Within a Belgian federal public-safety organisation, the Systems Division is modernising the platforms that support operational services and data-driven work. This senior PostgreSQL database administrator and engineer role focuses on secure, reliable PostgreSQL database administration, while also contributing to Python backend programming, REST APIs, and delivery automation in a multidisciplinary team working in Brussels, Belgium.
The mission
The organisation is strengthening its digital foundations while modernising existing systems used to support services in the field. PostgreSQL environments must remain secure, available, and performant, with controlled backup and recovery procedures, monitoring, and performance tuning. The technical landscape includes Linux servers, Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift, with Ansible used for automation and the Elastic Stack available for monitoring and logging. The delivery approach is Agile and uses GitLab CI/CD to make technical changes repeatable and traceable.
You will take ownership of PostgreSQL database administration and engineering across the project lifecycle. Your scope includes database schema design, data synchronisation mechanisms, Python backend development, and integration between REST APIs and PostgreSQL. You will also support development teams with tailored database solutions, contribute to microservices-based implementations where relevant, and document technical decisions so that configurations and operating procedures remain transferable.
Your responsibilities
- Design and maintain secure PostgreSQL database structures that support operational applications and data-driven services.
- Improve database reliability through backup and recovery procedures, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
- Develop data synchronisation mechanisms and integrate PostgreSQL with Python backend services and REST APIs.
- Establish and manage GitLab CI/CD pipelines that automate testing, delivery, and deployment activities.
- Support containerised and orchestrated environments using Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Ansible, and Linux administration practices.
- Document analyses, configurations, database designs, and technical decisions, while coordinating solutions with developers, specialists, and user representatives.
Your profile
Essential skills
- Bring at least 5 years of relevant experience in PostgreSQL database administration, including deep practical knowledge of database design, backup and recovery, monitoring, and performance tuning.
- Develop Python backend programming solutions, including REST APIs and reliable integration with PostgreSQL databases.
- Operate and troubleshoot Linux servers and work effectively with Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, and Ansible.
- Apply monitoring and logging practices with the Elastic Stack, and understand when NoSQL technologies such as key-value, document, and vector databases are appropriate.
- Work within Agile delivery practices and manage CI/CD pipelines in GitLab.
- Analyse issues methodically, work autonomously, propose practical solutions, and document technical work clearly.
- Communicate effectively with technical specialists and user representatives, and contribute constructively within a multidisciplinary team.