Senior SQL Database Administrator

Job Description : Senior SQL Database Administrator & Offshore Operations Lead

Job Summary :

We are seeking a highly skilled and reliable Senior SQL Database Administrator & Offshore Operations Lead to provide critical database support and technical leadership for our enterprise systems. This contract role requires extensive expertise in Microsoft SQL Server administration and strong proficiency in PostgreSQL. The successful candidate will operate remotely from India, specifically managing and supporting database environments during our after-hours support window (aligned with a significant offset from the Central Time Zone, requiring a consistent night shift schedule). This position is vital for maintaining the performance, security, and high availability of our core data infrastructure globally.

Core Responsibilities :

Database Administration and Operations (SQL Server Focus) :

- Serve as the primary offshore expert for Microsoft SQL Server, responsible for all facets of database administration, including installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, and migrations across various versions.

- Implement and manage advanced High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions, specifically utilizing technologies like Always On Availability Groups, Database Mirroring, and Log Shipping.

- Proactively monitor database health, performance metrics, and resource utilization, performing complex performance tuning on T-SQL queries, stored procedures, indexes, and database configuration settings.

- Implement and enforce stringent database security policies, managing user permissions, role-based access control, encryption (TDE), and regular security audits.

- Develop, optimize, and manage robust backup and recovery strategies to ensure business continuity and meet specified Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).

Cross-Platform Support (PostgreSQL) :

- Provide operational support and maintenance for PostgreSQL database environments, addressing performance, security, and availability needs as a secondary database platform.

- Demonstrate proficiency in PostgreSQL tooling, configuration, and fundamental administration tasks, including replication setup and general troubleshooting.

Offshore Operational Leadership :

- Operate effectively within a defined after-hours support schedule (Central Time Zone 8-12 hours offset, typically a night shift in India) to provide seamless 24/7 global coverage.

- Act as the senior escalation point during the offshore shift, rapidly diagnosing and resolving critical production database incidents and service disruptions.

- Maintain clear, concise, and timely communication with onshore teams regarding issue status, ongoing maintenance activities, and system health reports.

Required Skills & Experience :

- Experience : 5- 8 years of dedicated, hands-on experience in production database administration, with the majority focused on enterprise environments.

- Primary Expertise : Expert-level knowledge and proven experience with Microsoft SQL Server administration (e.g., SQL Server 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022).

- Deep experience implementing and managing SQL Server Always On Availability Groups.

- Mastery of T-SQL for query optimization, stored procedure tuning, and complex problem diagnosis.

- Secondary Expertise : Strong practical experience in PostgreSQL administration, including configuration, performance analysis, and basic replication setup.

- Work Schedule : Proven ability and willingness to adhere to a sustained after-hours work schedule aligned with a significant time zone offset (Remote from India, supporting Central Time Zone operations).

Technical Skills :

- Expertise in indexing strategies, partition management, and database file architecture.

- Proficiency with database monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, SCOM, or specialized APM tools).

- Contract and Location : Ability to commit to a Minimum 12-month contract duration working Remotely from India.

Preferred Skills & Experience :

- Experience managing SQL Server and PostgreSQL databases within Cloud environments (AWS RDS/EC2, Azure SQL Database/VM).

- Knowledge of automation scripting using PowerShell or Python for routine DBA tasks.

- Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified : Azure Data Engineer Associate, PostgreSQL Certified Professional).

- Prior experience working in an Offshore/Follow-the-Sun support model.