Senior SQL Database Administrator

Job Title: Senior SQL DBA

Location: Lansing, MI (Hybrid)

Duration: Long-term Contract (W2)

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and manage SQL Server instances (2016, 2019, or later versions).
• Monitor database performance, capacity, and security using SQL Server tools and third-party monitoring utilities.
• Perform regular database maintenance tasks such as index tuning, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Manage backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies using tools like Ola Hallengren scripts or native SQL tools.
• Diagnose and resolve performance bottlenecks using execution plans, DMVs, Profiler, and Query Store.
• Optimize T-SQL queries, stored procedures, and indexes for high-performance data access.
• Implement and manage Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping, Replication, Failover Clustering, and Backup strategies.
• Design and test DR and HA solutions to ensure business continuity.
• Develop PowerShell or T-SQL scripts for automating repetitive DBA tasks.
• Implement monitoring alerts and job notifications via SQL Agent or third-party tools.
• Manage database security, roles, permissions, and encryption (TDE, Always Encrypted).
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOX).
• Experience managing SQL Databases in Azure SQL, AWS RDS, or Google Cloud SQL.
• Work with CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions) for database deployments.
• Support migration and modernization initiatives (on-prem to cloud, SQL to PaaS).
• Work closely with developers, data engineers, and application teams to support data needs.
• Provide 24x7 on-call support for production environments as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 9+ years of experience as a SQL Server DBA in enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in:
• SQL Server 2016/2019/2022
• T-SQL development and performance tuning
• Backup/restore strategies, HA/DR setup
• Windows Server and Active Directory integration
• SSIS/SSRS/SSAS
• Experience with Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, or AWS RDS.
• Familiarity with PowerShell scripting, automation frameworks, and monitoring tools (e.g., Redgate, SolarWinds, Idera).
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or MCSE: Data Management & Analytics.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, or NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with Data Warehousing and ETL pipelines.
• Exposure to containerized SQL deployments (Docker, Kubernetes).