Principal Database Engineer

Principal Database Engineer, Bangalore Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Principal Database Engineer to lead our database infrastructure initiatives with a primary focus on Microsoft SQL Server environments. This senior-level position requires deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities to drive database architecture decisions across the organization.Key ResponsibilitiesDatabase Architecture & DesignDesign, implement, and maintain enterprise-scale SQL Server database solutionsDevelop database architecture standards, best practices, and design patternsLead database capacity planning and scalability initiativesArchitect high-availability and disaster recovery solutions using SQL Server Always On, failover clustering, and replication technologiesHelp with strategy, architecture and implementation of data warehouse across all of our productsPerformance & OptimizationConduct advanced performance tuning and query optimization across SQL Server instancesWork with DBA to understand the database monitoring solutions and performance baselinesDesign and implement indexing strategies for optimal query performanceAnalyze and optimize database storage, memory allocation, and I/O patternsLeadership & StrategyProvide technical leadership and mentorship to database engineering team membersCollaborate with application development teams on database design and integrationLead database technology evaluations and migration projectsParticipate in architectural review boards and technical decision-making processesOperations & MaintenanceOversee database backup, recovery, and business continuity strategiesImplement database security policies, access controls, and compliance measuresEstablish and maintain database documentation and operational proceduresData ManagementDesign and implement data governance frameworks and data quality initiativesLead ETL/ELT process design and optimizationOversee data archival, retention, and purging strategiesSupport business intelligence and analytics initiativesRequired QualificationsTechnical Skills10+ years of hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL ServerExpert-level knowledge of T-SQL programming, stored procedures, functions, and triggersExtensive experience with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and related toolsDeep understanding of SQL Server internals, query execution plans, and performance optimizationProficiency with SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, and replicationExperience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Reporting Services (SSRS), and Analysis Services (SSAS)Strong knowledge of database security, encryption, and compliance requirementsDevelopment & AutomationProficiency in PowerShell scripting for database automation and administrationExperience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools and practicesKnowledge of CI/CD pipelines and database deployment automationFamiliarity with monitoring tools (SQL Monitor, SolarWinds, Nagios, etc.)Hands-on experience with a data warehouse implementation Preferred QualificationsAdditional TechnologiesExperience with cloud platforms (Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS for SQL Server)Knowledge of other database platforms (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) for comparison and migration projectsFamiliarity with big data technologies and modern data platformsExperience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) for database workloadsLeadership ExperiencePrevious experience leading database engineering teamsProject management experience with large-scale database initiativesExperience with vendor management and technology procurementEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field10+ years total experience in database engineering and administration5+ years experience in senior or lead database engineering rolesExperience in enterprise environments with high-availability requirementsKey CompetenciesStrategic Thinking: Ability to align database strategies with business objectivesProblem Solving: Strong analytical skills for complex database troubleshootingCommunication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiencesLeadership: Proven ability to mentor team members and drive technical initiativesAdaptability: Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing requirementsWork EnvironmentHybrid work environment with flexibility for remote workOccasional on-call responsibilities for critical database issuesMay require travel for system implementations or disaster recovery exercisesFast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects