Senior SQL Server DBA – Microsoft Windows

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

📋 Description

• Design, install, configure, and oversee Microsoft SQL Server instances within complex, multi-server Windows environments.

• Drive end-to-end application performance engineering by evaluating execution plans, pinpointing problematic queries, and executing code- and schema-level optimizations in collaboration with development teams.

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

• Set performance baselines and establish SLA-aligned alerting thresholds.

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

• Design and maintain high availability/disaster recovery solutions, including Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping.

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

• Oversee capacity planning and storage forecasting.

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

• Automate routine DBA tasks using PowerShell and SQL Agent.

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

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

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

• Collaborate with application development teams, infrastructure architects, and business stakeholders to maintain secure, available, and high-performing database systems.

⛳️ 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 capabilities: query optimization, execution plan analysis, index design, partitioning, and performance troubleshooting.

• In-depth expertise in application performance tuning, including rectifying ORM anti-patterns, N+1 queries, lock contention, and blocking chains.

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

• Strong understanding of Wait Statistics, DMVs, Extended Events, and Query Store for diagnosing performance issues.

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

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

• Demonstrated capability to lead technical projects and mentor junior colleagues.

• Understanding of ITIL change, incident, and problem management processes.

• Microsoft certification DP-300 or legacy MCSE Data Management & Analytics (preferred).

• Experience with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure VMs in hybrid configurations (preferred).

• Familiarity with APM tools such as Dynatrace, AppDynamics, or New Relic (preferred).

• Proficiency with Redgate SQL Monitor, SolarWinds DPA, SentryOne, or comparable database monitoring solutions (preferred).

• PowerShell scripting skills for DBA automation, including usage of dbatools (preferred).

• Experience with SSIS in a data warehousing or reporting context (preferred).

• Knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, or SOC 2 (preferred).

• Experience with DevOps CI/CD pipelines for database deployments using Flyway, Liquibase, or Redgate Deployment Manager (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Full-time employment.

• Remote work arrangement.