Senior DBA – Microsoft SQL Server

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

📋 Description

• Design, install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances within complex, multi-server Windows environments.

• Oversee the complete application performance engineering process by analyzing execution plans, pinpointing problematic queries, and executing code- and schema-level enhancements.

• Track application and database performance utilizing Extended Events, DMVs, Wait Statistics analysis, and third-party tools.

• Establish performance baselines and set SLA-aligned alerting thresholds.

• Create, implement, and test backup and recovery strategies; be responsible for RTO/RPO targets and validate them through recovery drills.

• Design and manage HA/DR solutions, including Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping.

• Oversee database security by implementing role-based access controls, auditing frameworks, and encryption strategies.

• Manage capacity planning and storage forecasting.

• Review and endorse schema migrations, deployment scripts, and ORM-generated queries prior to production.

• Automate routine DBA tasks using PowerShell and SQL Agent.

• Handle SQL Server patching and upgrades following formal change management procedures, including pre- and post-upgrade validations.

• Mentor junior and mid-level DBAs and assist in developing knowledge-base and runbook documentation.

• Act as a senior escalation point during the on-call rotation for Severity 1 database outages.

• Lead incident response efforts and conduct post-incident reviews.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of practical SQL Server DBA experience in large-scale, mission-critical production settings.

• Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2019 / 2025 running on Windows Server 2019 / 2022.

• Advanced T-SQL capabilities, including query optimization, execution plan analysis, index design, partitioning, and performance troubleshooting.

• Extensive expertise in application performance tuning, covering ORM anti-patterns, N+1 queries, lock contention, and blocking chains.

• Proven experience designing and supporting Always On Availability Groups, WSFC, and DR failover in enterprise environments.

• Strong understanding of Wait Statistics, DMVs, Extended Events, and Query Store.

• Experience with point-in-time database restores, high-availability failover, disaster recovery planning, and practical recovery testing.

• Proficiency in Windows Server administration and Active Directory / Kerberos authentication for SQL Server.

• Ability to lead technical projects and guide junior team members.

• Familiarity with ITIL change, incident, and problem management processes.

• Microsoft certification DP-300 or the legacy MCSE Data Management & Analytics is preferred.

• Familiarity with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure VMs in hybrid configurations is advantageous.

• Experience with APM tools such as Dynatrace, AppDynamics, or New Relic is a plus.

• Proficiency with Redgate SQL Monitor, SolarWinds DPA, SentryOne, or similar database monitoring platforms is favorable.

• Skills in PowerShell scripting for DBA automation, including dbatools, are advantageous.

• Experience with SSIS is an asset.

• Knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, or SOC 2 is a plus.

• Familiarity with DevOps CI/CD database deployment pipelines is advantageous.

🏝️ Benefits

• No recruitment or selection fees.

• No payment or financial information is required in exchange for a job offer.