Microsoft Azure Lead Database Admin (Architect)

Microsoft Azure Lead Database Admin (Architect)

Remote (US)

6 - 12 Months Contract Opportunity

About the role:

In this role, you will serve as a Lead Database Administrator (DBA) and technical lead, responsible for database architecture, disaster recovery strategies, and operational procedures. You will build resilient cloud database solutions, design comprehensive runbooks, and optimize database performance to support critical business applications. This is a hands-on role ideal for a seasoned MS SQL and Azure DBA passionate about database design, reliability engineering, and automation.

Responsibilities:

• Architect, deploy, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database environments for enterprise applications.
• Design and execute robust Disaster Recovery (DR) plans, High Availability (HA) architectures, and backup/restore strategies
• Develop operational procedure plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), detailed runbooks, and automation scripts for database maintenance and incident response.
• Monitor, tune, and optimize database performance, indexing, and query execution plans to ensure low latency and high availability.
• Implement data security best practices, access controls, encryption, and compliance controls across all Azure and SQL environments.
• Maintain detailed architecture diagrams, system documentation, and runbooks for all data platforms.

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience as a Database Administrator managing Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL platforms.
• Strong expertise in database architecture, High Availability/Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) designs (Always On Availability Groups, Geo-Replication, Failover Groups).
• Proven record of authoring runbooks, operational plans, and automated procedures using PowerShell, T-SQL, or Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Deep proficiency in query tuning, performance monitoring, index management, and database troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or similar relevant certification.
• Experience with CI/CD deployment pipelines for database migrations (e.g., Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud architectures and database migration strategies from on-premises to Microsoft Azure.
• Hands-on experience supporting PL/SQL, designing automated data extracts, and building ETL/ELT data pipelines.
• Experience with Oracle databases and PL/SQL development or maintenance.