Database Engineer (Cassandra) at Adyen

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Database Engineer (Cassandra)
Company: Adyen
Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Job Type: On-site
Category: Database Administration, DevOps
Date Posted: June 19, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Design, deploy, manage, and optimize large-scale Cassandra clusters, ensuring high availability, scalability, and disaster recovery capabilities.
Key Technologies: Cassandra, Linux, Monitoring Tools (Prometheus, Grafana), Scripting Languages (Python, Bash), Kubernetes (bonus)
Key Skills: Database Management, Performance Tuning, Capacity Planning, Troubleshooting, Data Modeling, Automation Scripting, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Collaboration

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of expertise in Cassandra and related technologies, with a focus on managing large-scale clusters and ensuring optimal performance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cluster Design & Deployment: Design and implement new Cassandra clusters and data models, ensuring scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery capabilities for sizable workloads.
Cluster Management: Proactively monitor, manage, and maintain production Cassandra clusters, including performance tuning, capacity planning, upgrades, and patching.
Issue Resolution: Diagnose and resolve complex Cassandra-related issues, such as performance bottlenecks, data inconsistencies, and replication problems, often under pressure.
Performance Optimization: Identify and implement strategies for optimizing Cassandra performance, including schema design, query optimization, and hardware resource utilization.
Automation & Monitoring: Develop and implement automation scripts and tools for Cassandra operations, deployments, and monitoring.
On-Call Support: Participate in an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 support for critical Cassandra incidents.
Collaboration: Work closely with development teams to ensure efficient and effective use of Cassandra, providing guidance on data modeling and best practices.
Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for Cassandra cluster configurations, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Mentoring: Potentially mentor junior team members on Cassandra best practices and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience running and managing large-scale Cassandra clusters in a production environment with sizeable workloads.

Required Skills:

Extensive understanding of Cassandra architecture, data modeling, replication, consistency levels, compaction strategies, and performance tuning.
Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in a distributed database environment.
Proficient in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automating database tasks.
Strong working knowledge of Linux operating systems.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with other NoSQL databases.
Experience with Kubernetes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in Kubernetes and other NoSQL databases may have an advantage in this role, as they can bring additional expertise to the team.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in designing, deploying, and managing large-scale Cassandra clusters.
Showcase projects that highlight your ability to optimize Cassandra performance and resolve complex issues.
Include examples of automation scripts and tools you've developed for Cassandra operations.
Display your understanding of data modeling and best practices for Cassandra.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation for Cassandra cluster configurations, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Include any relevant case studies or success stories that demonstrate your impact on improving Cassandra performance and availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on managing and optimizing large-scale Cassandra clusters, your portfolio should emphasize your technical expertise and problem-solving skills in this area.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €70,000 - €100,000 per year (based on market research for experienced database engineers in Amsterdam)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Pension scheme
Health insurance
Global fitness program
Personal development opportunities
Company culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM CET) and an on-call rotation for 24/7 support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for experienced database engineers in Amsterdam. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech)

Company Size: Medium (2,000-5,000 employees)

Founded: 2006

Team Structure:

The Database team works closely with development teams to ensure efficient and effective use of Cassandra.
The team is responsible for designing, deploying, managing, and optimizing large-scale Cassandra clusters.
The team structure is likely to include senior database engineers, database engineers, and database administrators.

Development Methodology:

Adyen follows Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development, with regular sprint planning and code reviews.
The team uses version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment and testing.
Adyen emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation in its development processes.

Company Website: Adyen

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's company culture values diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on supporting the growth and development of its employees. The company encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Database Engineer

Reporting Structure: The Database Engineer reports directly to the Database Team Lead or Manager.

Technical Impact: The Database Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the performance, availability, and scalability of Adyen's Cassandra clusters, which support the company's payment processing and data services.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Deepen your expertise in Cassandra and related technologies, such as NoSQL databases and Kubernetes.
Leadership Growth: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and contributing to the team's strategy and decision-making processes.
Career Progression: Pursue opportunities to specialize in specific areas of database engineering or transition into a more senior or management role within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen offers opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on supporting the technical and career progression of its employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with a focus on employee well-being and comfort.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, Netherlands

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The workspace encourages collaboration and interaction between team members, with open-plan offices and dedicated meeting spaces.
Equipment: Adyen provides modern hardware and software tools to support its employees' work, including multiple monitors and testing devices.
Flexibility: Adyen offers flexible working arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours, to support work-life balance.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM CET) and an on-call rotation for 24/7 support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's work environment is designed to support collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive workspace.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your communication skills and initial fit for the role.
Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on your Cassandra expertise, including data modeling, performance tuning, and issue resolution.
Cultural Fit Interview: A conversation with the team to assess your cultural fit and alignment with Adyen's values.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager or a panel of team members to discuss your fit for the role and answer any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in designing, deploying, and managing large-scale Cassandra clusters.
Showcase your ability to optimize Cassandra performance and resolve complex issues.
Include examples of automation scripts and tools you've developed for Cassandra operations.
Emphasize your understanding of data modeling and best practices for Cassandra.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Cassandra architecture, data modeling, and performance tuning skills.
Familiarize yourself with Adyen's products and services, and understand how Cassandra supports the company's payment processing and data services.
Prepare for questions about your experience with Linux, scripting languages, and monitoring tools.

