Senior SQL Server DBA

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

📋 Description

• Design, set up, configure, and oversee Microsoft SQL Server instances 2019, 2025, and Azure SQL Database within intricate, multi-server Windows environments.

• Spearhead comprehensive application performance engineering by scrutinizing execution plans, pinpointing problematic queries, and applying code- and schema-level enhancements in collaboration with development teams.

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

• Establish performance benchmarks and SLA-aligned alerting thresholds.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate backup and recovery strategies; take ownership of RTO/RPO targets and validate them through recovery drills.

• Design and sustain HA/DR solutions, including Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping across production and disaster recovery environments.

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

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

• Direct database change governance by assessing and approving schema migrations, deployment scripts, and ORM-generated queries.

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

• Manage SQL Server patching and upgrades through structured change management, including pre- and post-upgrade validation.

• Mentor junior and mid-level DBAs and contribute to knowledge-base and runbook documentation.

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

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of hands-on 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 T-SQL expertise: query optimization, execution plan analysis, index design, partitioning, and performance troubleshooting.

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

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

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

• 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 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 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 platforms is desirable.

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

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

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

• Exposure to DevOps CI/CD database deployment pipelines using Flyway, Liquibase, or Redgate Deployment Manager is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Full-time employment.

• Remote work arrangement.