SQL Server DBA with Azure

Looking for a highly skilled Microsoft SQL Server DBA/Architect/Consultant who can provide both hands-on expertise in managing, optimizing, and scaling SQL Server environments, as well as strategic guidance in assessing current database systems and recommending future-state architectures. The ideal candidate will have deep experience with both on-premises SQL Server environments and Azure cloud-based solutions. This role will involve working closely with technical teams, business stakeholders, and clients to design, implement, and maintain robust database solutions that meet business needs and support digital transformation initiatives.

What You''ll Be Doing:

• Database Architecture and Design: Assess existing database environments (as-is state) and provide expert recommendations for designing optimal future-state (to-be) architecture, including cloud migration strategies, scalability, performance, and high availability.
• Database Administration: Perform hands-on installation, configuration, patching, and upgrading of Microsoft SQL Server databases in both on-premises and Azure environments.
• Azure Expertise: Design and implement Azure-based data solutions, including Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instances, Azure Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, and other Azure data services.
• Performance Tuning and Optimization: Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve performance issues at the database and query levels. Recommend and implement indexing strategies, query optimization, and other performance-enhancing techniques. Experience with specific monitoring and diagnostics tools like SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, or third-party monitoring solutions.
• Advisory Role: Act as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders by providing insights and recommendations on database best practices, modernization, and digital transformation strategies.
• Data Security and Compliance: Ensure database systems meet security and compliance requirements, including role-based access control, encryption, auditing, and GDPR or HIPAA regulations.
• Disaster Recovery and High Availability: Design, implement, and manage disaster recovery (DR) and high availability (HA) solutions, including Always On Availability Groups, replication, and geo-redundancy.
• Automation and Scripting: Develop and implement scripts and tools for automating routine database administration tasks, deployments, and monitoring.
• Collaboration: Work closely with development, infrastructure, and DevOps teams to support the application lifecycle, including database development, release management, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of database architecture, configurations, policies, and procedures. Provide regular reports and insights on system performance, usage, and optimization opportunities.
• Training and Mentorship: Provide training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to internal teams and clients to build their capabilities in database management and architecture.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 10+ years of experience as an MS SQL Server DBA/Architect/Consultant, with a focus on both on-premises and cloud (Azure) environments.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in Microsoft SQL Server (versions 2012 to 2025) and Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse Analytics, and other Azure data services.
• Strong experience with database performance tuning, optimization, and indexing strategies.
• Proficiency in instance consolidation strategies and practices to optimize resources and reduce costs.
• Knowledge of Azure cloud architecture, including PaaS, IaaS, and hybrid solutions.
• Proficiency in T-SQL, PowerShell scripting, and automation tools.
• Experience with SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, clustering, log shipping, and other HA/DR & Cyber Recovery strategies.
• Experience with data warehousing concepts, ETL processes, and tools like SSIS and Azure Data Factory.

What you Bring:

• Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or equivalent.
• Experience with other database platforms (e.g. Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g. DynamoDB, Redis).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and tools such as Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and Git.
• Experience with Power BI, SSRS, and other data visualization and reporting tools.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.

Added Bonus If You Have:

• Master''s degree in an IT or related field
• Exadata & ZDLRA/ RDS & Aurora/ Cloud Architecture certifications
• Experience with SOX and other Compliance Audits
• Network connectivity & database security  
• Data modeling - Skills in conceptual, logical, and physical data modeling could be valuable.