Experience - 10+yrs

Location - Chennai

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced MS SQL Database Administrator (DBA) to join our IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the implementation, configuration, administration, maintenance, performance optimization, security, backup/recovery, and high availability of critical SQL Server database environments.

This is a highly hands-on technical role requiring strong expertise in SQL Server administration, database troubleshooting, performance tuning, HA/DR, automation, upgrades, and migrations. The candidate should also possess strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

The role will involve supporting SQL Server environments across development, testing, and mission-critical production systems, ensuring high availability, reliability, security, and consistent application performance.

Key Roles & Responsibilities Database Administration

Administer and manage Microsoft SQL Server databases across development, test, staging, and production environments.
Perform database installation, configuration, maintenance, patching, and ongoing administration.
Manage SQL Server environments throughout the complete database product lifecycle.
Monitor database health, availability, capacity, and overall system performance.
Ensure databases meet organizational standards for reliability, security, and performance.

Performance Tuning & Optimization

Perform SQL Server Performance Tuning and Optimization (PTO).
Identify and resolve database performance bottlenecks involving queries, indexes, CPU, memory, I/O, and database configuration.
Analyze execution plans and optimize complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and database objects.
Use native SQL Server monitoring and troubleshooting tools to proactively identify performance issues.
Establish and maintain performance-monitoring processes and best practices.

Backup, Recovery & Data Protection

Design, implement, maintain, and regularly test database backup and recovery strategies.
Perform database backup, restore, and recovery operations.
Manage appropriate SQL Server recovery models based on application and business requirements.
Ensure data integrity and minimize downtime in the event of database failures.
Exposure to Commvault for database backup and recovery is an added advantage.

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

Configure and manage SQL Server Always On Availability Groups.
Administer Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and SQL Server replication.
Support the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions.
Participate in DR exercises and ensure recovery procedures meet defined business requirements.
Troubleshoot failover, synchronization, replication, and availability-related issues.

Database Security

Implement and manage SQL Server security controls.
Create and administer database users, logins, roles, and permissions.
Ensure appropriate access controls and adherence to security policies.
Support database encryption and other security mechanisms as required.
Maintain compliance with organizational security standards and industry best practices.

Troubleshooting & Production Support

Independently analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex database issues.
Provide end-to-end problem resolution for production and business-critical database incidents.
Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
Work closely with application, infrastructure, development, and support teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
Participate in incident, problem, and change-management activities.

Automation & Scripting

Automate routine DBA activities using PowerShell and T-SQL.
Develop and maintain scripts for database monitoring, maintenance, health checks, backups, and administrative tasks.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through automation.

Upgrades, Migrations & Patching

Plan and execute SQL Server upgrades, migrations, and patching activities.
Support database version upgrades while minimizing application downtime and business impact.
Perform migration assessments, planning, testing, execution, and post-migration validation.
Maintain SQL Server environments in accordance with organizational lifecycle and patch-management requirements.

MSBI / Reporting

Hands-on experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for ETL job development, execution, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Experience with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for reporting solutions and dashboards.
Support database and reporting requirements for business applications.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
10+ years of hands-on experience in Database Administration with Microsoft SQL Server.
Strong hands-on experience with SQL Server 2019, 2022, and/or newer versions.
Strong proficiency in T-SQL, including:

Complex queries
Stored procedures
Triggers
Views
Query optimization

Strong experience in SQL Server Performance Tuning and Optimization (PTO).
Hands-on experience with database monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
Strong knowledge of backup, restore, and recovery models.
Experience implementing and managing Always On Availability Groups.
Knowledge of Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and SQL Server replication.
Strong understanding of HA/DR concepts and implementation.
Experience with SQL Server security, including users, logins, roles, permissions, and encryption.
Strong troubleshooting and production-support experience.
Hands-on experience with PowerShell and/or T-SQL scripting for automation.
Experience with database upgrades, migrations, and patch management.
Hands-on experience with SSIS and SSRS.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a production environment.

Additional Database Technologies Value Added

Experience with one or more of the following database technologies will be considered an advantage:

MySQL
PostgreSQL
MongoDB
Other NoSQL database environments

Preferred / Good-to-Have Skills

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent database certification.
Experience with cloud database platforms such as:

Azure SQL Database
AWS RDS for SQL Server

Strong proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation.
Experience with database DevOps practices.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and database deployment automation.
Experience with Commvault or similar enterprise backup solutions.
Experience supporting large-scale or mission-critical database environments.
Exposure to cloud migration and modernization initiatives.

Key Technical Competencies

Microsoft SQL Server Administration
SQL Server 2019 / 2022 / Newer Versions
T-SQL
Performance Tuning & Optimization
Query Optimization
Database Monitoring
Backup & Restore
Recovery Models
Always On Availability Groups
Failover Cluster Instances
SQL Server Replication
High Availability & Disaster Recovery
Database Security
PowerShell
Database Automation
SQL Server Upgrades & Migrations
Patch Management
SSIS / ETL
SSRS / Reporting
Azure SQL Database
AWS RDS for SQL Server
MySQL / PostgreSQL / MongoDB
CI/CD & Database DevOps

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to troubleshoot complex issues independently.
Strong ownership and accountability for production database environments.
Ability to work effectively with application, development, infrastructure, and business teams.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
Ability to prioritize multiple critical tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Strong documentation and knowledge-sharing skills.
Proactive approach to identifying risks, performance issues, and opportunities for automation.