Principal Database Administrator

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Act as the technical leader for the DBA team regarding SQL Server operations, ensuring high availability, disaster recovery, and replication architecture across the Sierra platform.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for intricate or high-severity SQL Server incidents, guiding root-cause analysis and resolution efforts.

• Make independent architectural judgments and proactively identify systemic risks.

• Design, configure, and manage SQL Server Always On Availability Groups and Distributed Availability Groups for the Sierra tenant fleet.

• Oversee the lifecycle management of transactional replication and Change Data Capture during client upgrades and go-live events.

• Act as the direct technical liaison with client-side DBA and IT teams, facilitating data integration, migration, and cutover activities.

• Monitor and optimize database performance across a multi-tenant environment.

• Ensure the security, integrity, stability, and availability of databases.

• Develop and maintain PowerShell and Ansible automation for database maintenance tasks.

• Create and maintain documentation, standards, and procedures at the architecture level.

• Collaborate on service delivery within a global operations team.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA (2016 or later versions), with proven ownership at a principal or lead level.

• Extensive expertise in SQL Server Always On Availability Groups and Distributed Availability Groups, including design, configuration, and troubleshooting.

• Strong skills in database design and administration.

• Proficient in T-SQL, SSMS, and SQL Server Agent.

• Demonstrated experience in disaster recovery and backup architecture, ensuring recovery-chain integrity across full/differential/log backup strategies.

• Advanced experience in database troubleshooting, tuning, and performance triage.

• Familiarity with transactional replication and Change Data Capture (CDC).

• Experience with MSSQL on cloud platforms, preferably AWS and Azure.

• Proficient in utilizing PowerShell and ideally Ansible for DBA automation on a large scale.

• Comprehensive understanding of version control systems (e.g., git) for managing operational scripts.

• Proven ability to mentor and enhance the skills of fellow engineers.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including technical engagement with clients and firms.

• Capability to clearly convey technical information to audiences with varying levels of understanding.

• Ability to manage multiple deliverables with effective prioritization and responsiveness in a dynamic environment.

• Experience with SQL Server Reporting Services is a plus.

• Experience with SQL Server Integration Services is a plus.

• Familiarity with Agile Software Development, including Scrum, is a plus.

• Microsoft Certifications (SQL, DBA, etc.) are an advantage.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunity for remote work.

• Personal growth opportunities.

• A culture focused on collaboration and innovation.