Sr SQL Server Database Administrator (MS SQL and Azure SQL)

Job Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and optimize enterprise SQL Server and Azure SQL environments supporting critical business applications.
• Ensure high availability, disaster recovery readiness, and optimal database performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database, infrastructure, and application-related issues using native SQL Server, Windows tools, and Azure SQL technologies.
• Participate in architecture and design reviews, providing expert guidance on database solutions and performance optimization.
• Lead database-related projects and drive continuous improvement through automation and adoption of emerging technologies, including AI-driven solutions.
• Drive the adoption of AI-assisted database engineering solutions to improve operational efficiency, automate routine administrative tasks, accelerate root cause analysis, and optimize database performance and reliability.
• Provide on-call support on a rotational basis and be available during scheduled support windows.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in MS SQL Server and Azure SQL Database administration.
• Extensive hands-on experience with SQL Server 2012–2025 and Azure SQL, including:
• Always On Availability Groups with a focus on replica health troubleshooting and data synchronization issues
• Replication
• Change Data Capture (CDC)
• Other core SQL Server technologies and features
• Proven experience managing large databases and implementing table partitioning strategies.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server performance tuning, including:
• Query Store
• Execution Plans
• Extended Events
• SQL Profiler
• Missing Index Analysis
• Solid experience troubleshooting performance and availability issues using:
• Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)
• Wait Statistics
• Windows and SQL Server Error Logs
• Windows Event Viewer
• Performance Monitor (PerfMon)
• Hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database services and Azure SQL Managed Instance, including end-to-end migration planning and execution.
• Knowledge of Azure networking and cloud security concepts with the ability to troubleshoot related issues.
• Experience implementing and managing database security technologies, including SSL/TLS certificates and Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).
• Experience responding to vulnerability scan findings and implementing SQL Server security hardening recommendations.
• Compliance & Auditing experience with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA and PCI.
• Strong T-SQL development skills with the ability to write, review, and optimize complex code.
• Experience planning and executing SQL Server patching, cumulative updates, version upgrades, compatibility level changes, and post-upgrade validation for production environments.
• Experience supporting large-scale production environments under high-pressure situations.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, VMware, and related infrastructure components that impact SQL Server performance and availability.
• Ability to operate effectively without reliance on third-party database monitoring tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of PowerShell, Python, Chef, Git, and Venafi.
• General Linux administration experience.
• Experience designing and maintaining Grafana dashboards and monitoring solutions.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Hybrid
• Laptop/Computer Provided by the Company
• Market Total Rewards Package
• Retirement Plan
• Medical Plan (HMO) from Day 1 of employment
• Dental, Medical, and Optical Reimbursements
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time-Off Benefits
• Sick Leave Conversion
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Performance Based Merit Increases
• Employee Recognition
• Training and Staff Development
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Volunteerism Opportunity
• All Mandatory Statutory Benefits

Who we are

• Optum is the health care technology and innovation company of the UnitedHealth Group enterprise along with UnitedHealthcare.
• UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone.
• We're a leading health solution and care delivery organization. Our work is complex, but our mission is simple: create a healthier world, with you at the center.
• As part of a Fortune 5 enterprise, we are improving the health care experience of over 125 million people around the world.
• Elevate your career with a leading health care company while improving lives.