Principal Database Administrator

United StatesRemoteFull-timelead

Database AdministratorData & AI

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Quick Summary

Overview

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Database Administrator based in the United States.

Technical Tools

Database AdministratorData & AI

We are seeking an experienced Principal Database Administrator to lead SQL Server architecture, high availability, and disaster recovery across a large-scale cloud operations environment. In this senior, hands-on role, you will shape the resilience, security, and performance of a multi-tenant database platform supporting critical business applications. You will serve as the technical authority for complex database challenges, driving architectural decisions and resolving high-severity incidents. Working with global operations teams and client-side IT specialists, you will oversee database integrations, migrations, and cutover activities. You will also strengthen operational efficiency through automation, robust documentation, and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to influence database strategy, mentor engineering talent, and deliver reliable, scalable cloud services in a collaborative, technology-driven environment.

Lead SQL Server architecture and operations, serving as the technical authority for high availability, disaster recovery, replication, and database resilience across a multi-tenant cloud platform.
Design, configure, and maintain SQL Server Always On Availability Groups and Distributed Availability Groups, including disaster recovery read-node validation and cross-region replication topologies.
Act as the escalation point for complex and high-severity database incidents, leading root-cause analysis and remediation for connectivity failures, memory pressure, blocking, deadlocks, and storage capacity issues.
Own transactional replication and Change Data Capture (CDC) lifecycle management, coordinating implementation, teardown, and reinstatement during client upgrades and go-live events.
Oversee database performance monitoring and optimization, including query tuning, index management, and resource utilization across multiple tenants.
Establish and maintain robust backup and recovery strategies, ensuring database integrity, security, stability, and service availability.
Develop and maintain automation for database administration and maintenance using PowerShell and Ansible, improving operational consistency and scalability.
Collaborate directly with client-side database administrators and IT teams on data integration, migrations, troubleshooting, and cutover activities.
Define architectural standards, technical documentation, operational procedures, and best practices for the database administration team.
Mentor and upskill fellow engineers, share technical expertise, and support service delivery across a global operations organization.
Identify systemic risks and recommend proactive improvements to database architecture, maintenance processes, and operational workflows.
Balance multiple priorities, communicate technical decisions effectively, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

~2 min read

At least 7 years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator, working with SQL Server 2016 or later, with demonstrated technical ownership at a principal or lead level.
Deep expertise in designing, configuring, and troubleshooting SQL Server Always On Availability Groups and Distributed Availability Groups.
Strong database design and administration skills, including proficiency in T-SQL, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and SQL Server Agent.
Proven experience with disaster recovery and backup architecture, including full, differential, and transaction log backup strategies and recovery-chain integrity.
Advanced skills in database troubleshooting, performance tuning, query optimization, and incident resolution.
Practical experience with transactional replication and Change Data Capture (CDC), particularly in complex production environments.
Experience managing Microsoft SQL Server workloads on cloud platforms, preferably AWS and Azure.
Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and experience with Ansible or comparable automation tools for large-scale database operations.
Familiarity with version control systems such as Git for maintaining and managing operational scripts.
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers, transfer technical knowledge, and establish effective team practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage directly with clients and explain complex technical concepts to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
Strong analytical thinking, independent decision-making, and the ability to evaluate architectural trade-offs, anticipate risks, and prioritize competing deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Agile or Scrum methodologies, or relevant Microsoft certifications is an advantage.