Job Title: Application & Database System Specialist
Position Reports To: Head of Architecture & Technology
Job Location: Ottawa- Hybrid
Salary: $85,000 - $100,000 CAD
SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF Pilots and Aircrew as the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program. We are now building a new team to deliver the FAcT program.
The scope of the FAcT program includes all training and in-service support requirements needed to prepare Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators to meet the future aerospace requirements of the RCAF. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters in Kanata, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.
In collaboration with the Government of Canada and several major Canadian subcontractors, Team SkyAlyne will provide live-flying, simulator and classroom-based training, facilities construction and management, information management and information technology support, site support services, aircraft maintenance and much more.
SkyAlyne offers competitive compensation and benefits and believes strongly in a safe, diverse, equitable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly workplace.
The Application & Database System Specialist serves as a technical subject matter expert (SME) for application platforms and underlying database systems. This role is responsible for the installation, configuration, optimization, and Tier 3 support of business-critical systems, ensuring they operate securely, reliably and efficiently across all environments.
This role collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure operational performance and compliance requirements are met. This role also supports user enablement and continuous improvement through the development of documentation, training materials and best practice guidance that enhance system adoption and stability.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Administer, maintain, and support enterprise business applications and associated database platforms, including installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, automation, and decommission activities.
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Manage application and database environments across development, testing, staging, and production to ensure stability, performance, and availability.
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Perform database administration activities such as backup and recovery, performance tuning, capacity monitoring, indexing, and query optimization.
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Serve as the Tier 3 escalation point for complex application, integration, and database issues, diagnosing root causes, and implementing effective resolutions.
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Investigate and resolve performance degradation, data integrity issues, configuration errors, and system failures impacting application services.
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Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure systems operate as designed and align with approved technical standards.
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Provide operational support system integrations, APIs, and data flows between enterprise applications and databases.
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Ensure applications and databases are securely configured and operated in compliance with organizational policies, accreditation requirements, and Government of Canada standards.
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Participate in change management activities related to application and database updates, releases, and enhancements.
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Management activities related to application and database updates, releases, and enhancements.
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Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system configurations, operational procedures, runbooks, and troubleshooting guides.
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Create user-focused enablement of instructional documents and materials to support effective system use.
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Assist with audits, compliance reviews, and accreditation activities by providing technical input and evidence as required.
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Identify and recommend incremental improvements to application reliability, database performance, and operational processes.
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Provide clear technical guidance and explanations to internal teams and business users regarding application functionality and system behavior.
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Responsible for automation scripts and tooling using JavaScript and Python to support application operations, database maintenance, integrations, monitoring, and routine administrative tasks.
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Automate recurring operational activities such as deployments, configuration validation, data processing, environmental health checks, and reporting.
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Responsible for database queries, reports, and dashboards to support operational monitoring, performance analysis, audit readiness, and business reporting needs.
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Support data extraction, transformation, and reporting workflows across enterprise applications and database platforms.
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Improve operational efficiency and reliability by identifying opportunities to replace manual processes with scripted or automated solutions.
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Other duties as assigned.
At SkyAlyne, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the rich tapestry of our society. Diversity is not just a goal; it's our strength. We welcome candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and backgrounds to join us in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
We especially recognize the unique perspectives and contributions that women and Indigenous persons bring to the table, and we actively encourage individuals from these communities to apply for this position. Indigenous candidates are especially encouraged to send a copy of their application to [email protected].
