SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert

Cognostrategy•Washington, DC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

CognoStrategy is seeking a SQL Database Administrator and Migration Expert to lead SQL migrations from on-premises environments to AWS and Azure. The role involves installing, configuring, maintaining, and tuning enterprise SQL Server systems across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments, and ensuring the security, availability, reliability, and scalability of mission-critical databases. The Senior DBA will contribute to architecture and capacity planning, automate operational workflows, enforce security practices, mentor other DBAs, and plan and execute complex database migrations, including lift-and-shift and re-platforming efforts. The position requires hands-on experience with large, high-availability hybrid environments and close collaboration with stakeholders and development, infrastructure, and security teams. This is a full-time, on-site position at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC. In-person support is required several days per week, with availability for either an early shift starting at 7:00 AM or a late shift ending at 7:00 PM as needed. The candidate must be able to participate in on-call rotations and perform mandatory monthly maintenance tasks. The role operates in a fast-paced, high-urgency environment requiring effective multitasking, prioritization of competing tasks, concurrent incident management, attention to detail, and composure during production incidents and tight deadlines. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or green card holders who have resided in the U.S. for at least three years and must be able to obtain a public trust clearance. Compensation is $110,000 per year.

Requirements

At least 10 years of related database administration experience specializing in SQL Server and AWS or Azure Cloud.
Certification in AWS or Azure Cloud.
Hands-on experience migrating Always On and SQL Cluster environments 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 ongoing maintenance.
Experience managing SQL Server versions 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2012 across VMware, AWS and 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.
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 tasks.
Ability to work on-site at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC and provide in-person support several days per week.
Availability for an early shift starting at 7:00 AM or a late shift ending at 7:00 PM as needed.
Ability to multitask, prioritize competing tasks, manage concurrent incidents, work under tight deadlines, and remain calm during high-stress production incidents.
Must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder, have resided in the U.S. for at least three years, and be able to obtain a public trust clearance.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Install, configure, maintain, and optimize enterprise database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and supporting infrastructure across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments.
Configure, manage, and optimize AWS and Azure SQL services and Managed Instances.
Plan and execute migrations of SQL databases from on-premises environments to AWS and Azure using IaaS and PaaS approaches.
Lead migration projects, including lift-and-shift and re-platforming efforts.
Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning to ensure 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.
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 reports on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends for stakeholders.
Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.
Mentor DBAs on AWS and Azure practices, establish operational best practices, and contribute to automation initiatives.
Participate in on-call rotations and perform mandatory monthly maintenance tasks.