Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server)

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator (SQL DBA) to manage, maintain, optimize, and secure mission-critical SQL Server database environments across on-premises and cloud platforms. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring high availability, performance, scalability, security, and reliability of enterprise database systems while supporting business-critical applications.

Responsibilities

Database Administration

• Thorough knowledge in Install, configure, upgrade, patch, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments.
• Experience in configuring and maintaining SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI), Log Shipping, Replication, and Database Mirroring.
• Hands-on on database refreshes, migrations, and upgrades with minimal downtime.

Backup, Recovery & Disaster Recovery

• Design and implement backup and recovery strategies using native SQL Server tools and enterprise backup solutions.
• Support business continuity planning and database resilience initiatives.

Performance Tuning & Optimization

• Analyze and optimize database performance through indexing, query tuning, execution plan analysis, and resource management.
• Perform capacity planning and recommend infrastructure improvements.

Cloud & Automation

• Manage SQL Server databases hosted on:
• Azure SQL Database
• Azure SQL Managed Instance
• SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
• AWS RDS for SQL Server
• Automate DBA tasks using PowerShell, T-SQL, Azure Automation, and scripting tools.
• Support Infrastructure-as-Code and DevOps initiatives where applicable.
• Participate in database deployment automation and CI/CD integration.

Security & Compliance

• Implement database security best practices, including role-based access control (RBAC).
• Manage encryption technologies such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always Encrypted, and TLS/SSL.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and apply security patches.
• Support compliance requirements, auditing, and data governance initiatives.

Monitoring & Operational Support

• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, cloud, and security teams to resolve incidents.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation and standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or equivalent work experience
• Over 10 years of Database Administration
• Cloud Computing / Distributed Systems
• Certifications in Microsoft SQL Server Database Administration
• AWS/Azure/GCP certifications

Required Skills

• 10+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Strong expertise with SQL Server 2016/2019/2022.
• Experience with:
• Always On Availability Groups
• Failover Clustering
• Replication
• Log Shipping
• Database Mirroring
• Strong knowledge of:
• T-SQL
• Query tuning
• Execution plan analysis
• Index optimization
• Performance troubleshooting
• Hands-on experience with backup and recovery strategies.
• Experience managing SQL Server in Azure and/or AWS cloud environments.
• Knowledge of Windows Server administration and PowerShell scripting.
• Experience with database migrations, upgrades, and consolidation projects.
• Familiarity with monitoring tools such as:
• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• SQL Server Profiler
• SolarWinds DPA
• Azure Monitor