Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server)
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Database Administrator to manage and optimize our Microsoft SQL Server infrastructure across hybrid environments (on-premises data centers and Azure). This role is ideal for a mid-level DBA who combines solid technical expertise with hands-on experience in maintaining critical database systems that support our business operations.
Key Responsibilities
Database Administration & Maintenance
• Manage, configure, and maintain SQL Server databases (versions 2016/2017/2019/2022) across on-premises and Azure environments
• Install, upgrade, and patch SQL Server instances, applying service packs and cumulative updates
• Create and maintain database maintenance plans including index optimization (rebuild/reorganize), integrity checks, and statistics updates
• Monitor database health, performance, and capacity planning to ensure optimal system performance
· Performance Optimization
• Proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks using SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, and DMVs
• Analyze and optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, and execution plans
• Implement and maintain appropriate indexing strategies to improve query performance
• Conduct regular performance tuning exercises and provide recommendations for database optimization
Backup, Recovery & High Availability
• Design, implement, and manage backup and recovery strategies to meet Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) requirements
• Configure and maintain High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions including Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping, Database Mirroring, and Failover Clustering
• Perform database restores and disaster recovery drills to ensure business continuity
• Manage replication (Snapshot, Transactional, and Merge) as needed
• Azure SQL Management
• Administer Azure SQL Databases, Azure SQL Managed Instances, and SQL Server on Azure VMs
• Support migration activities from on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL services
• Implement and manage hybrid connectivity between on-premises and Azure environments
• Utilize Azure monitoring and management tools (Azure Monitor, Azure Data Studio, SQL Database Advisor)
Security & Compliance
• Implement and maintain database security best practices including authentication, authorization, and encryption
• Manage SQL Server logins, users, roles, and permissions following the principle of least privilege
• Conduct regular security audits and ensure compliance with organizational policies
• Monitor and respond to security alerts and vulnerabilities
• Monitoring & Troubleshooting
• Utilize database monitoring tools (such as SQL Server Management Studio, SolarWinds, Redgate SQL Monitor, or similar) to track system health
• Troubleshoot database issues, analyze error logs, and provide timely resolution
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of database configurations, processes, and procedures
• Participate in on-call rotation for production support
Required Qualifications
Experience & Skills
• 5-6 years of hands-on experience as a Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator
• Strong expertise in SQL Server 2016 and later versions (2017/2019/2022)
• Proven experience with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), T-SQL, and PowerShell scripting
• Hands-on experience with database performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies
• Solid understanding of backup/restore operations and disaster recovery planning
• Experience implementing High Availability solutions (Always On, Clustering, Log Shipping, Mirroring)
• Working knowledge of Azure SQL services (Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs)
• Experience managing databases in hybrid environments (on premises + cloud)
• Technical Knowledge
• Deep understanding of SQL Server internals, architecture, and core database concepts
• Proficiency in writing and optimizing complex T-SQL queries, stored procedures, functions, and triggers
• Familiarity with database monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Knowledge of SQL Server security best practices and implementation
• Understanding of database design principles and normalization
