Senior Microsoft Windows SQL Server DBA

Accountabilities: Architect, install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments, including SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2025, and Azure SQL Database, across complex Windows environments. Lead application performance engineering by analyzing execution plans, identifying problematic queries, and partnering with developers on code and schema-level optimizations. Monitor database and application performance using Extended Events, DMVs, Wait Statistics, Query Store, and relevant third-party tools. Establish performance baselines and SLA-aligned monitoring and alerting thresholds. Design, implement, and regularly test backup and recovery strategies, including ownership of RTO and RPO targets. Architect and maintain high-availability and disaster-recovery solutions, including Always On Availability Groups and Log Shipping. Govern database security through role-based access controls, auditing, encryption, least-privilege practices, and applicable regulatory requirements. Lead capacity planning and storage forecasting while coordinating with infrastructure teams to ensure database platforms scale ahead of demand. Review and govern database changes, including schema migrations, deployment scripts, and ORM-generated queries before production deployment. Automate routine DBA activities such as index maintenance, integrity checks, and job monitoring using PowerShell and SQL Server Agent. Manage SQL Server patching and upgrades through formal change-management processes, including pre- and post-upgrade validation. Mentor junior and mid-level DBAs and contribute to technical documentation, runbooks, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Serve as a senior escalation point during on-call rotations, leading responses to critical database outages and supporting post-incident reviews. Requirements: 7+ years of hands-on SQL Server DBA experience in large-scale, mission-critical production environments. Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and 2025 running on Windows Server 2019 and 2022. Advanced T-SQL expertise, including query optimization, execution plan analysis, index design, partitioning, and performance troubleshooting. Deep experience with application performance tuning, including resolving ORM anti-patterns, N+1 queries, lock contention, and blocking chains in collaboration with development teams. Proven experience architecting and supporting Always On Availability Groups, Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC), and disaster-recovery failover in enterprise environments. Strong command of Wait Statistics, DMVs, Extended Events, and Query Store for root-cause performance analysis. Hands-on experience with point-in-time database restores, high-availability failover, disaster-recovery planning, and recovery testing. Strong Windows Server administration skills, including Active Directory and Kerberos authentication for SQL Server. Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects, mentor team members, and communicate effectively with technical and business stakeholders. Familiarity with ITIL change, incident, and problem-management processes. Microsoft DP-300 certification or legacy MCSE Data Management & Analytics certification is an advantage. Experience with Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure VMs in hybrid environments is a plus. Familiarity with APM and database monitoring platforms such as Dynatrace, AppDynamics, New Relic, Redgate SQL Monitor, SolarWinds DPA, or SentryOne is desirable. PowerShell and dbatools experience for DBA automation is a plus. Experience with SSIS in data warehousing or reporting environments is advantageous. Knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, or similar data governance and compliance frameworks is beneficial. Exposure to database deployment through DevOps and CI/CD tools such as Flyway, Liquibase, or Redgate Deployment Manager is a plus. Benefits: Full-time opportunity with a senior-level scope and technical ownership. Remote work arrangement. Opportunity to lead database performance engineering across mission-critical production environments. Hands-on work with Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL, Windows Server, Always On, and enterprise disaster-recovery technologies. Significant influence over database architecture, security, availability, capacity, and operational standards. Opportunity to mentor DBA professionals and contribute to technical knowledge-sharing. Exposure to automation, observability, DevOps database deployments, and modern cloud infrastructure. Opportunity to work closely with application development, infrastructure, and business teams on complex technical challenges.