Senior Database Administrator - SQL Azure

Eila Solutions is seeking a highly experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator with specialized expertise in Microsoft Azure to support a client’s enterprise database environment. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ensuring optimal database performance, managing cloud-based infrastructure, maintaining security protocols, and supporting business continuity strategies. This is a full-time position based in Gulshan-e-Jamal, Karachi, requiring a minimum of seven years of SQL Server experience, including at least three years working within Azure environments.

Key Responsibilities

- Monitor, analyze, and enhance SQL Server performance through query optimization, indexing strategies, and execution plan analysis.
- Design, develop, and maintain robust database architectures, schemas, and data models to support business needs.
- Manage high availability and disaster recovery solutions such as Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, and Azure geo-replication to ensure minimal downtime.
- Administer SQL Server databases hosted across Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Database, and Azure SQL Managed Instance platforms.
- Implement and maintain comprehensive database backup, recovery, monitoring, security, and maintenance procedures.
- Lead database migration projects transitioning from on-premises infrastructure to Microsoft Azure cloud services.
- Automate routine database administration tasks using PowerShell, dbatools, and Azure CLI to improve efficiency and reduce manual errors.
- Troubleshoot and resolve critical production database issues, conduct root cause analysis, and provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members.

Required Qualifications

- Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator, with at least 3 years managing production workloads in Azure environments.
- Strong proficiency with SQL Server versions 2016 through 2022, including T-SQL programming, query tuning, and performance optimization techniques.
- Practical experience working with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server deployed on Azure Virtual Machines.
- Deep understanding of high availability and disaster recovery technologies such as Always On Availability Groups, database mirroring, log shipping, and failover clustering.
- Solid knowledge of backup and restore processes, disaster recovery planning, and database security best practices.
- Experience with PowerShell scripting and automation to streamline database operations.
- Familiarity with Azure networking, storage solutions, and identity management services.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Skills

- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) certification is highly desirable.
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates to automate cloud infrastructure deployment.
- Knowledge of database continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and deployment automation practices.
- Exposure to related technologies including SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, or Power BI is advantageous.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment supporting enterprise-level database systems with cutting-edge cloud technologies. Candidates who demonstrate strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to automation and cloud management will thrive in this position.