Senior Database Engineer

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Senior Database Engineer
• Company: Irembo Ltd
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda
• Job Type: Hybrid
• Category: Database Administration
• Date Posted: 2024-10-14

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the data team and manage database infrastructure for Irembo's e-governance and payment platforms.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of databases, with a focus on PostgreSQL.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement data management strategies.
• Troubleshoot and optimize database performance, and plan for future capacity requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior team members.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Database Management:

  • Continuously develop and implement data management strategies.
  • Create rules and procedures for data sharing and access control.
  • Oversee staff members in the daily use of data systems and ensure adherence to legal and company regulations.
  • Monitor and evaluate information and data systems that could affect analytical results.
  • Assess system performance and make recommendations for software, hardware, and data storage improvements.
  • Build, test, deploy, and manage data platforms, including databases, ETL, data warehouses, storage, monitoring, etc.
  • Manage data flow from applications to operational databases to reporting databases and data warehouses with automated periodic archival.

• Technical Process Lead:

  • Lead the data team and be responsible for their task formulation and execution.
  • Daily database performance monitoring, optimization, and tuning to ensure maximum availability and high performance.
  • Perform proactive database maintenance, upgrades, monitoring, indexing, backup, and recovery activities.
  • Ensure there is a tested BCP and DRP for all company data platforms.
  • Strengthen the security of the company's data platforms and ensure they conform to audit best practices.
  • Manage and plan for the growth of Irembo databases.
  • Be hands-on in maintaining site availability for all databases.
  • Experience with ETL tools and processes is required.
  • Recruit, nurture, and develop data team juniors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in IT is required. Additional specialized training or certification in database and data management would be an asset.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in SQL/No SQL/ETL processes is required, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in PostgreSQL and MongoDB, including in-memory engines Redis and Elasticsearch.
• Experience with database procedural languages such as PL/pgSQL.
• Experience with system architecture and database audits.
• Analytical capability with good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to explain complex problems in non-technical terms.
• Ability to adapt to a new or changing environment, eager to learn from mistakes, and always share hard-won lessons.
• Experience and comfort working with open-source database tools.
• Experience with versioning tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with programming and organizing software engineering projects using Python or Java, with Python preferred.
• Experience with ETL tools and processes (e.g., MapReduce, Hive, Pig, Apache Nifi, Apache Spark/Spark Streaming, Apache Pinot, KSQL, Druid) or any other relevant ETL tool.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate your experience in database management, optimization, and security.
  • Showcase your ability to lead a team and manage projects.
  • Highlight your experience with PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and other relevant database technologies.
  • Include examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've optimized database performance.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide detailed documentation of your database management processes, including backup and recovery strategies.
  • Include any relevant case studies or success stories that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize databases.
  • Showcase your understanding of data security best practices and how you've implemented them in your projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Employee Savings Plan: A voluntary saving scheme plan where the company matches your savings up to 5% of your net salary.
• Mental Health Support: Access to mental health support and therapy sessions with licensed therapists through a renowned mental wellness platform.
• Medical Insurance: Medical cover for you and your family that includes access to dental care, ophthalmology services, maternity, chronic diseases, congenital malformation, and more, in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and India. Note that, as required by the law, a 10% co-pay is required from the employee on outpatient services only.
• Learning and Development (L&D): We encourage self-driven professionals who want to learn and grow their knowledge and experience. A budget is allocated to you to access your professional development opportunities.
• Other Benefits:
  • Breakfast, lunch, and beverages (tea, coffee) at work.
  • Annual fitness membership at pre-selected good-quality facilities across Kigali.
  • Interest-free salary advances.
  • Annual paid leave - 21 days.
  • Annual performance bonus based on performance and company profitability.
  • 13th cheque equal to your net salary paid in December based on the joining date.
  • Hybrid work policy and flexible hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

• Industry: Technology
• Company Size: Medium (51-250 employees)
• Founded: 2013
• Team Structure: The data team is responsible for managing and optimizing Irembo's databases. The team works closely with cross-functional teams, including software development, product, and design.
• Development Methodology: Agile methodologies are used for software development, with a focus on continuous integration and deployment.

Company Website: irembo.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's culture values innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on user experience. The company encourages continuous learning and growth, with a budget allocated for professional development opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Database Engineer - Leads the data team and manages database infrastructure for Irembo's e-governance and payment platforms. Responsible for high availability, performance, and security of databases, with a focus on PostgreSQL.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and works closely with cross-functional teams, including software development, product, and design.

Technical Impact: Leads the data team and manages database infrastructure for Irembo's e-governance and payment platforms, ensuring high availability, performance, and security of databases, with a focus on PostgreSQL.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Growth: Deepen your expertise in PostgreSQL and other relevant database technologies. Explore opportunities to specialize in specific areas, such as data warehousing, big data, or cloud migrations.
• Leadership Growth: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and taking on more complex projects. Prepare for potential promotions to a Data Architect or Database Manager role.
• Company Growth: As Irembo expands its technology offerings and enters new markets, there will be opportunities to take on more responsibility and grow with the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's focus on innovation and continuous learning provides ample opportunities for technical and leadership growth. As the company expands, there will be opportunities to take on more responsibility and grow with the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid - A combination of on-site and remote work, with a focus on collaboration and flexibility.

