Senior DBA – Microsoft Windows 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 intricate, multi-server Windows environments.

• Oversee the complete application performance engineering process by evaluating execution plans, pinpointing problematic queries, and implementing optimizations at both code and schema levels.

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

• Set performance benchmarks and establish alerting thresholds aligned with SLA requirements.

• Create, implement, and validate backup and recovery strategies; take ownership of RTO/RPO targets and conduct recovery drills.

• Design and uphold HA/DR solutions, encompassing Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping.

• Manage database security through role-based access controls, auditing frameworks, and encryption methodologies.

• Take charge of capacity planning and storage forecasting.

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

• Automate routine DBA tasks utilizing PowerShell and SQL Agent.

• Oversee SQL Server patching and upgrades using formal change management processes, including pre- and post-upgrade validations.

• Mentor junior and mid-level DBAs while contributing to the knowledge base and runbook documentation.

• Act as a senior escalation point in the on-call rotation for critical Severity 1 database outages, leading response efforts and post-incident evaluations.

• Collaborate with application development teams, infrastructure architects, and business stakeholders to ensure availability, security, and optimal application performance.

⛳️ 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 on Windows Server 2019 / 2022.

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

• In-depth knowledge of application performance tuning, including addressing ORM anti-patterns, N+1 queries, lock contention, and blocking chains.

• Proven track record in architecting and supporting Always On Availability Groups, WSFC, and DR failover within enterprise environments.

• Strong understanding of Wait Statistics, DMVs, Extended Events, and Query Store for root cause performance analysis.

• Substantial experience with point-in-time database restores, high-availability failover, disaster recovery planning, and hands-on recovery testing.

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

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

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

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

• Experience with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure VMs in hybrid configurations is a plus.

• Exposure to APM tools such as Dynatrace, AppDynamics, or New Relic is advantageous.

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

• PowerShell scripting for DBA automation, including dbatools, is a plus.

• Experience with SSIS in a data warehousing or reporting capacity is beneficial.

• Knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, or SOC 2 compliance is advantageous.

• Familiarity with DevOps CI/CD pipelines involving database deployments is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• No specific benefits, perks, or compensation extras stated.