**Requirements and responsibilities** **Key Responsibilities** * Design, implement, and maintain **high\-availability SQL Server environments** (on\-premise and/or cloud) * Monitor and improve **database performance**, (work with developers to **review and optimize T\-SQL queries, stored procedures**, and data access patterns) * Perform **backup and recovery planning**, including **disaster recovery** and **replication** strategies * Implement and enforce **database security best practices**, including roles, permissions, and auditing * Maintain and optimize **ETL processes**, data warehousing, and reporting workflows * Design and maintain **database schemas**, including normalization, data integrity constraints, and partitioning * Perform capacity planning and manage **scaling strategies for large data sets** * Collaborate with DevOps to integrate database operations into **CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments** * Document all systems, procedures, and best practices clearly and consistently **Required Skills and Experience** * 7\+ years of experience as a **SQL Server DBA** in high\-transactional, distributed environments * Strong **AI\-driven** mindset with the ability to leverage modern development tools such as **GitHub Copilot**, **Cursor**, or similar AI\-assisted programming environments. * Deep understanding of **SQL Server internals**, storage engines, and indexing mechanisms * Expert\-level **T\-SQL** programming and query optimization skills * Experience with **SQL Server versions 2016\+**, including **Always On Availability Groups** * Proficient with **performance monitoring tools** (e.g., **Query Store**, **Extended Events**, **Dynamic Management Views**) * Experience with **database migrations**, **upgrades**, and **patching cycles** * Knowledge of **partitioning** and **data archiving strategies** * Experience with **SSIS**, **SSRS**, or **data integration/reporting tools** * Strong grasp of **security principles,** including encryption, auditing, and access control * Experience supporting developers on **table design**, **query tuning**, and **code reviews** * **Fluent English** (spoken and written) is a must. **Preferred Qualifications** * Knowledge of **cloud\-based SQL solutions** (e.g., **Azure SQL**) * Knowledge of Analysis Services and DAX language * Knowledge of the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem * Experience working with **Dockerized** SQL Server environments * Familiarity with **NoSQL/Redis/ElasticSearch** for hybrid architectures * Experience with **DevOps** tools like Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins for database deployments * Exposure to **CI/CD pipelines** involving database schema changes and release automation