Senior Database Administrator

We are seeking a highly experienced and self-motivated Senior Database Administrator to take a lead role in managing, architecting, and scaling our mission-critical data infrastructure. This role will be the subject matter expert for our large-scale, hybrid data environment, which includes over 120 on-premise SQL Servers (100+ TB), Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure SQL Managed Instances. This is a key role for an independent contributor who thrives on ensuring the stability, performance, and security of a high-volume, interdependent database ecosystem that is the backbone of our business.

1. System Architecture & Strategic Planning:

• Spearhead the planning, testing, and execution of complex SQL Server and Windows Server upgrades and migrations.
  
• Architect and implement robust archival and data lifecycle management strategies for Very Large Databases (VLDBs) to ensure optimal performance and cost-effective data retention.
  
• Design and document scalable data models and schemas in close collaboration with development teams to support new applications and features.
  

2. Performance & Optimization:

• Proactively monitor our extensive database environment to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, prevent outages, and ensure system health.
  
• Provide expert-level query tuning and optimization by analyzing execution plans and refactoring complex stored procedures and T-SQL code.
  
• Manage and support the full data stack, including SSRS, SSIS, linked servers, and file share dependencies, ensuring seamless daily operations.
  

3. High Availability & Disaster Recovery (HA/DR):

• Design, implement, and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions, including Always On availability groups, failover clustering, and other resiliency strategies.
  
• Develop and regularly test backup and recovery plans to ensure data integrity and business continuity.
  

4. Automation & Process Improvement:

• Leverage strong PowerShell scripting skills to automate routine DBA tasks, deployments, and maintenance activities.
  
• Build, enhance, and support custom monitoring and data synchronization solutions between our on-premise and cloud (Azure) environments.
  

5. Security & Compliance:

• Manage database security, including user access, permissions, and service account documentation, ensuring adherence to strict SOX and SOC 2 compliance requirements.
  
• Enforce data access policies and collaborate with security teams on audits and vulnerability assessments.
  
• Oversee the end-to-end patching process for SQL Server and Windows Server, including risk assessment, pre-deployment testing in sandboxed environments, and rollback planning.
  

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience as a production SQL Server Database Administrator.
  
• Expert-level knowledge of SQL Server administration, including performance tuning, query optimization, and troubleshooting in a large-scale (100+ server) environment.
  
• Proven experience planning and executing major SQL Server upgrades and migrations.
  
• Hands-on experience with designing and implementing HA/DR solutions (e.g., Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping, Replication).
  
• Strong proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and custom tooling.
  
• Demonstrable experience with the broader Microsoft data platform, including SSIS and SSRS.
  
• Experience managing databases and access in a regulated environment governed by SOX, SOC 2, or similar compliance standards.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Azure data services, particularly Azure Synapse Analytics and/or Azure SQL Managed Instances.
  
• Experience with managing and archiving Very Large Databases (VLDBs).
  
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code (IaC) principles.
  
• Experience with third-party database monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds DPA, Redgate, Idera).