Requirements
Requires 7+ years of hands-on SQL Server DBA experience in large-scale, mission-critical production environments with expert-level proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server 2019/2025 on Windows Server. Must have advanced T-SQL skills, deep expertise in application performance tuning, and proven experience with Always On Availability Groups, WSFC, and DR failover. Strong command of performance diagnosis tools and solid experience with database restores, HA failover, and DR planning are essential. Experience with Windows Server administration, Active Directory/Kerberos authentication, and ITIL change/incident/problem management is required.
Description
Role OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced Senior Microsoft Windows SQL Server DBA to take ownership of our enterprise database environments and drive application performance excellence. In this senior-level role you will serve as the subject matter expert for all SQL Server platforms, leading performance engineering initiatives, mentoring junior DBAs, and acting as the primary escalation point for critical incidents. You will partner closely with application development teams, infrastructure architects, and business stakeholders to ensure database systems are available, secure, and tuned to meet end-to-end application performance goals.Job ResponsibilitiesArchitect, install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances (2019, 2025, Azure SQL Database) across complex, multi-server Windows environmentsLead end-to-end application performance engineering: analyze execution plans, identify problematic queries, and work with development teams to implement lasting optimizations at the code and schema levelProactively monitor application and database performance using Extended Events, DMVs, Wait Statistics analysis, and third-party tooling; establish baselines and SLA-aligned alerting thresholdsDesign, implement, and test robust backup and recovery strategies; own RTO/RPO targets and validate them through regular recovery drillsArchitect and maintain HA/DR solutions including Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping across production and DR environmentsGovern database security: design role-based access controls, auditing frameworks, and encryption strategies in line with least-privilege and regulatory requirementsOwn capacity planning and storage forecasting; collaborate with infrastructure teams to ensure database platforms scale ahead of demandLead database change governance: review and approve schema migrations, deployment scripts, and ORM-generated queries before they reach productionDrive automation of routine DBA tasks (index maintenance, integrity checks, job monitoring) through PowerShell and SQL AgentManage SQL Server patching and upgrades through a formal change management process, including pre- and post-upgrade validationMentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level DBAs; contribute to team knowledge-base and runbook documentationServe as the senior escalation point in the on-call rotation, leading the response and post-incident review for Severity 1 database outagesRequirements7+ years of hands-on SQL Server DBA experience in large-scale, mission-critical production environmentsExpert-level proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server 2019 / 2025 on Windows Server 2019 / 2022Advanced T-SQL skills: query optimization, execution plan analysis, index design, partitioning, and performance troubleshootingDeep expertise in application performance tuning: collaborating with developers to resolve ORM anti-patterns, N+1 queries, lock contention, and blocking chainsProven experience architecting and supporting Always On Availability Groups, WSFC, and DR failover in enterprise environmentsStrong command of Wait Statistics, DMVs, Extended Events, and Query Store for root-cause performance diagnosisSolid experience with point in time database restores, High-Availability failover, disaster recovery planning, and hands-on recovery testingWindows Server administration and Active Directory / Kerberos authentication for SQL ServerDemonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior team membersFamiliarity with ITIL change, incident, and problem management processesDESIRABLE / ADVANTAGEOUSMicrosoft certification: DP-300 (Azure Database Administrator Associate) or legacy MCSE Data Management & AnalyticsExperience with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure VMs in hybrid configurationsExposure to APM tooling (e.g. Dynatrace, AppDynamics, New Relic) and correlating application traces with database-level diagnosticsProficiency with Redgate SQL Monitor, SolarWinds DPA, SentryOne, or equivalent database monitoring platformsPowerShell scripting for DBA automation, including use of dbatoolsExperience with SSIS in a data warehousing or reporting contextKnowledge of data governance and compliance frameworks such as GDPR, ISO 27001, or SOC 2Exposure to DevOps CI/CD pipelines with database deployments (e.g. Flyway, Liquibase, or Redgate Deployment Manager)