Senior SQL Server DBA / Azure Database Engineer

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server DBA / Azure Database Engineer with strong expertise in SQL clustering, Azure PaaS databases, database security, and Microsoft-based assessments. The role will support mission-critical databases across hybrid and cloud environments, ensuring high availability, performance, security, and compliance.

The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with SQL Server on-prem and Azure-native database platforms, along with the ability to perform health, performance, and security assessments aligned to Microsoft best practices.

Key Responsibilities

SQL Server & Database Administration

Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain SQL Server environments (2016+)

Manage and support high availability and disaster recovery solutions including:

SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances (FCI)

Always On Availability Groups

Log Shipping / Replication

Perform proactive monitoring, tuning, and performance optimization

Troubleshoot complex database issues related to performance, blocking, corruption, or outages Azure PaaS Databases

Design, deploy, and manage Azure PaaS database services, including:

Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Managed Instance

Azure Database for SQL workloads

Lead or support database migration efforts from on-prem SQL Server to Azure PaaS

Implement scalability, backups, high availability, and DR using Azure-native capabilities

Optimize database performance and cost management in Azure Clustering & High Availability

Design and support SQL Server clustering solutions in on-prem and Azure IaaS environments

Manage Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)

Ensure uptime and reliability for business-critical database systems

Participate in DR planning, testing, and failover exercises Database Security

Implement and manage database security controls, including:

Authentication and authorization

Role-based access control

Encryption at rest and in transit (TDE, TLS)

Data masking and auditing

Integrate database security with:

Azure Active Directory (Entra ID)

Azure Key Vault (for secrets and keys)

Identify and remediate vulnerabilities through security reviews and best practices Microsoft Assessments & Governance

Conduct Microsoft SQL Server and Azure Database assessments, including:

Health checks

Performance assessments

Security and compliance reviews

Leverage Microsoft tools and frameworks such as:

Data Migration Assistant (DMA)

Azure Migrate

Microsoft Defender for SQL

Provide actionable recommendations based on assessment findings

Support compliance initiatives aligned to enterprise and Microsoft standards Automation & Collaboration

Develop and maintain scripts for automation using PowerShell, T-SQL

Support CI/CD pipelines for database deployments

Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and security teams

Mentor junior DBAs and provide operational guidance Required Qualifications

8+ years of experience as a SQL Server DBA or Database Engineer

Strong experience with SQL Server clustering and HA/DR

Hands-on experience with Azure PaaS database services

Strong understanding of database security principles

Experience conducting Microsoft-based database assessments

Expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting

Experience in enterprise, high-availability environments Preferred Qualifications

Azure certifications (AZ-104, AZ-305, DP-300)

Experience with hybrid cloud database architectures

Knowledge of DevOps database deployment practices

Exposure to audits, compliance, and regulatory environments

Prior experience in a Lead DBA or Senior Engineer role