Job Description
Job Description L3 SQL Database Engineer (Patching & Maintenance)
Role Overview
The L3 SQL Database Engineer is responsible for end-to-end ownership of SQL Server patching, maintenance, performance optimization, and platform stability across enterprise environments.
This role acts as the highest technical escalation point (L3) for database-related issues and ensures secure, highly available, and compliant database operations with minimal business disruption.
Key Responsibilities
SQL Server Patching & Upgrade Management (Critical)
- Plan and execute:
- SQL Server Cumulative Updates (CU) and Service Packs
- Security patching aligned with vulnerability management timelines
- Perform:
- Pre-patch validation (dependencies, compatibility checks)
- Post-patch validation (DB health, services, connectivity)
- Manage patching across:
- Standalone SQL servers
- Always On Availability Groups
- Failover Cluster Instances (FCI)
- Define and implement patching schedules, rollback plans, and risk mitigation strategies
Database Maintenance & Health Management
- Design and manage maintenance plans for:
- Index rebuild/reorganization
- Statistics updates
- Database integrity checks (DBCC)
- Backup and restore validation
- Ensure database performance and availability SLAs are met
- Proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks
Performance Tuning & Optimization
- Analyze and optimize:
- Slow queries
- Blocking and deadlocks
- Resource utilization (CPU, memory, I/O)
- Use tools such as:
- SQL Profiler / Extended Events
- Query Store
- Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)
- Recommend and implement performance improvements
High Availability & Disaster Recovery
- Manage and support:
- Always On Availability Groups
- Log shipping / replication (if applicable)
- Ensure HA/DR configurations are:
- Functional
- Tested regularly (failover drills)
- Support DR activities and business continuity planning
Automation & Scripting
- Develop automation using:
- T-SQL scripts
- PowerShell (preferred)
- Automate:
- Patch deployment processes
- Health checks and reporting
- Maintenance tasks
- Reduce manual effort and human error
Incident, Problem & Change Management
- Act as L3 escalation point for:
- Database outages
- Performance degradation
- Patch failures
- Lead troubleshooting during Major Incidents (MIM)
- Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement preventive actions
- Participate in CAB for change approvals (patching, upgrades)
Security & Compliance
- Ensure databases comply with:
- Security patching standards
- Access control policies
- Support vulnerability remediation and audit requirements
- Implement best practices for:
- Encryption (TDE, SSL)
- Secure configurations
Monitoring & Reporting
- Define and monitor KPIs:
- Database uptime
- Patch compliance
- Performance metrics
- Use monitoring tools (SQL native or enterprise tools)
- Provide regular health and compliance reports
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work with:
- Application teams (dependency validation)
- Infrastructure teams (server readiness)
- Security teams (vulnerability remediation)
- Communicate risks, downtime windows, and impact clearly to stakeholders
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Expertise (Non-Negotiable)
- Deep hands-on experience in:
- Microsoft SQL Server (20122019/2022 preferred)
- SQL patching and upgrade processes
- Strong expertise in:
- Always On Availability Groups
- Failover Cluster Instances (FCI)
- Backup & recovery strategies
Performance & Troubleshooting
- Strong skills in:
- Query tuning and optimization
- Deadlock and blocking analysis
- Resource bottleneck identification
Automation & Tools
- Strong scripting:
- T-SQL (mandatory)
- PowerShell (preferred)
- Experience with:
- SQL Agent jobs
- Monitoring tools (native or third-party)
Process & Governance
- Strong ITIL understanding:
- Incident, Problem, Change Management
- Experience in:
- CAB processes
- RCA documentation
- Production change handling
Soft Skills
- Strong decision-making during critical production issues
- Risk-aware mindset (understands business impact of DB downtime)
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ownership mindset with proactive improvements
Experience & Education
- 710+ years of experience in SQL Server administration
- 3+ years in L3 / SME role
- Bachelor's degree in IT or related field
- Certifications (good to have):
- Microsoft SQL certifications (e.g., DP-300)
Qualifications
Graduation
Range Of Year Experience-Min Year
7
Range Of Year Experience-Max Year
10
