Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server)

Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator (SQL DBA) to manage, maintain, optimize, and secure mission-critical SQL Server database environments across on-premises and cloud platforms. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring high availability, performance, scalability, security, and reliability of enterprise database systems while supporting business-critical applications. Responsibilities Database Administration Thorough knowledge in Install, configure, upgrade, patch, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments. Experience in configuring and maintaining SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI), Log Shipping, Replication, and Database Mirroring. Hands-on on database refreshes, migrations, and upgrades with minimal downtime. Backup, Recovery & Disaster Recovery Design and implement backup and recovery strategies using native SQL Server tools and enterprise backup solutions. Support business continuity planning and database resilience initiatives. Performance Tuning & Optimization Analyze and optimize database performance through indexing, query tuning, execution plan analysis, and resource management. Perform capacity planning and recommend infrastructure improvements. Cloud & Automation Manage SQL Server databases hosted on: Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines AWS RDS for SQL Server Automate DBA tasks using PowerShell, T-SQL, Azure Automation, and scripting tools. Support Infrastructure-as-Code and DevOps initiatives where applicable. Participate in database deployment automation and CI/CD integration. Security & Compliance Implement database security best practices, including role-based access control (RBAC). Manage encryption technologies such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always Encrypted, and TLS/SSL. Perform vulnerability assessments and apply security patches. Support compliance requirements, auditing, and data governance initiatives. Monitoring & Operational Support Collaborate with application, infrastructure, cloud, and security teams to resolve incidents. Develop and maintain operational documentation and standard operating procedures. Qualifications Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or equivalent work experience Over 10 years of Database Administration Cloud Computing / Distributed Systems Certifications in Microsoft SQL Server Database Administration AWS/Azure/GCP certifications Required Skills 10+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server databases. Strong expertise with SQL Server 2016/2019/2022. Experience with: Always On Availability Groups Failover Clustering Replication Log Shipping Database Mirroring Strong knowledge of: T-SQL Query tuning Execution plan analysis Index optimization Performance troubleshooting Hands-on experience with backup and recovery strategies. Experience managing SQL Server in Azure and/or AWS cloud environments. Knowledge of Windows Server administration and PowerShell scripting. Experience with database migrations, upgrades, and consolidation projects. Familiarity with monitoring tools such as: SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) SQL Server Profiler SolarWinds DPA Azure Monitor