Introduction
Overview.
With 14 years of experience as a Database Engineer, I specialize in crafting efficient, scalable, and secure database solutions. From performance optimization to high-availability architecture, I help businesses turn data challenges into opportunities for growth.
Automation and Scripting
SQL Performance Tuning
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Data Management
What I have done so far
Work Experience.
Database Specialist (Engineering)
Absa
- DBE in the Enablement and Shared Service team, responsible for the delivery of DevOps capabilities.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams including product managers, and other developers to create high-quality products.
- Developing observability dashboards in Grafana, leveraging Prometheus for seamless monitoring and performance tracking across the database estate.
- Participating in code reviews and providing constructive feedback to other developers.
Senior Database Engineer
Capitec
- Deploying and configuring SQL Server instances on both AWS EC2 and VMware virtual environments..
- Optimizing, and managing both on-premises and cloud-based SQL Server and AWS RDS databases..
- Automating database deployments and configurations through scripts and infrastructure-as-code tools.
- Leveraging AWS services for data migration and schema conversion to handle large volume databases.
Data Analyst
Hortgro
- Processed and updated weekly market data for South Africa and competing countries, analyzing trends using tools such as Excel, SQL, and Python to provide actionable insights
- Administered and optimized databases, ensuring data integrity and efficient processing of large datasets, leveraging tools like SQL Server, Tableau, and Power BI for data visualization and reporting.
- Prepared and presented detailed reports and presentations for internal and external meetings, utilizing data analysis tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau to create visually appealing and insightful presentation.
- Participating in code reviews and providing constructive feedback to other developers.
My work
Projects.
The following projects highlight my skills and expertise through real-world examples completed at my employers. They showcase my ability to tackle complex challenges, work with diverse technologies, and manage projects effectively.
SQL PDW Sunset
I assisted in migrating Capitec’s SQL Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) to Azure Synapse Analytics using Azure Data Factory (ADF). The migration ensured minimal downtime, optimized performance, and modernized the database infrastructure for enhanced scalability and reliability.
#SQL
#APS
#AzureSynapse
Observability Solution
Built a Grafana dashboard integrated with Prometheus to monitor database performance accross the estate, providing real-time insights into key metrics and enabling proactive issue resolution.
#Grafana
#Prometheus
#SqlExporter
Data Archiving Solution
Designed and implemented a data archiving solutio, migrating historical data from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Blob Storage while ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
#SQL
#BLOB
#Polybase
What others say
Testimonials.
"
As CEO of our household, I can confirm Deano solves complex problems at work – but when it comes to home decisions, I’m the one in charge!
@ Judith Diergaardt
CEO/Wife of Diergaardt Household
"
Deano's been solving complex problems since he was a kid—like figuring out how to avoid doing his chores. Now he's a Database Engineer, and I still wonder if he's managing data or just avoiding work!.
@ Mike Diergaardt
Father of Deano
"
Daddy fixes computers all day, but the real magic happens when he makes my snack appear!
@ Sage Diergaardt
Son of Deano
Get in touch