dev, UAT, and Production environments.
• Perform database migrations, backups, and restoration processes while ensuring data integrity.
• Optimize database performance through indexing, query tuning, and capacity planning.
3. Environment Management (Dev → UAT → Prod)
• Support the migration of applications and databases through Dev, UAT, and Production environments.
• Implement and manage CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions) for seamless deployments.
• Ensure robust change management practices during migrations and deployments.
4. Azure Cloud Infrastructure
• Deploy, manage, and optimize Azure cloud resources, including Azure App Services, Azure SQL, VMs, and Azure Storage.
• Configure Azure networking components such as VNets, subnets, and NSGs to ensure security and connectivity.
• Utilize Azure Monitor and Application Insights to proactively identify and resolve performance issues.
5. Automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Use tools like Terraform, ARM templates, or Bicep to manage infrastructure as code.
• Automate routine tasks such as backups, scaling, and deployments using PowerShell or Python.
6. Monitoring and Optimization
• Monitor system and application performance using tools like Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and third-party solutions.
• Continuously optimize costs and resource utilization in cloud environments.
7. Weekend and Shift Requirements
• Work predominantly UK shifts to align with operational and project requirements.
• Be available for weekend work during critical activities, such as database refreshes, upgrades, and major deployments.

Qualifications

• Experience:
• 8+ years in IT, with strong experience in application deployment, database management, and cloud infrastructure.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with Azure cloud services.
• Proven expertise in blue-green deployments, database refreshes, and environment migrations.
• Technical Expertise:
• Proficiency in deploying and managing full-stack applications across multiple environments.
• Strong database management skills, including database refreshes, tuning, and backup strategies.
• Expertise in Azure cloud services such as App Services, Azure SQL, and networking.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.
• Knowledge of IaC tools like Terraform, ARM templates, or Bicep.
• Automation skills with scripting languages like PowerShell or Python.
• Shift and Availability:
• Must be willing to work UK shifts to ensure alignment with business operations.
• Availability for weekend work during critical projects and database refreshes.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and results-driven mindset.
• Certifications (Preferred):
• Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Solutions Architect certifications.
• Relevant database certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator).
• DevOps-related certifications (e.g., Azure DevOps Engineer Expert).