SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert

CognoStrategy, LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

CognoStrategy, LLC seeks a SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert to lead migrations from on-premises to AWS and Azure, build Always-on clusters, and optimize enterprise SQL Server environments across on-premises, AWS, and Azure. The role emphasizes security, reliability, and scalability in high-availability settings.

The Senior DBA will drive architecture, capacity planning, automate workflows, mentor other DBAs, and collaborate with infrastructure and security teams to streamline

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of related experience as a database administrator.
• SQL Server administration across on-premises and cloud environments (AWS/Azure).
• Certified in SQL Server and AWS or Azure Cloud.
• Hands-on migration experience to AWS/Azure Cloud (IaaS/PaaS).
• Experience with Always-on and SQL clustering architectures.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person support at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise SQL Server platforms across environments.
• Plan and execute migrations of SQL databases to AWS and Azure (IaaS/PaaS).
• Design and implement disaster recovery for SQL environments in cloud.
• Monitor performance, security, and integrity of database platforms.
• Mentor DBAs on AWS/Azure and automate operational workflows.
• Participate in on-call rotations and perform monthly maintenance.

Tools

SQL Server

AWS

Azure

VMware

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

We are seeking a SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert to lead the SQL migration from on-premises to AWS and Azure. The position requires expertise in Migrating SQL Always-on, SQL Cluster to IaaS, PaaS, Build Always-on cluster in cloud (IaaS and PaaS), SQL installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance tuning of enterprise database systems to On-premises, AWS and Azure Cloud. This role ensures the security, availability, reliability, and scalability of mission‑critical databases covering enterprise systems such as SQL Server. The Senior DBA will drive architecture and capacity planning, automate operational workflows, enforce robust security practices, and mentor other DBAs on AWS and Azure Cloud. This position requires hands‑on experience managing large, high‑availability environments both on premises and in the AWS and Azure Cloud. It also includes responsibility for planning and executing complex database migrations to AWS and Azure Cloud platforms. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and collaborate closely with stakeholders and infrastructure teams to optimize performance, streamline deployments, and ensure reliable data operations across multiple environments. Must be able to multitask effectively and perform well under pressure in a fast‑paced, high‑urgency environment. Ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage multiple incidents concurrently, and maintain attention to detail in a high‑tempo operations setting. Comfortable working under tight deadlines, handling frequent context switches, and remaining calm during high‑stress production incidents.

Job Description and Duties

• Full‑time, on‑site position at DOT Headquarters, Washington, DC.
• Provide in‑person support several days per week, with availability for either the early shift (starting 7:00 AM) or late shift (ending 7:00 PM) as needed.
• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise‑level database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and supporting infrastructure across on‑premises and AWS and Azure Cloud environments.
• Configure, manage, and optimize AWS and Azure Cloud SQL and Managed Instances (MI).
• Plan and execute migrations of SQL databases from on‑premises to AWS and Azure Cloud (IaaS and PaaS).
• Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning to ensure scalability, reliability, and security.
• Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery strategies for SQL environments targeting AWS and Azure Cloud.
• Monitor the performance, integrity, and security of all database platforms and investigate anomalies.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks: index optimization, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Plan and perform upgrades, patching, and migrations for standalone and cloud‑hosted database servers.
• Oversee and lead migration projects, including lift‑and‑shift and re‑platforming efforts to AWS and Azure Cloud.
• Manage database accounts, roles, and permissions according to least‑privilege and compliance requirements.
• Audit database activity and maintain comprehensive logs of configuration and schema changes for compliance and forensics.
• Implement encryption, secure connectivity (TLS/SSL), and other security controls for data at rest and in transit.
• Maintain detailed, version‑controlled documentation for database environments, architecture diagrams, configurations, procedures, and runbooks.
• Generate regular reports on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends for stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with development, infrastructure, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.
• Mentor DBAs on AWS and Azure Cloud practices, establish operational best practices, and contribute to automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise database environments in hybrid (on‑premises) and AWS and Azure Cloud settings.
• Proven expertise in planning and executing cloud migration projects; hands‑on experience with AWS and Azure Cloud Platform is a strong plus.

Required Education and Experience

• Must have a minimum of 10 years of related experience as a database administrator, specializing in supporting SQL environment
• SQL Server and AWS or Azure Cloud Certified.
• Hands on migrating Always-on and SQL Cluster to Azure and AWS Cloud.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server administration both on‑premises and in AWS and Azure Cloud environments.
• In‑depth knowledge and hands‑on experience in SQL Migration on Cloud, SQL Server installation, configuration, optimization, and ongoing maintenance.
• Proven ability to manage SQL Server instances (versions 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012) across multiple platforms, including VMware, AWS and Azure Cloud (IaaS/PaaS), and on‑premises infrastructure.
• Capability to troubleshoot performance issues, analyze execution plans, and implement database performance optimizations.
• Experience implementing database security solutions, such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and SSL/TLS for secure data transmission.
• Hands‑on experience migrating SQL clusters to AWS and Azure Cloud, including assessment of client requirements and providing detailed technical recommendations.
• Ability to participate in on‑call rotations and perform mandatory monthly maintenance tasks

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Full‑time, on‑site position at DOT Headquarters, Washington, DC.
• Provide in‑person support several days per week, with availability for either the early shift (starting 7:00 AM) or late shift (ending 7:00 PM) as needed.
• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise‑level database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and supporting infrastructure across on‑premises and AWS and Azure Cloud environments.
• Configure, manage, and optimize AWS and Azure Cloud SQL and Managed Instances (MI).
• Plan and execute migrations of SQL databases from on‑premises to AWS and Azure Cloud (IaaS and PaaS).
• Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning to ensure scalability, reliability, and security.
• Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery strategies for SQL environments targeting AWS and Azure Cloud.
• Monitor the performance, integrity, and security of all database platforms and investigate anomalies.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks: index optimization, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Plan and perform upgrades, patching, and migrations for standalone and cloud‑hosted database servers.
• Oversee and lead migration projects, including lift‑and‑shift and re‑platforming efforts to AWS and Azure Cloud.
• Manage database accounts, roles, and permissions according to least‑privilege and compliance requirements.
• Audit database activity and maintain comprehensive logs of configuration and schema changes for compliance and forensics.
• Implement encryption, secure connectivity (TLS/SSL), and other security controls for data at rest and in transit.
• Maintain detailed, version‑controlled documentation for database environments, architecture diagrams, configurations, procedures, and runbooks.
• Generate regular reports on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends for stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with development, infrastructure, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.
• Mentor DBAs on AWS and Azure Cloud practices, establish operational best practices, and contribute to automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise database environments in hybrid (on‑premises) and AWS and Azure Cloud settings.
• Proven expertise in planning and executing cloud migration projects; hands‑on experience with AWS and Azure Cloud Platform is a strong plus.

Note: Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder who has resided in the U.S. for at least 3 years with the ability to obtain a public trust clearance