SQL Server Database SME on AWS/Azure

Description:
On-site in Washington, DC

Our client seeks a SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert to lead migrations from on-premises to AWS and Azure. The role includes installing, configuring, maintaining, and tuning SQL Server across on-premises, IaaS, and PaaS environments. The position ensures security, availability, reliability, and scalability for mission-critical databases. The Senior DBA will own architecture and capacity planning, automation, and security best practices, and will mentor DBAs on AWS and Azure. The role requires hands-on experience in large high-availability environments and responsibility for planning and executing complex migrations. The position requires the ability to work under pressure, handle concurrent incidents, and meet tight deadlines.

Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident with an active Public Trust clearance. This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $55.00 to $65.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments.
• Lead migrations from on-premises to AWS and Azure Cloud using IaaS and PaaS, including Always On and SQL Clusters.
• Configure, manage, and optimize AWS and Azure SQL and Managed Instance.
• Design and execute database architecture and capacity planning for scalability, reliability, and security.
• Implement and maintain disaster recovery strategies for cloud-targeted SQL environments.
• Monitor performance, integrity, and security of database platforms and investigate anomalies.
• Perform routine maintenance including index optimization, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Plan and perform upgrades, patching, and migrations for standalone and cloud-hosted servers.
• Oversee migration projects, including lift-and-shift and re-platforming to AWS and Azure.
• Manage accounts, roles, and permissions using least-privilege and compliance practices.
• Audit activity and maintain logs of configuration and schema changes.
• Implement encryption, TLS/SSL, and security controls for data at rest and in transit.
• Maintain version-controlled documentation, diagrams, configurations, procedures, and runbooks.
• Report on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends.
• Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and security to streamline deployments and resolve incidents.
• Mentor DBAs on AWS and Azure practices and contribute to automation.
• Provide in-person support several days per week with early or late shift coverage as needed.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution management and advanced user jobs and analytics.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years as a SQL Server database administrator in enterprise environments.
• Certification in SQL Server and either AWS or Azure.
• Hands-on migration of Always On and SQL Clusters to AWS and Azure.
• Expertise in SQL Server administration on-premises and in AWS and Azure.
• Proficiency with versions 2012 through 2022 across VMware, AWS, Azure (IaaS/PaaS), and on-premises.
• Strong performance troubleshooting, execution plan analysis, and optimization skills.
• Experience implementing TDE and SSL/TLS.
• Experience assessing requirements and providing technical recommendations for cloud migrations.
• Ability to participate in on-call rotations and perform monthly maintenance.

Education Requirements:
SQL Server and AWS or Azure Cloud certifications.