SQL Server Database Administrator

Overview

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator for a contract-to-hire position based in Bangalore. This role is focused on migrating SQL Server environments to Azure virtual machines, ensuring minimal downtime and delivering builds, migrations, and cutovers per detailed plans and runbooks. The contract duration is fixed at six months with no extension, requiring all migration activities, documentation, and knowledge transfers to be completed within this timeline. Immediate to 30 days notice period preferred.

Project Details and Phases

• Phase 1 (Month 1): Conduct assessments, create standardized builds, automate scripts, and perform pilot migrations.
• Phase 2 (Months 2-5): Execute wave-wise migration and cutovers.
• Phase 3 (Month 6): Provide hypercare support, complete documentation and knowledge transfers, and assist with server decommissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory and assess existing SQL Server instances covering versions, configurations, dependencies, and criticality.
• Identify feature and compatibility gaps, documenting dependencies such as linked servers, SQL Agent jobs, SSIS/SSRS/SSAS components.
• Collaborate on migration wave plans, runbooks, rollback strategies, cutover checklists, and downtime estimations.
• Cooperate with infrastructure teams for VM sizing, managed disk layout, network security setups, availability zones, and storage optimization.
• Install and configure SQL Server according to standards including collation, MAXDOP, cost thresholds, memory settings, tempdb configuration, security settings, and trace flags.
• Set up SQL Server monitoring, alerts, maintenance jobs, and register VMs with SQL IaaS Agent for patching and updates.
• Automate build processes using PowerShell, dbatools, and infrastructure-as-code tools such as ARM, Bicep, or Terraform.
• Leverage AI tools (Claude Code, ChatGPT) to accelerate scripting, automation, troubleshooting and documentation, ensuring review and validation before use while maintaining data security.
• Conduct migrations via backup/restore, log shipping, availability groups, or detach/attach methods, ensuring secure handling of server objects and certificates.
• Perform data validation post-migration and communicate progress and issues with senior DBAs.
• Implement and support high availability solutions including Always On Availability Groups with appropriate failover tests and documentation.
• Manage replication and Change Data Capture migrations without disrupting consumer processes.
• Maintain backup and recovery strategies meeting retention and RPO/RTO objectives, including restore testing.
• Ensure security measures including least privilege access, encryption, auditing, patching and vulnerability mitigation are followed.
• Monitor performance using Query Store, DMVs, and wait statistics, comparing pre- and post-migration baselines.
• Keep all project documentation up to date and participate in handover sessions with permanent teams.

Required Expertise

• Deep knowledge of SQL Server versions 2016 to 2022 including installations, configurations and troubleshooting.
• Experience with SQL Server migrations and cutovers using various methodologies.
• Proficient with Always On Availability Groups, replication types, Change Data Capture and disaster recovery techniques (Backup to URL).
• Strong Azure IaaS knowledge including VM management, networking, Azure Monitor, and backup solutions.
• Expertise in Windows Server and Failover Clustering fundamentals.
• Advanced PowerShell scripting skills; experience with dbatools preferred.
• Proficiency in T-SQL and performance tuning techniques.
• Practical use of AI scripting assistants with ability to validate outputs responsibly.
• Capability to deliver results immediately without ramp-up.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Azure DevOps, Terraform or Bicep infrastructure as code tools.
• Familiarity migrating SSIS, SSRS, or SSAS components.
• Knowledge of Azure Database Migration Service and Azure Migrate.
• Use of Ola Hallengren maintenance scripts and monitoring tools like SolarWinds, Redgate and Grafana.
• Understanding of Entra ID integration, Key Vault, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
• Experience creating reusable AI-driven prompts and automation workflows.

Additional Information

The candidate must be based in Bangalore, preferably able to start immediately or within 30 days. The engagement is fixed-term for six months with the expectation of completing all tasks, including documentation and knowledge transfer, before contract end. The role requires close collaboration with infrastructure teams and senior DBAs throughout the lifecycle. Safety and data confidentiality policies related to AI tools and credentials must be strictly observed.