AISB-679 Database Administrator (MySQL)

Your Responsibilities

MySQL Administration & Operations

• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade MySQL instances (standalone and/or clustered).
• Perform routine maintenance: schema housekeeping, index maintenance, statistics updates, and data retention support.
• Manage users, roles, privileges, and authentication following least-privilege principles.
• Monitor storage growth and perform capacity forecasting (disk usage, table growth trends).
• Ensure environment consistency across DEV / UAT / PROD where applicable.

Performance & Optimization

• Analyze and optimize performance using MySQL tools and logs (slow query log, performance_schema, EXPLAIN / EXPLAIN ANALYZE).
• Define indexing strategies and implement approved indexes and changes.
• Tune MySQL/InnoDB parameters (buffer pool, redo logs, flush behavior, connection and thread settings, temporary tables, etc.).
• Identify and resolve lock contention, deadlocks, replication delays, and inefficient access patterns.

Availability, Backup & Disaster Recovery

• Design and operate backup strategies (logical and physical backups, binlog retention, encryption where required).
• Execute and document regular restore tests to validate RPO/RTO objectives.
• Support replication setups and disaster recovery procedures.

Security & Compliance

• Apply MySQL hardening standards (secure configurations, TLS in transit, encryption at rest, restricted remote access).
• Manage patching and upgrades, including risk and impact assessment and change planning.
• Support audit and compliance requirements (access reviews, evidence collection, logging, and retention).

Monitoring, Incident & Problem Management

• Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting solutions (PMM, Prometheus, Grafana, or equivalent).
• Define alert thresholds and reduce alert noise with actionable alerts and escalation paths.
• Provide incident triage and resolution within agreed service hours and severity targets.
• Conduct root cause analysis for major incidents and deliver corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain up-to-date operational documentation (backup/restore, failover, replication fixes, performance issues).

Required Profile

Technical Skills

• Strong administration skills in MySQL (preferably version 8.0+).
• Solid knowledge of SQL optimization, indexing, and query execution plans.
• Expert knowledge of backup and restore solutions (mysqldump, mysqlpump, Percona XtraBackup, point-in-time recovery).
• Good Linux fundamentals related to database performance (system resources, I/O, file systems, networking).
• Strong understanding of security best practices (TLS, privilege management, auditing, secure configuration).
• Knowledge of at least one additional database technology (PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, etc.).
• Automation / SRE mindset with scripting skills (Bash, Python, or Perl).

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on MySQL DBA experience in production environments.
• Proven experience supporting business-critical systems with defined SLAs.
• Strong track record in performance troubleshooting and incident handling.

Assignment Conditions

• Working mode: 100% on-site
• Equivalent level: NATO IWC Grade
• Required security clearance: NATO Secret

Why Join This Assignment?

You will work in a high-stakes, technically demanding environment, contributing to the stability and performance of critical systems. This assignment offers an excellent opportunity to leverage your MySQL expertise in a structured, international context.