SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert

COGNOSTRATEGY LLC•Washington, DC, DC

7h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert to lead migrations of SQL databases from on-premises environments to AWS and Azure. The role covers SQL Always On and cluster migrations to IaaS and PaaS, building Always On clusters in the cloud, and installing, configuring, maintaining, and tuning enterprise database systems across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments. The position supports the security, availability, reliability, and scalability of mission-critical database platforms, including SQL Server, and contributes to architecture, capacity planning, automation, security practices, and mentoring other DBAs. The successful candidate will manage large, high-availability environments and plan and execute complex database migrations. They will work independently and collaborate with stakeholders and infrastructure teams to improve performance, streamline deployments, and maintain reliable data operations across multiple environments. The role requires the ability to multitask and prioritize competing tasks, manage concurrent incidents, and remain attentive and calm in a fast-paced, high-urgency setting with tight deadlines and frequent context switches. This is a full-time, on-site position at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC. The role requires in-person support several days per week and availability for either an early shift starting at 7:00 AM or a late shift ending at 7:00 PM as needed. Participation in on-call rotations and mandatory monthly maintenance is required. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or green card holders, have resided in the United States for at least three years, and be able to obtain a public trust clearance.

Requirements

At least 10 years of related experience as a database administrator, specializing in SQL environments.
SQL Server and AWS or Azure Cloud certification.
Hands-on experience migrating SQL Always On and SQL clusters to Azure and AWS Cloud.
Strong SQL Server administration expertise across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments.
In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with cloud SQL migration, SQL Server installation, configuration, optimization, and maintenance.
Ability to manage SQL Server versions 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2012 across VMware, AWS, Azure IaaS/PaaS, and on-premises infrastructure.
Ability to troubleshoot performance issues, analyze execution plans, and implement database performance optimizations.
Experience implementing database security solutions such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and SSL/TLS.
Hands-on experience migrating SQL clusters to AWS and Azure, assessing client requirements, and providing detailed technical recommendations.
Ability to participate in on-call rotations and perform mandatory monthly maintenance.
Must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder who has resided in the U.S. for at least three years and can obtain a public trust clearance.
Ability to multitask, prioritize competing tasks, manage multiple incidents concurrently, and work calmly under pressure and tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success managing enterprise database environments in hybrid on-premises and AWS and Azure Cloud settings.
Proven expertise planning and executing cloud migration projects; hands-on experience with AWS and Azure Cloud platforms is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, and maintain enterprise database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and supporting infrastructure across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments.
Configure, manage, and optimize AWS and Azure Cloud SQL and Managed Instances (MI).
Plan and execute SQL database migrations from on-premises to AWS and Azure using IaaS and PaaS.
Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning for scalability, reliability, and security.
Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery strategies for SQL environments targeting AWS and Azure.
Monitor database performance, integrity, and security, 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 database servers.
Lead migration projects, including lift-and-shift and re-platforming to AWS and Azure.
Manage database accounts, roles, and permissions according to least-privilege and compliance requirements.
Audit database activity and maintain logs of configuration and schema changes for compliance and forensics.
Implement encryption, TLS/SSL secure connectivity, and other controls for data at rest and in transit.
Maintain version-controlled documentation, architecture diagrams, configurations, procedures, and runbooks.
Generate stakeholder reports on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends.
Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.
Mentor DBAs in AWS and Azure practices, establish operational best practices, and contribute to automation initiatives.
Participate in on-call rotations and perform mandatory monthly maintenance tasks.