senior-level SQL Server DBA @Remote

Title: senior-level SQL Server DBA

Location: Remote

Duration: Long Term

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