Senior SQL Server DBA

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

📋 Description

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

• Drive application performance engineering by scrutinizing execution plans, pinpointing troublesome queries, and collaborating with development teams to apply code- and schema-level enhancements.

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

• Set performance benchmarks and establish alerting thresholds aligned with SLAs.

• Develop, implement, and validate backup and recovery strategies; take ownership of RTO/RPO objectives and conduct recovery simulations.

• Design and maintain HA/DR solutions such as Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping.

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

• Lead capacity planning and storage forecasting efforts in collaboration with infrastructure teams.

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

• Automate routine DBA tasks like index maintenance, integrity checks, and job monitoring using PowerShell and SQL Agent.

• Supervise SQL Server patching and upgrades via formal change management processes, including pre- and post-upgrade validation.

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

• Act as a senior escalation point during the on-call rotation for Severity 1 database outages, spearheading response efforts and conducting post-incident reviews.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of direct 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 capabilities including query optimization, execution plan analysis, index design, partitioning, and performance troubleshooting.

• Extensive expertise in application performance tuning, encompassing 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.

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

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

• Demonstrated capability to lead technical projects and mentor 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.

• Experience with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure VMs in hybrid configurations is an advantage.

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

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

• PowerShell scripting for DBA automation, including experience with dbatools, is advantageous.

• Experience with SSIS is a plus.

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

• Familiarity with DevOps CI/CD pipelines as they relate to database deployments is desirable.

🏝️ Benefits

• Full-time employment.

• Remote work arrangement.