We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Database Administrator (DBA) to join our growing team. The Senior DBA will be responsible for managing, optimizing, and securing the performance of our critical databases and ensuring the availability, integrity, and security of our client’s data.
This role will work closely with other IT, Security, and project teams to maintain the health of our database infrastructure and support the organization's data-driven initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with database architecture, performance tuning, high availability, and disaster recovery, along with the ability to troubleshoot complex database issues and provide solutions. A strong background in managing relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle) and cloud-based database services is preferred.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Responsibilities
Database Management & Optimization:
- Design, implement, and manage highly available and scalable databases.
- Monitor and optimize database performance (query optimization, indexing, etc.).
- Ensure data integrity and manage backups, disaster recovery, and high availability solutions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex database-related issues, including performance problems and data corruption.
Database Security & Compliance:
- Implement and enforce database security best practices to protect sensitive data.
- Conduct regular database audits, vulnerability assessments, and ensure compliance with security policies.
- Work with compliance teams to ensure databases meet industry regulations and standards (e.g. FedRAMP, StateRAMP, Federal compliance standards).
Data Integrity & Availability:
- Maintain and ensure the availability of production, staging, and development databases.
- Manage data replication, high availability solutions, and failover mechanisms for mission-critical systems.
- Ensure data consistency and integrity through effective database design and monitoring.
Collaboration & Documentation:
- Collaborate with Project, Security and IT teams to plan and implement database changes.
- Provide guidance on database design, query optimization, and other best practices.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for database architectures, configurations, and processes.
- Provide mentorship and training to junior DBAs and other related staff.
Automation & Monitoring:
- Implement and maintain automated database monitoring tools and alerts.
- Continuously review and improve database management processes, tools, and automation.
- Support automation initiatives for database maintenance tasks, such as patching and updates.
Cloud & On-Prem Database Management:
- Manage databases both on-premises and in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Participate in the migration and integration of databases into cloud environments.
- Evaluate and implement cloud-native database solutions when applicable.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience as a Database Administrator, with a proven track record of managing large-scale, high-performance database environments.
- Experience with relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
- Experience with cloud-based databases and services (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL).
- Strong experience with performance tuning, backups, replication, and disaster recovery.
- After-hours or weekend work may be required for urgent database support or upgrades.
Additional Skills:
- Expertise in database design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Strong understanding of database security best practices, encryption, and access control mechanisms.
- Proficiency with scripting and automation tools (e.g., PowerShell, Python, Shell scripts).
- Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Redgate, New Relic).
- Experience in database migration and integration, especially in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
- Experience with database as a service (DBaaS) offerings like AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, or Google Cloud SQL.
- Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Experience with database monitoring, logging, and alerting frameworks.
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical teams.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines
- Relevant certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), or AWS Certified Database – Specialty are preferred, but not required.
