SQL Server Database Administrator
Florham Park, NJ (Hybrid)
6 months Contract to hire
ADP is seeking an experienced Database Administrator to join our Platform Engineering team in our Florham Park, NJ office. This is a hybrid role. (3 days on-site, 2 days remote) The ideal candidate will design, implement, and optimize our multi-terabyte, highly available database infrastructure across SQL Server (both on-premises and Azure SQL) and MongoDB platforms. This role requires expertise in database administration, performance monitoring, tuning, and automation, with a passion for building automated solutions. Knowledge of Change Management processes is essential.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, implement, and maintain SQL Server databases (2017-2025) with high availability, security, and optimal performance in a multi-terabyte production environment
- Manage both on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL environments: SQL Server on Azure VMs (IaaS), Managed Instances (MI), and Azure SQL Database
- Perform database installations, configurations, upgrades, and migrations across multiple environments (non-production, production, cloud)
- Proactively monitor database performance using Spotlight (Quest), Splunk, SSMS, Perfmon, and DMVs; identify and resolve performance bottlenecks through query optimization, index tuning, and resource management
- Follow Change Management processes for all database changes, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and risk mitigation
- Administer MongoDB database systems
- Develop T-SQL and PowerShell scripts for automation, administration, and monitoring tasks
- Implement DevOps practices using Bitbucket, Liquibase, and Jenkins for version control, database change management, and CI/CD automation
- Design and maintain SSIS packages for ETL processes; support SSRS infrastructure and reporting
- Implement backup/recovery strategies, manage security (users, roles, permissions), and ensure compliance
- Collaborate with development and DevOps teams to optimize database designs and integrate into CI/CD pipelines
- Participate in on-call rotation for 24/7 production support
- Drive automation initiatives and continuous improvement; mentor junior team members; document architectures and best practices
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Technical Skills:
- Expert-level SQL Server (2017-2025) administration, installation, and configuration for both on-premises and Azure environments
- Database monitoring expertise using Spotlight (Quest), Splunk, Perfmon, and DMVs for proactive performance management
- Advanced SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SSRS administration/development, and SSIS package development/deployment
- Proficient in T-SQL scripting and PowerShell automation
- Experience with database partitioning strategies for large-scale data management and performance optimization
- Knowledge of Change Management processes/procedures
- Strong experience with Azure SQL: SQL Server on Azure VMs (IaaS), Managed Instances (MI), and Azure SQL Database
- Working knowledge of MongoDB administration
- Automation-focused mindset with proven track record of building automated solutions
Experience & Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5-7+ years as Database Administrator focusing on SQL Server in both on-premises and cloud environments
- Proven experience managing multi-terabyte, highly available production database environments
- Experience working within Change Management frameworks
- Hands-on with high-availability solutions (Always-On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, replication)
- Track record of cloud migrations and experience with Azure SQL platform
- Experience working in DevOps/Agile environments
Professional Skills:
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
- Knowledge of ITIL framework
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code patterns (Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates)
- Understanding of general application system design and architecture (3-tier application architecture, server vs. container, Kubernetes)
DevOps tools proficiency: Bitbucket, Liquibase, Jenkins, Ansible, Scripting
- Knowledge of MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or other open-source databases (optional)
- Familiarity with data warehousing, business intelligence, or other cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud Platform)