Senior SQL Database Administrator

Kforce Inc; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce is seeking an experienced Senior SQL Database Administrator to join our IT infrastructure team in Pittsburgh, PA. The role focuses on Microsoft SQL Server administration, clustering, performance tuning, patching, and maintenance to ensure high availability and security for critical business applications.

Responsibilities include managing databases across dev/test/prod, DR configurations, and on-call support, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with security and infrastructure teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on SQL Server DBA experience in enterprise environments.
• Strong experience with SQL Server upgrades and Always On availability groups.
• Proven clustering, performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies.
• Experience with Windows Server administration and Active Directory integration.
• Knowledge of database security, compliance standards, and data encryption practices.
• Experience performing patching, upgrades, and migrations with minimal downtime.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; able to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and optimize SQL Server databases across development, test, and production environments.
• Manage SQL Server clustering, Always On Availability Groups, and disaster recovery configurations.
• Perform monthly patching, upgrades, and migrations with minimal downtime.
• Monitor system performance and proactively troubleshoot database issues.
• Implement and maintain backup and recovery strategies.
• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and security teams to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and monitoring tools.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and runbooks.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as needed.
• Support SAP Basis administration or SAP Security activities as a strong plus.

Skills

SQL Server

Always On

Performance tuning

Clustering

Patching/upgrades

Windows Server

Security & compliance

Automation scripting

Documentation

On-call support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

PowerShell

Azure SQL

Monitoring tools

SCOM

Redgate

SolarWinds

Idera

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce is working with a client that is seeking an experienced Senior SQL Database Administrator to join an IT infrastructure team in Pittsburgh, PA. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Microsoft SQL Server administration, including clustering, performance tuning, and database patching and maintenance. This role ensures high availability, reliability, and security of SQL Server environments supporting critical business applications.

• Administer, maintain, and optimize Microsoft SQL Server databases across development, test, and production environments
• Manage SQL Server clustering, Always On Availability Groups, and disaster recovery configurations
• Perform monthly patching, upgrades, and migrations with minimal downtime
• Monitor system performance and proactively troubleshoot database issues
• Implement and maintain backup and recovery strategies
• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and security teams to ensure database reliability and compliance
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and monitoring tools
• Create and maintain technical documentation and runbooks
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as needed
• Support SAP Basis or SAP Security activities such as user management, role assignments, and system monitoring

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA in enterprise environments
• Strong experience with SQL Server upgrades
• Proven experience managing SQL Server clusters and Always On Availability Groups
• Solid understanding of performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies
• Experience with Windows Server administration and Active Directory integration
• Knowledge of database security, compliance standards, and data encryption practices
• Experience performing patching, upgrades, and migrations
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with SAP Basis administration or SAP Security is a strong plus

Preferred

• Experience with SAP Basis or SAP Security
• Familiarity with PowerShell scripting, Azure SQL, or cloud-based SQL services
• Experience with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., SCOM, Redgate, SolarWinds, Idera)
• Knowledge of ITIL processes and change management procedures

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.