DevOps Engineer

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

With a promote-from-within philosophy and a variety of programs available to support continuous learning, Sims offers the opportunity for a rewarding career. We are committed to the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources and strive to operate in a manner that minimizes waste and protects the environment.

Purpose of Role

A Senior DevOps Engineer is a self-motivated technical expert specializing in Azure DevOps and cloud infrastructure automation. This individual will design, implement, and maintain robust, scalable, and secure DevOps pipelines using YAML, Bicep, and related Azure technologies. A strong background in cloud architecture, infrastructure as code, documentation, and SQL migration is required. The ideal candidate will drive consistency and reusability in deployment processes, minimize application downtime during migrations, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.

Principal Accountabilities

• Design, develop, and implement cloud solutions on the Azure platform, with an emphasis on DevOps automation and infrastructure as code.
• Help architect, maintain, and monitor Azure environments, including Virtual Networks, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and related components.
• Set up and manage robust monitoring and alerting systems for all Azure resources and applications deployed to Azure, ensuring rapid detection and response to issues affecting performance, reliability, and security.
• Author, document, and optimize Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines using YAML, ensuring clear, comprehensive records for ongoing support and knowledge sharing.
• Develop reusable, variable-driven Bicep templates to ensure deployment consistency and eliminate repetitive configurations.
• Lead migrations from on-premises MS SQL to Azure SQL environments, leveraging log shipping and other strategies to enable near-zero application downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and design solutions aligning with business objectives.
• Implement DevOps best practices, including continuous integration, continuous deployment, and automated testing.
• Participate in code reviews, troubleshooting, and debugging activities related to both infrastructure and deployment pipelines.
• Stay current with emerging Azure services, DevOps practices, infrastructure automation tools, and SQL migration strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful implementation of Azure cloud solutions and DevOps automation using YAML and Bicep.
• High reliability, scalability, and security of Azure infrastructure and DevOps pipelines.
• Consistent documentation for all solutions and templates; clear audit trails and knowledge sharing.
• Minimized application downtime during SQL migrations from on-premises to Azure.
• Effective collaboration and successful delivery of requirements-driven solutions.
• Continuous improvement in pipeline reusability and deployment consistency.

Key Relationships

• Internal – commercial, service delivery, operations, and technology teams
• External – external technology vendors, application software providers, and project consultants

Experience & Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience as an Azure DevOps Engineer, with strong knowledge of Azure services, infrastructure as code, and cloud solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines, with expertise in YAML syntax and pipeline automation.
• Expertise in Bicep templates, particularly building variable-driven, reusable deployments for consistency and efficiency.
• Deep familiarity with Azure Virtual Networks and cloud networking.
• Experience with documenting DevOps processes, infrastructure, and deployments for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Hands-on experience migrating MS SQL databases from on-premises to Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance, using strategies such as log shipping to minimize downtime.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices, including CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and automated testing.
• Understanding of Agile methodologies and software development lifecycle.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Skills and Competencies 

• Ability to coach and mentor Software Engineers and DevOps/IT Engineers to drive quality and adoption of best practices.
• Effective presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capacity to document and share project status, blockers, progress, and outstanding work.
• Ability to develop and execute detailed plans, engaging the right people and roles at the appropriate time.
• Prioritization of product backlog and ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to handle multiple priorities and tasks.
• Initiative and drive to lead change, support continuous improvement, and maintain high standards.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At Sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.