SQL DBA

Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid in Florham Park, NJ (CONTRACT TO HIRE)

Position Title: SQL DBA

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Database Administrator to join our team. 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)