Senior DBA, Microsoft SQL Server

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colombia, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Design, install, configure, and manage Microsoft SQL Server instances (2019, 2025, Azure SQL Database) within intricate, multi-server Windows environments.

• Lead comprehensive application performance engineering: evaluate execution plans, pinpoint problematic queries, and collaborate with development teams to implement sustainable optimizations at both the code and schema level.

• Proactively track application and database performance utilizing Extended Events, DMVs, Wait Statistics analysis, and third-party tools; establish baselines and alert thresholds aligned with SLAs.

• Create, implement, and validate robust backup and recovery strategies; oversee RTO/RPO targets and confirm them through regular recovery exercises.

• Design and maintain HA/DR solutions such as Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping across production and disaster recovery environments.

• Manage database security: create role-based access controls, auditing frameworks, and encryption methods consistent with least-privilege principles and regulatory standards.

• Oversee capacity planning and storage forecasting; work with infrastructure teams to ensure database platforms scale proactively to meet demand.

• Lead database change governance: review and authorize schema migrations, deployment scripts, and ORM-generated queries prior to their production release.

• Propel automation of routine DBA tasks (index maintenance, integrity checks, job monitoring) using PowerShell and SQL Agent.

• Administer SQL Server patching and upgrades through a structured change management process, including pre- and post-upgrade validations.

• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior and mid-level DBAs; contribute to team knowledge base and runbook documentation.

• Act as the senior escalation contact during the on-call rotation, spearheading the response and post-incident analysis for Severity 1 database outages.

⛳️ Requirements

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

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

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

• Extensive expertise in application performance tuning, partnering with developers to address ORM anti-patterns, N+1 queries, lock contention, and blocking chains.

• Demonstrated experience in architecting and supporting Always On Availability Groups, Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC), and disaster recovery failover in enterprise settings.

• Strong understanding of Wait Statistics, Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), Extended Events, and Query Store for diagnosing performance issues.

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

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

• Proven capability to lead technical projects and mentor junior team members.

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

• **Preferred Qualifications**

• Microsoft certification: DP-300 (Azure Database Administrator Associate) or legacy MCSE Data Management & Analytics.

• Experience with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines in hybrid environments.

• Knowledge of APM tools such as Dynatrace, AppDynamics, or New Relic, with the ability to correlate application traces with database-level diagnostics.

• Proficient with database monitoring tools like Redgate SQL Monitor, SolarWinds DPA, SentryOne, or similar.

• PowerShell scripting for DBA automation, including familiarity with dbatools.

• Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) in data warehousing or reporting settings.

• Understanding of data governance and compliance frameworks, including GDPR, ISO 27001, or SOC 2.

• Exposure to DevOps CI/CD pipelines for database deployments using tools like Flyway, Liquibase, or Redgate Deployment Manager.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Flexible work hours and remote work options.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.