Senior, Database Engineer, Fixed Term - Toronto

We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients' problems, no matter where you are in the world. 

We're looking for a Senior Database Engineer experienced with MySQL to join a focused remediation program on a long-running production platform serving a global financial news and data client. Your work will center on the database infrastructure’s configuration, system settings, and operational data, hardening it against security vulnerabilities, supporting version upgrades, and ensuring it meets compliance requirements.

The ability to get up to speed quickly in an unfamiliar environment is critical. You'll be working with systems you didn't build, under a defined remediation plan, and expected to deliver with a high degree of autonomy.

• →Identify and remediate security vulnerabilities across the MySQL database layer
• →Perform database upgrades and apply compliance hardening measures
• →Strengthen database security controls across configuration, access, and operational data
• →Partner with application and platform teams to manage database dependencies during re-platforming
• →Support testing and validation to ensure changes are safe and stable in production
• →Document findings, risks, and remediation steps clearly for the wider engineering team

• 5+ years of hands-on database experience in production environments with a focus on MySQL.

• Proven experience with database security remediation — vulnerability assessment, hardening, and compliance controls

• Comfortable performing major database upgrades in live, operational systems with minimal disruption

• Ability to navigate unfamiliar database environments, trace issues, and resolve them methodically

• Solid understanding of database access controls, configuration security, and operational best practices

• Experience working alongside application teams on cross-cutting database dependencies

• Strong communicator — able to document risk clearly and flag issues before they escalate

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $65-70 hourly. Rate is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible. 

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s lived experience, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.

DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. 

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. 

DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture. 

Learn more about DEPT®

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. 

We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.

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