Database Engineer
The Database Specialist - Mining Operations is responsible for managing all databases that support real-time mining production systems. This role ensures high availability, integrity, and performance of databases used in mine planning, geology, fleet management, processing plant operations, and safety systems. The specialist works closely with operational teams to ensure that production-critical data is captured, validated, and available for decision-making across the mining value chain.
Core Responsibilities (Mining Operations Only)
1. Mining Production Systems Database Management
Maintain and optimize databases supporting mining systems such as:
Fleet Management Systems (FMS) - e.g., Modular / CAT MineStar / WENCO
Mine Planning Systems - e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Datamine
Process Plant Control & Production Systems
SCADA / PLC / Historian (OSIsoft PI, Aveva, Rockwell)
Geology & Exploration Databases - e.g., acQuire, Geobank
Pit/Ramp/Equipment Production Dashboards
2. OT Data Capture & Real-time Processing
Manage data pipelines that collect:
Equipment telemetry (load, haul, cycle times, KPIs)
Drill/blast data
Geotechnical and hydrological monitoring
Process plant instrumentation data
Environmental and safety monitoring data
Ensure low-latency database performance to support real-time operations.
3. Data Quality & Production Reporting
Maintain accuracy and completeness of operational data (daily, shift, monthly).
Validate data used for:
Daily pit production
Processing plant throughput and recovery
Ore tracking & reconciliation
Equipment availability & utilization
Safety KPIs and compliance reports
Work with dispatch engineers, metallurgists, geologists, and mine supervisors to ensure data reliability.
4. Database Performance Optimization
Tune mining operations databases for high performance during peak production hours.
Optimize SQL queries for reporting and real-time dashboards.
Implement indexing, partitioning, and resource optimization specific to high-volume OT systems.
5. Reliability, Backup & Recovery (Production Critical)
Implement robust backup strategies for mission-critical operational databases.
Configure disaster recovery for mine production data.
Maintain data redundancy for underground and remote site connectivity challenges.
Ensure databases can recover quickly after operational interruptions.
6. OT & Mining System Integrations
Integrate databases with mining operational systems, such as:
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Fleet management ↔ Dispatch dashboards
SCADA ↔ Process historian
Geology ↔ Mine planning models
Plant laboratory systems ↔ Recovery models
Support APIs, ETL pipelines, and OPC/Telemetry gateways.
7. Production Improvement & Optimization
Enable operational analytics such as:
Equipment performance benchmarking
Ore tracking and reconciliation
Production forecasting
Real-time dashboards for supervisors & mine control
Identify data-driven improvement opportunities in mining operations.
Qualifications (Mining-focused)
Education
Degree in Mining Engineering, Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field.
Experience
3-7 years working with mining operational systems and production databases.
Hands-on experience with:
FMS data structures
Geological databases
Plant historian databases
SCADA/OT systems
Experience in open-pit, underground, or processing plant operations preferred.
Technical Skills
Strong SQL (T-SQL, PL/SQL, PostgreSQL, etc.)
Experience with historian databases (PI, Aveva, Wonderware).
Familiarity with mining data structures (shifts → cycles → KPIs → production).
Experience with ETL for mining operational data.
Strong understanding of mining workflows: drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, processing.
Soft Skills
Ability to work closely with mine supervisors, dispatch, geology, and plant operations.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
Able to perform under operational pressure and tight production schedules.
Working Conditions
Mine-site-based or rotation as required.
Must adhere to HSE standards and operational safety protocols.
Work may involve extended hours during equipment or system failures, production demands, or month-end reconciliation.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- HSA
- Short-Term Disability
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- On-site/Nearby Childcare
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Sabbatical
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- Relocation Assistance
Professional Development
- Learning and Development Stipend
Diversity and Inclusion
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)