Senior SQL Database Administrator

Position Overview:

The Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) is a strategic technical leader responsible for the design, optimization, security, and scalability of enterprise database platforms. This role partners closely with engineering, infrastructure, and business teams to ensure high-performing, resilient, and secure database environments that support mission-critical applications.

This individual serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for SQL Server environments, drives best practices, leads complex initiatives (cloud, automation, modernization), and mentors junior DBAs.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Lead database architecture & strategy


• Design, implement, and optimize SQL Server database solutions across on-premises and cloud environments (Azure).


• Drive database modernization initiatives, including cloud migration and hybrid architectures.


• Own performance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization for large-scale, high-transaction systems. 


• Proactively identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to ensure scalability and reliability.


• Architect and maintain HA/DR solutions (Always On Availability Groups, replication, backups, failover strategies).


• Ensure business continuity and compliance with uptime SLAs in a 24x7 environment.


• Lead database security strategy including access controls, encryption, auditing, and regulatory compliance. 


• Partner with security teams to ensure adherence to data governance standards.


• Drive adoption of Azure database services, including performance optimization, cost management, and scaling strategies. 


• Develop automation using PowerShell, Python, or similar tools to streamline operations and reduce manual effort. 


• Oversee monitoring, incident response, and root cause analysis using enterprise tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Azure Monitor). 


• Improve operational processes, documentation, and runbooks for consistency and efficiency. 


• Collaborate with engineering, DevOps, and application teams to optimize database interactions and support product delivery. 


• Serve as escalation point for complex database issues.


• Mentor junior DBAs and contribute to team development and knowledge sharing.


• Influence technical direction and establish database best practices across the organization.

Qualifications: 

• 7+ years of experience administering and optimizing SQL Server environments in enterprise-scale environments


• Deep expertise in SQL Server (2014–2022), including performance tuning, HA/DR, and troubleshooting


• Strong experience with Azure SQL / cloud database platforms, including migration, scaling, and cost optimization


• Experience with hybrid environments and data replication technologies (e.g., Oracle GoldenGate)


• Familiarity with Oracle environments (nice to have, not primary focus)


• Advanced scripting and automation experience (PowerShell, Python, etc.)


• Strong experience with monitoring, alerting, and incident management tools


• Experience with data warehousing and BI concepts


• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience


• Successful completion of the Nlets fingerprinting background assessment.

Prefered Skills:

• Experience leading database strategy or large-scale transformation projects


• Strong expertise in performance tuning for high-volume transactional systems


• Experience partnering with executive stakeholders or product leadership


• Exposure to DevOps practices (CI/CD, infrastructure as code)

Personal Skills and Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset with the ability to navigate complex technical environments 


• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders


• Ability to lead initiatives independently and influence across teams


• Adaptable in fast-paced, evolving environments 


• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on reliability and quality