Office Location(s): Nyarutarama, Kigali, Rwanda

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid work environment encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Work Tools: Irembo provides the necessary tools and resources for team members to work effectively, both on-site and remotely.
• Flexibility: The hybrid work policy allows for flexible working hours and a healthy work-life balance.

Work Schedule: Flexible hours with a focus on productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's hybrid work environment balances collaboration and flexibility, allowing team members to work effectively both on-site and remotely. The company's focus on work-life balance ensures that employees have the time and resources they need to succeed both personally and professionally.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screening: A brief call to discuss your qualifications and experience.
2. Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your database management and optimization skills.
3. On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview to discuss your career goals, technical skills, and cultural fit.
4. Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with Irembo's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your experience in database management, optimization, and security.
• Include examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've optimized database performance.
• Showcase your ability to lead a team and manage projects.
• Include any relevant case studies or success stories that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize databases.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your database management and optimization skills, with a focus on PostgreSQL.
• Review your experience with ETL tools and processes, and be prepared to discuss any relevant projects.
• Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

ATS Keywords: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Database Management, ETL Tools, Data Security, Performance Optimization, Team Leadership, Problem Solving, Communication, System Architecture, Database Audits, Python, Java, Open-Source Database Tools, Versioning Tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's interview process focuses on assessing your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit. By preparing for each stage and highlighting your relevant experience, you'll increase your chances of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Database Technologies:

• Primary Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• In-memory Databases: Redis, Elasticsearch
• Data Warehouse: Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery
• Cloud Databases: Amazon RDS, Google Cloud SQL

ETL Tools & Processes:

• Apache Nifi, Apache Spark/Spark Streaming, Apache Pinot, KSQL, Druid
• MapReduce, Hive, Pig

Versioning Tools:

• Git, SVN, Mercurial

Monitoring Tools:

• Prometheus, Grafana, New Relic, Datadog

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's technology stack includes a range of database technologies, ETL tools, and monitoring tools. Familiarity with these tools and processes will be essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Database Team Values:

• Expertise: Demonstrate a deep understanding of database management, optimization, and security.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to design and implement data management strategies.
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve complex database issues to ensure high availability and performance.
• Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest database technologies and best practices.
• User Focus: Understand the impact of your work on Irembo's users and strive to improve their experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with software development, product, and design teams to ensure data-driven decision-making.
• Code Review Culture: Collaborate with team members to review and improve database management processes and best practices.
• Knowledge Sharing: Share your expertise and learn from others to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's database team values expertise, collaboration, and a strong focus on problem-solving. The team's culture encourages continuous learning and knowledge sharing, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Database Performance: Optimize database performance to ensure high availability and scalability.
• Data Security: Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
• Data Growth: Plan for and manage data growth to ensure optimal performance and scalability.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging database technologies and consider their integration into Irembo's infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skills: Deepen your expertise in PostgreSQL and other relevant database technologies.
• Leadership Skills: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and taking on more complex projects.
• Emerging Technologies: Explore opportunities to specialize in specific areas, such as data warehousing, big data, or cloud migrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's technical challenges and learning opportunities provide ample scope for growth and development. By embracing these challenges and pursuing continuous learning, you'll be well-positioned to succeed in this role and advance your career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Database Management: Describe your experience with database management, optimization, and security. Provide specific examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've optimized database performance.
• ETL Tools & Processes: Discuss your experience with ETL tools and processes, and how you've used them to manage and optimize databases.
• Leadership & Teamwork: Explain your experience leading a team and managing projects. Describe how you've fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Mission: Explain why you're interested in Irembo's mission and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
• Company Culture: Describe what aspects of Irembo's culture appeal to you and how you can contribute to the team's success.
• Technical Challenges: Discuss how you've overcome technical challenges in previous roles and how you'd approach similar challenges at Irembo.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Database Management: Highlight your experience in database management, optimization, and security. Include specific examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've optimized database performance.
• Leadership & Teamwork: Showcase your ability to lead a team and manage projects. Include any relevant case studies or success stories that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize databases.
• Company Fit: Tailor your portfolio to Irembo's mission and values, and explain how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irembo's interview process focuses on assessing your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit. By preparing for each stage and highlighting your relevant experience, you'll increase your chances of success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Database Engineer position:

1. Customize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience in database management, optimization, and security. Include any relevant projects or case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
2. Tailor Your Cover Letter: Explain why you're interested in Irembo's mission and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals. Describe what aspects of Irembo's culture appeal to you and how you can contribute to the team's success.
3. Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your database management and optimization skills, with a focus on PostgreSQL. Review your experience with ETL tools and processes, and be prepared to discuss any relevant projects.
4. Prepare for On-site Interview: Research Irembo's mission, values, and culture. Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Tailor your portfolio to Irembo's mission and values, and explain how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.

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