ATS Keywords: Cassandra, Database Management, Performance Tuning, Capacity Planning, Troubleshooting, Data Modeling, Automation Scripting, Monitoring Tools, Linux, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, NoSQL Databases, Kubernetes

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's values. Prepare for a comprehensive evaluation of your Cassandra skills and experience.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Database Technologies:

Cassandra: The primary database used at Adyen for its payment processing and data services.
Other NoSQL Databases (bonus): Familiarity with other NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB or Redis, may be beneficial.

Server Technologies:

Linux: Adyen uses Linux operating systems for its server infrastructure.
Kubernetes (bonus): Familiarity with Kubernetes may be beneficial for managing and deploying Cassandra clusters.

Infrastructure Tools:

Monitoring Tools: Adyen uses monitoring tools such as Prometheus and Grafana to monitor its Cassandra clusters and server infrastructure.
Scripting Languages: Adyen uses scripting languages such as Python and Bash for automating database tasks and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's technology stack is focused on Cassandra and related technologies, with an emphasis on managing and optimizing large-scale clusters.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Database Team Values:

Expertise: Demonstrate a deep understanding of Cassandra and related technologies.
Collaboration: Work effectively with development teams to ensure efficient and effective use of Cassandra.
Innovation: Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and best practices in database engineering.
Reliability: Ensure the performance, availability, and scalability of Adyen's Cassandra clusters.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Database team works closely with development teams to ensure efficient and effective use of Cassandra.
Code Review Culture: Adyen emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing through code reviews and peer programming practices.
Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages continuous learning and mentoring, with a focus on supporting the growth and development of its members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's database team values expertise, collaboration, innovation, and reliability, with a focus on supporting the performance, availability, and scalability of the company's Cassandra clusters.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Performance Optimization: Identify and implement strategies for optimizing Cassandra performance, including schema design, query optimization, and hardware resource utilization.
Scalability & High Availability: Design and deploy Cassandra clusters that can scale to support Adyen's growing workloads and ensure high availability and disaster recovery capabilities.
Troubleshooting Complex Issues: Diagnose and resolve complex Cassandra-related issues, such as performance bottlenecks, data inconsistencies, and replication problems, often under pressure.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in Cassandra and related technologies, and adapt your skills and knowledge accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Deepen your expertise in Cassandra and related technologies, such as NoSQL databases and Kubernetes.
Conference Attendance & Certification: Attend industry conferences and pursue relevant certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior team members to gain insights into best practices and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's technical challenges and growth opportunities are focused on optimizing Cassandra performance, ensuring scalability and high availability, and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in database engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cassandra Architecture: Explain the architecture of Cassandra and its key components, such as data centers, nodes, and replication factors.
Data Modeling: Describe your approach to data modeling in Cassandra, including key considerations such as data partitioning, clustering, and denormalization.
Performance Tuning: Discuss strategies for optimizing Cassandra performance, including schema design, query optimization, and hardware resource utilization.
Troubleshooting: Walk through a case study of a complex Cassandra issue you've resolved, explaining your diagnostic and resolution processes.

Company & Culture Questions:

Adyen's Products & Services: Describe Adyen's products and services, and explain how Cassandra supports the company's payment processing and data services.
Database Team Collaboration: Explain how the Database team works with development teams to ensure efficient and effective use of Cassandra.
Adyen's Values: Describe Adyen's values and how they apply to the Database team's work.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Demonstrate Your Expertise: Highlight your experience in designing, deploying, and managing large-scale Cassandra clusters, with a focus on performance optimization and issue resolution.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Include examples of complex Cassandra issues you've resolved, explaining your diagnostic and resolution processes.
Emphasize Your Collaboration Skills: Discuss your experience working with development teams to ensure efficient and effective use of Cassandra.

📝 Enhancement Note: Adyen's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's values. Prepare for a comprehensive evaluation of your Cassandra skills and experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Database Engineer (Cassandra) position at Adyen:

Submit Your Application: Click the "Apply" button on the job listing and follow the instructions to submit your resume and cover letter.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to highlight your experience in designing, deploying, and managing large-scale Cassandra clusters, with a focus on performance optimization and issue resolution.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your technical skills and experience in Cassandra, database management, and related technologies.
Research Adyen: Familiarize yourself with Adyen's products, services, and company culture, and prepare for questions about your alignment with the company's values.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your Cassandra architecture, data modeling, and performance tuning skills, and prepare for technical deep dives, cultural fit interviews, and final interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Database Engineer (Cassandra)