We are seeking a skilled Microsoft SQL Database Administrator (DBA) with 3+ years of strong hands‑on experience managing complex SQL Server environments. The ideal candidate must have deep knowledge of SQL Server internals—query processing, indexing, locking/blocking, execution plans, memory architecture—along with exceptional debugging capabilities. This role will support high‑availability production systems, Azure SQL Managed Instances, ETL workflows, and database operations across development, QA, and production environments. A strong commitment to production support, rapid issue resolution, and participation in on‑call rotations is essential.
Duties & Responsibilities
Core Database Administration
- Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain SQL Server databases across on‑prem and Azure SQL Managed Instance environments.
- Perform advanced performance troubleshooting using execution plans, DMVs, waits & queues, indexing strategies, and engine‑level diagnostics.
- Manage robust backup/restore processes, disaster recovery plans, and ensure data integrity.
- Create, maintain, and optimize database objects (schemas, tables, indexes, stored procedures, views, functions, partitions).
High Availability / Replication / Cloud
- Configure and maintain Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping, Replication, and Azure SQL Managed Instance high‑availability features.
- Support database migrations, cloud modernization, and hybrid SQL environments.
- Provide 24/7 production support for mission‑critical systems and resolve incidents with urgency and precision.
- Troubleshoot complex SQL performance issues: blocking, deadlocks, memory contention, I/O bottlenecks, SQL Agent failures, ETL job failures, and corruption‑related issues.
- Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and DevOps teams to diagnose cross‑layer issues.
ETL, Automation & Scripting
- Support, debug, and optimize ETL packages (SSIS, ADF pipelines) and data integration processes.
- Automate administrative tasks using T‑SQL, PowerShell, SQL Agent jobs or other scripting tools.
Operational Excellence
- Conduct capacity planning, storage forecasting, and proactive monitoring to prevent downtime.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for configurations, processes, and operational procedures.
- Participate in an on‑call rotation and provide after‑hours and weekend support when required.
Requirements
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
- 3+ years of hands‑on experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator.
- Deep understanding of SQL Server internals (optimizer behavior, locking/latching, tempdb, memory management, indexing strategy).
- Strong debugging and problem‑solving skills in high‑pressure production environments.
- Hands‑on experience working with Azure SQL Managed Instance and hybrid SQL server environments.
- Solid experience supporting ETL processes using SSIS or Azure Data Factory.
- Proficiency in Management Studio (SSMS), T‑SQL scripting, and writing optimized queries.
- Experience with performance tuning, query optimization, index/maintenance strategies, and storage‑related analysis.
- Knowledge of Windows Server administration and PowerShell scripting for automation.
- Strong understanding of database security, role management, encryption, and access control.
- Strong experience handling production support, including urgent issue response and severity‑level incident management.
- Willingness to support on‑call rotation and provide off‑hours support.
- Excellent communication, analytical thinking, and ability to collaborate across teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Microsoft Certified (DP‑300) or similar certification.
- Familiarity with data warehousing concepts and tools (e.g., Snowflake).
- Exposure to DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.