Senior SQL Server DBA (Azure)

We are seeking a Senior Database Administrator (DBA) to take full ownership of the performance, reliability, and architecture of our SQL Server environment hosted on Azure. This role involves hands-on management of production SQL Server systems at scale, including performance tuning, schema design, and maintaining high availability and disaster recovery solutions. The ideal candidate will be the go-to expert for the team, collaborating closely with engineers to ensure optimal database performance and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Tuning
- Identify and resolve slow-running queries using execution plans, Query Store, Extended Events, and Dynamic Management Views (DMVs).
- Develop and maintain effective indexing strategies, statistics, and routine maintenance jobs.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot issues such as blocking, deadlocks, wait statistics, tempdb contention, and parameter sniffing.
- Optimize Azure compute and storage tiers based on workload analysis and cost considerations.

Schema Design and Data Modeling
- Collaborate with developers to design normalized, scalable database schemas for new features.
- Review T-SQL code, stored procedures, and schema changes prior to production deployment.
- Plan and implement partitioning, archiving, and data lifecycle management strategies for large datasets.

High Availability and Disaster Recovery
- Build and manage Always On Availability Groups and failover cluster instances to ensure database uptime.
- Support legacy systems using database mirroring and log shipping, while planning their migration to modern Availability Groups.
- Configure Azure SQL active geo-replication and auto-failover groups for disaster resilience.
- Own backup and restore strategies, including point-in-time recovery, and conduct regular disaster recovery tests.

Operations and Security
- Administer SQL Server instances on Azure VMs, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure SQL Database.
- Implement monitoring and alerting solutions using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and SQL Insights.
- Manage security aspects such as logins, roles, Microsoft Entra ID authentication, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always Encrypted, and auditing.
- Apply patches, cumulative updates, and version upgrades with minimal downtime.
- Lead migrations from on-premises SQL Server environments to Azure using Database Migration Service (DMS) and related tools.
- Automate routine tasks using PowerShell, dbatools, and Azure CLI.
- Participate in an on-call rotation and lead root cause analysis following incidents.
- Mentor junior DBAs and developers on SQL Server best practices.

Required Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years of experience as a SQL Server DBA, including at least 3 years supporting production workloads in Azure.
- Extensive hands-on experience with SQL Server versions 2016 through 2022.
- Proficient with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs.
- Demonstrated expertise in tuning queries, indexes, and server configurations for high-volume OLTP systems.
- Strong data modeling skills, including normalization, keys, constraints, and denormalization when appropriate.
- Proven experience building and supporting Always On Availability Groups, database mirroring, log shipping, and failover clustering.
- Expert-level T-SQL skills, capable of reading and optimizing complex queries and stored procedures.
- Scripting proficiency with PowerShell for automation purposes.
- Solid understanding of backup, restore, and recovery models, with practical disaster recovery testing experience.
- Working knowledge of Azure networking, storage, and identity services as they relate to database environments.

Preferred Qualifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300).
- Experience with infrastructure as code tools such as Bicep, ARM templates, or Terraform.
- Familiarity with database CI/CD pipelines using SSDT, DACPACs, Flyway, or Azure DevOps/GitHub Actions.
- Experience with ETL tools like SSIS or Azure Data Factory.
- Exposure to Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, or Power BI data sources.
- Knowledge of PostgreSQL or Cosmos DB is a plus.
- Background working in regulated environments such as SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.

How You Work
- Clearly communicate database trade-offs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Maintain composure and a methodical approach during production incidents.
- Produce clear runbooks and documentation that others can easily follow.
- Use data-driven arguments to challenge risky designs and decisions.

This position requires on-site presence. If you are an experienced Senior DBA passionate about managing SQL Server environments at scale and driving database excellence, we encourage you to apply.