Senior SQL Server DBA (Azure)

Eila Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Senior SQL Server Database Administrator with expertise in Azure to join their client’s team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing and optimizing enterprise database environments to ensure high performance, reliability, security, and availability. This full-time position is based in Gulshan-e-Jamal, Karachi, and requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in SQL Server database administration, including at least 3 years working with Azure platforms.

Key Responsibilities:
- Optimize SQL Server performance through query tuning, execution plan analysis, indexing, and workload management.
- Design and maintain scalable database schemas and data models to support evolving business needs.
- Manage High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions such as Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, and Azure geo-replication.
- Administer SQL Server instances on Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure SQL Database environments.
- Implement and maintain backup, recovery, monitoring, security, and routine database maintenance strategies.
- Lead migrations of on-premises databases to Azure cloud platforms.
- Automate database operations using PowerShell, dbatools, and Azure CLI to improve efficiency and reduce manual tasks.
- Troubleshoot production incidents, perform root cause analysis, and provide mentorship to junior DBAs to foster team growth.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience as a SQL Server DBA, with at least 3 years managing production workloads on Azure.
- Strong proficiency with SQL Server versions 2016 through 2022, including T-SQL development, query optimization, and performance tuning.
- Hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, and SQL Server running on Azure VMs.
- In-depth knowledge of High Availability technologies such as Always On Availability Groups, database mirroring, log shipping, and failover clustering.
- Practical expertise in backup and restoration processes, disaster recovery planning, and database security best practices.
- Proficient in PowerShell scripting and database automation techniques.
- Solid understanding of Azure infrastructure components including networking, storage, and identity management.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) certification is highly desirable.
- Experience working with infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates, and familiarity with database CI/CD pipelines.
- Exposure to data integration and analytics tools including SSIS, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, or Power BI.
- Knowledge of additional database platforms such as PostgreSQL or Cosmos DB.
- Experience operating within regulated environments adhering to standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS is a plus.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge Azure technologies, contributing to critical enterprise database systems while advancing your career in cloud database administration.