SQL Server Database Administrator

SAIC; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator to sustain, modernize, and transform enterprise IT for the DCSA program. You will manage SQL Server databases, ensure performance, security, and high availability, and work with developers and IT staff to optimize data systems.

The role requires a TS/SCI clearance with IAT-II certs, deep SQL expertise, and hands-on experience with backups, DR, and cloud database services such as Azure SQL or AWS RDS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 9+ years of experience; 4 additional years may substitute for degree.
• 3+ years as SQL Server DBA in production.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with IAT-II certification.
• Strong SQL, backups, recovery, and HA technologies.
• SSMS, Profiler, and monitoring tools experience.
• Familiarity with Windows/Linux and cloud DB solutions.

Responsibilities

• Administer, support, and tune SQL Server databases for performance and security.
• Implement backups, DR plans, and high-availability configurations.
• Monitor health, troubleshoot issues, and optimize queries and indexes.
• Collaborate with developers and IT admins on DB design and resources.
• Create automation scripts for routine tasks and reporting.

Skills

SQL Server proficiency

Database backup & recovery

High availability

Performance tuning

Scripting & automation

Troubleshooting & analytics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT or related field

Tools

SSMS

Profiler

SolarWinds DPA

Redgate

Azure SQL/AWS RDS

Job description

Description

Make a difference for national security by joining a team of dedicated IT professionals who will sustain, modernize and transform the enterprise IT capabilities for theDefense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The Air Force, Space & Intel Business Group (AFSI) of SAIC is seeking an SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) to support a transformational infrastructure program for DCSA.

SAIC is proud to be supporting DCSA in safeguarding our nation’s information. DCSA is the designated oversight authority on the accreditation of classified facilities, information systems, and the insider threat program. This involves security oversight of more than 10,000 companies and approximately 13,000 facilities involved in classified work throughout the DoD and 31 Federal agencies.

Specifically, on the DCSA One IT program, SAIC will provide an enterprise IT solution that delivers highly secure and adaptable IT infrastructure, provide customer support, and cutting-edge technologies that support operations and advance the DCSA mission under a single IT environment (i.e., One IT).

Job Description

The SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) will be responsible for the administration, support, and maintenance of SQL Server databases to ensure high performance, availability, and security of critical business applications. This role involves troubleshooting database issues, optimizing performance, implementing security measures, and managing backups and disaster recovery processes. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of SQL Server database architecture and administration, as well as the ability to collaborate with application developers, system administrators, and other stakeholders.

Database Administration and Maintenance

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances across development, testing, and production environments.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks such as backups, index maintenance, monitoring, and performance tuning.
• Monitor database system health, ensuring high availability and low downtime.

Performance Tuning and Optimization

• Analyze database performance and implement tuning recommendations (e.g., query optimization, index management, etc.).
• Identify resource bottlenecks and optimize server and query performance for efficient processing.

Capacity Planning

• Proactively plan for future database needs based on application usage and growth trends.
• Monitor database storage and design strategies to optimize space utilization and scalability.

Security and Compliance

• Implement and maintain database security policies, including role-based access control (RBAC), audit trails, and encryption across SQL Server instances.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, etc.) and corporate security policies.

Disaster Recovery and High Availability

• Develop and implement database backup, restoration, and recovery plans. Perform disaster recovery testing regularly.
• Configure and manage high availability solutions such as clustering, Always On Availability Groups, or replication.

Collaboration with Other Teams

• Work closely with application developers to design and optimize database structures for new and existing systems.
• Collaborate with IT administrators on server resources (e.g., CPU, memory, storage) required to support database operations.

Scripting and Automation

• Create and maintain scripts to automate repetitive tasks such as backups, deployments, and monitoring.

Documentation and Reporting

• Develop and maintain detailed documentation of database configurations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintenance schedules.
• Generate reports for monitoring key database performance metrics and trends over time.

Qualifications

It is required that the SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Nine (9) or more years of experience. Four (4) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Three (3) or more years of experience working as a SQL Server Database Administrator in a production environment.
• Active TS/SCI.
• IAT-II Certification (i.e., Security + CE, etc.).
• Proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server (versions 2019, 2022, or Azure SQL).
• Strong knowledge of SQL language for querying, scripting, and debugging.
• Experience with database backup, recovery, performance tuning, and high availability technologies.
• Familiarity with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Profiler, and monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds DPA, Redgate).
• Understanding of operating systems (Windows Server/Linux) and hardware compatibility with SQL Server.
• Experience with cloud-based database solutions (e.g., Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS) is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively working with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with SQL Server Always on Availability Groups and Failover Cluster Instances is a plus.
• Experience with additional tools (e.g., SSRS, SSAS, Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
• Knowledge of ITIL processes and incident management practices is beneficial.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.