Senior SQL Server DBA

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

📋 Description

• Design, install, configure, and oversee Microsoft SQL Server instances (2019, 2025, Azure SQL Database) in sophisticated, multi-server Windows settings.

• Spearhead comprehensive application performance engineering: assess execution plans, pinpoint problematic queries, and collaborate with development teams to implement sustainable optimizations at both code and schema levels.

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

• Create, execute, and validate robust backup and recovery strategies; take ownership of RTO/RPO targets and confirm them through regular recovery exercises.

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

• Oversee database security: devise role-based access controls, auditing frameworks, and encryption strategies adhering to least-privilege and regulatory standards.

• Manage capacity planning and storage forecasting; partner with infrastructure teams to ensure database platforms scale in anticipation of demand.

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

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

• Administer SQL Server patching and upgrades through a formal change management process, incorporating pre- and post-upgrade validation.

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

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

⛳️ Requirements

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

• Extensive expertise in application performance tuning: working with developers to address 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 scenarios.

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

• Solid background in point-in-time database restores, High-Availability failover, disaster recovery planning, and hands-on recovery testing.

• Experience 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 processes.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Flexible work hours and remote work options.

• Supportive and collaborative team environment.