Database Administrator

Seeking senior SQL Server DBA to lead upgrade from 2017 to 2022 and support current on-prem VM environments. Must have strong experience in high availability, clustering, and disaster recovery in virtualized infrastructure.
We are seeking a senior-level SQL Server DBA to support a critical upgrade project from SQL Server2017 to 2022. This role is focused on managing and upgrading SQL Server environments hosted on on-premises virtual machines (VMs). The ideal candidate will have deep experience with high availability configurations, clustering, and disaster recovery in a virtualized infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the upgrade of SQL Server 2017 to 2022 in a complex, on-prem VM-based environment
Maintain and troubleshoot Always On Availability Groups and Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)
Collaborate with infrastructure teams to manage VM configurations, storage, and networking
Support both production and disaster recovery (DR) environments
Perform performance tuning, capacity planning, and backup/restore operations
Create and maintain detailed documentation and procedures
Provide on-call support as needed
Provide direction as needed for other DBA contractors on work required to be performed
Provide knowledge transfer to internal teams
Required Qualifications
7+ years of SQL Server DBA experience in enterprise environments
Proven experience upgrading SQL Server 2017 to 2022 on virtualized infrastructure
Expertise in clustering, high availability, and DR strategies using VMs
Strong understanding of Hyper-V or VMware environments
Proficiency in T-SQL and PowerShell scripting
Experience managing SQL Server on Windows Server in an on-premises data center
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
Experience with SQL Server components such as SSRS, SSIS, and Analysis Services
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent
Familiarity with VM backup and snapshot strategies
Experience with monitoring tools like Redgate , SolarWinds , or Sentry One
Knowledge of hybrid DR strategies involving off-site or co-located data centers
Knowledge of current Microsoft SQL Server licensing
Experience in using and configuring 3rd party tools such as Redgate monitoring tools
Understanding of Active Directory configuration requirements, including:
Cluster Name Object (CNO) requirements for pre staged SQL Computer Objects
Delegation of rights to service accounts for dynamic object creation within specific OUs
Understanding of DNS configuration requirements to support dynamic updates for SQL Server listeners and CNOs in high availability scenarios
Skills:
MS SQL Server DBA experience Required - 7Years
Proven experience upgrading SQL Server 2017 to 2022 on virtualized infrastructure Required - 3Years
Experiencing upgrading SQL server 2017 to 2022 Required - 2Years
Experience maintaining and setup of High Availability and Clustering Required - 5Years
Hyper-V or VMware virtualization knowledge Required - 2Years
Proficient writing T-SQL and PowerShell scripts Required - 7Years
Windows Server 2022 experience Required - 2Years
Experience with setup and maintiance of SQL server components such as SSRS, SSIS and Analysis Services Required - 7Years
Strong problem-solving and communication skills Required - 7Years
Microsoft DBA Certification Required - 5Years
VM backup/snapshot strategy experience Highly desired - 4Years
Experience with Hybrid disaster recovery strategies Highly desired - 4Years
Active directory Knowledge - Cluster Name Objects(CNO) in HA setups Highly desired - 5Years
Familiarity and experience with Microsoft SQL Server licensing options/strategies Highly desired - 2Years
Familiarity with VM backup and snapshot strategies Highly desired - 2Years
Monitoring Tools such as Redgate, Solar Winds or Sentry One Desired - 3Years
DNS configuration for SQL listeners and CNO's in HA setup Nice to have - 3Years
Delegation of rights to service accounts for dynamic object creation within specific OUs Nice to have - 2Years