MS SQL Database Administrator (DBA)

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.