SQL Database Administrator

MS SQL Database Support Engineer Role Summary

The MS SQL Database Support Engineer is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for the highest level of technical support, troubleshooting, and strategic maintenance for all Microsoft SQL Server database environments. This role acts as the final escalation point for the most complex, critical, and persistent database issues, ensuring maximum performance, security, and availability of all mission-critical database systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Expert Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution

Serve as the final escalation point for diagnosing and resolving highly complex and critical database incidents, performance issues, and persistent problems.

Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for major incidents, implementing permanent solutions to prevent recurrence.

Conduct in-depth performance tuning and optimization, including advanced query analysis, indexing strategies, and server configuration adjustments to ensure optimal database performance.

Debug and analyze complex Stored Procedures, Functions, and SSIS packages.

2. Strategic Improvement & Mentorship

Develop, implement, and maintain automation scripts (PowerShell, Python, T-SQL) for database maintenance, health checks, and routine administrative tasks.

Collaborate with Development and Architecture teams on new projects, providing expert guidance on database design, best practices, and scalability to ensure Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) readiness.

Manage critical vendor relationships (e.g., Microsoft Support) for issues requiring external expertise.

Required Technical Skills and Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Experience : 5+ years of experience in Microsoft SQL Server Database Administration and Support, with at least 2 years in a Level 3 or Senior DBA role.

MS SQL Expertise :

Expert-level proficiency in T-SQL coding, tuning, and optimization.

Deep expertise in implementing and managing High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions (e.g., Always On, Clustering).

Proven experience with performance monitoring, diagnostics, and tuning tools (DMVs, Extended Events, SQL Profiler).

Strong knowledge of SQL Server security models, encryption (TDE), and compliance standards.

Experience supporting databases in a Cloud environment (Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or AWS RDS) is highly desirable.

Operating Systems : Proficient in Windows Server environments, including storage, networking, and virtualization concepts.

Automation : Experience with scripting languages like PowerShell for database automation.

Desired Soft Skills

Exceptional Problem-Solving : Ability to think critically and apply expert knowledge to resolve novel, high-impact issues under pressure.

Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing technical bridges during critical incidents and documenting complex solutions for lower tiers.

Mentorship : Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and transfer knowledge to junior staff.

Customer Focus : A sincere dedication to service quality and meeting client / internal business needs.