THE ROLE The Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for the architecture, administration, performance, security, and availability of Microsoft SQL workloads in a fully Azure-based environment. This role provides technical leadership for Azure SQL platforms, ensures high availability and disaster recovery, and partners with application, DevOps, Infrastructure and security teams to support mission critical cloud-native solutions. The Senior SQL DBA plays a key role in driving operational excellence, automation, and continuous improvement across Azure database services. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Azure SQL Platform Administration Design, deploy, configure, and manage SQL Server on Azure, Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance Own end-to-end lifecycle management of Azure SQL environments, including provisioning, scaling, patching, and retirement Ensure optimal performance, availability, and reliability of production and nonproduction databases Cloud A rchitecture Optimization Design cloud native SQL architectures aligned with Azure Well Architected Framework principles Optimize database solutions for performance, scalability, cost efficiency, and resiliency Implement and manage Azure features such as elastic pools, auto-scaling, and serverless where appropriate Provide guidance on database architecture for new cloud applications and platform modernization efforts Performance Tuning Monitoring Monitor and tune database performance using Query Store, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and native SQL tools Analyze query execution plans, waits, blocking, and resource consumption Work closely with development teams to improve schema design, indexing strategies, Deployment runbook optimization, Data Archival/Cleanup, and query performance Proactively identify and mitigate performance risks before they impact customers High Availability Disaster Recovery Design and support HA/DR solutions using Azure-native capabilities such as: Shared Storage Failover Clusters Availability Groups Active geo-replication Failover groups Automated backups and point-in-time restore Automate seamless Disaster Recovery solution Define, test, and document RPO/RTO requirements Conduct regular disaster recovery testing and validation Security Compliance Implement database security best practices, including encryption at rest and in transit, auditing, and data masking Integrate Azure SQL security with Azure Active Directory /Microsoft Entra authentication and managed identities Enforce least privilege access and role-based security models Support compliance requirements and participate in security assessments and audits Automation DevOps Enablement Automate routine DBA tasks using PowerShell, TSQL, and Azure Automation Support CI/CD pipelines for database deployments and schema changes Improve reliability and consistency through infrastructure as code and automation standards Leadership Collaboration Serve as the senior escalation point for complex database and performance issues Mentor junior DBAs and provide technical guidance across teams Collaborate closely with application, DevOps, cloud infrastructure, and security teams Contribute to architectural reviews and cloud governance initiativesPositive and professional ability to collaborate in diversified geographical and cultural Team Documentation Standards Create and maintain operational runbooks, architectural diagrams, and best practice documentation Define and enforce Azure SQL standards and operational procedures Stay current with Azure SQL features, platform updates, and industry best practices LOCATION Full Time, Hybrid Position to be filled in Warren, NJ Candidate MUST be able to reliably commute daily Availability for travel may be required after gaining sufficient knowledge Relocation incentives or visa sponsorship NOT offered for this position BENEFITS 401(k) 401(k) matching Health, Dental, Vision insurance Employee discounts Flexible spending account Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave