Sr. Microsoft SQL Server Database Engineer, Remote

We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Database Engineer to design, optimize, and support high-performance Microsoft SQL Server environments that power critical enterprise applications.

This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in SQL Server architecture, query optimization, indexing strategies, high availability, disaster recovery, and secure database operations. You’ll work closely with development, infrastructure, security, and operations teams to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure database platforms.

You will also contribute to modernization initiatives focused on database architecture improvements, platform resiliency, and scalable data solutions across hybrid environments.

This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week onsite at our Plano, Texas corporate headquarters.

Responsibilities

SQL Server Performance & Optimization

• Design and optimize complex T-SQL queries, stored procedures, indexes, and database objects
• Analyze execution plans and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks
• Monitor and tune SQL Server environments using DMVs, Query Store, wait statistics, and enterprise monitoring tools
• Develop and maintain indexing strategies for high-volume transactional workloads
• Resolve issues related to CPU, memory, I/O, blocking, deadlocks, and storage latency
• Partner with engineering teams on schema design, query patterns, and database best practices

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

• Implement and support SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication, and log shipping
• Develop backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies aligned with business RPO/RTO requirements
• Conduct failover and recovery testing to ensure operational readiness
• Support resilient database architecture across on-premises and hybrid environments

Security & Compliance

• Implement database security controls including encryption, access management, audit logging, and separation of duties
• Support compliance initiatives related to PCI, SOC 2, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards
• Manage technologies such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always Encrypted, and column-level encryption

Operational Database Management

• Support database deployments and schema changes using structured release processes
• Work with version control and CI/CD tools such as Flyway, SSDT, and GitLab
• Investigate production incidents, identify root causes, and implement preventative improvements
• Monitor database health and performance using enterprise observability platforms

Database Upgrades & Modernization

• Plan and execute SQL Server upgrades and migrations
• Identify compatibility risks, deprecated features, and remediation strategies
• Contribute to modernization initiatives involving scalable database architectures and reduced technical debt
• Evaluate appropriate use cases for relational, object storage, and NoSQL platforms

Do you have experience in Technical troubleshooting support?, * 5+ years of hands-on experience managing Microsoft SQL Server environments

• Strong expertise in:
• T-SQL development
• Query optimization
• Execution plan analysis
• Indexing strategies
• SQL Server architecture
• Experience troubleshooting production database performance issues
• Experience implementing SQL Server high availability and disaster recovery solutions
• Strong understanding of database security, encryption, and compliance best practices
• Experience supporting enterprise production environments
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PostgreSQL or other relational databases
• Experience with SSIS, ETL workflows, or data integration pipelines
• Experience supporting cloud-hosted or hybrid database platforms
• Familiarity with monitoring tools such as:
• SolarWinds DPA
• Datadog
• Grafana
• Splunk
• Experience with automation, scripting, or infrastructure-as-code
• Familiarity with database CI/CD and deployment tooling
• Exposure to modernization initiatives involving microservices, NoSQL platforms, or service-aligned database design, * Independently manages production SQL Server environments
• Has strong expertise in query execution, indexing, wait stats, and performance diagnostics
• Troubleshoots complex database issues with confidence and urgency
• Understands enterprise HA/DR architecture and recovery planning
• Balances modernization efforts with operational stability and risk management
• Maintains high standards for security, compliance, and reliability, * Do you have at least 5 years of hands-on experience administering and optimizing Microsoft SQL Server production environments?, * Do you have professional experience troubleshooting SQL Server performance issues using tools such as execution plans, Query Store, DMVs, wait statistics, or indexing analysis?

$120,000 - $130,000 a year - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Referral program
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan, * Base salary range: $130,000 - $140,000
• Target annual bonus: 10%
• Competitive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Data Analysis Incorporated (DAI) is the controlling entity of the O’Neil family of businesses, supporting organizations across global equity markets, healthcare, financial services, digital media, and insurance.

We leverage technology and innovation to drive growth across our portfolio companies worldwide. Our teams build scalable, secure, and high-performing platforms that power mission-critical business operations. We value integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we’re looking for engineers who thrive in complex enterprise environments., * What is the largest SQL Server production environment you have supported?

Less than 100 GB

100 GB - 1 TB