Senior Azure SQL Database Administrator

Senior Azure SQL Database Administrator / Database Architect | Remote

Location: Continental Europe (EU & Non-EU, excluding Russia)
Employment: Full-time
Duration: Short-term project (approximately 2–3 months, subject to confirmation)
Seniority: Senior
Rate: Up to $25/hour
Start: ASAP

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Azure SQL Database Administrator / Database Architect to take ownership of the architecture, performance, reliability, and security of a Microsoft Azure SQL database environment.

This is a hands-on, project-based opportunity focused on optimizing existing database infrastructure, modernizing legacy data structures, and building scalable, secure, and high-performing database solutions.

The ideal candidate combines deep MS SQL Server and Azure SQL expertise with strong database architecture, performance tuning, and data engineering skills.

Responsibilities

Database Architecture & Modernization

• Own the architecture, configuration, capacity planning, and scalability of Azure SQL environments.
• Design and optimize relational data models, database schemas, and data access patterns.
• Modernize legacy database structures, stored procedures, and database architecture.
• Establish database development standards and best practices.

Performance Tuning & Optimization

• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks using execution plans, Query Store, and Extended Events.
• Optimize complex T-SQL queries, stored procedures, indexing, partitioning, and statistics.
• Monitor and troubleshoot blocking, deadlocks, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with development teams to improve database performance.

Reliability, Security & Operations

• Implement and maintain high availability, backup, disaster recovery, and geo-replication strategies.
• Manage database security, including Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, encryption, auditing, and sensitive data protection.
• Automate database deployments, schema changes, and maintenance tasks.
• Optimize Azure SQL resource consumption and infrastructure costs.

Data Engineering & Integration

• Design and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory, SSIS, or similar technologies.
• Implement Change Data Capture (CDC) and incremental data processing.
• Support database CI/CD automation and deployment workflows.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and analytics teams.

Requirements

• 8+ years of commercial experience with Microsoft SQL Server as a DBA, Database Engineer, or Database Developer.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database.
• Strong expertise in T-SQL, query optimization, execution plans, indexing, partitioning, and statistics.
• Advanced knowledge of relational database architecture, schema design, and data modeling.
• Practical experience with Query Store, Extended Events, and SQL performance troubleshooting.
• Experience with high availability, disaster recovery, backups, and database security.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, encryption, and auditing.
• Experience with ETL/ELT, Azure Data Factory or SSIS, CDC, and incremental data processing.
• Experience automating database deployments and CI/CD processes.
• Ability to independently own database architecture and technical decisions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, or Databricks.
• Knowledge of dimensional modeling and data warehousing.
• Experience with Power BI and data governance tools.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Purview, data classification, and lineage.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300).

What We Offer

• Full-time, project-based engagement.
• Fully remote collaboration from continental Europe.
• Opportunity to take ownership of Azure SQL database architecture.
• Challenging database modernization and performance optimization tasks.
• Collaboration with experienced engineering and product teams.
• Competitive compensation of up to $36/hour.

Interested?

Please apply with your CV and briefly indicate your Azure SQL experience, availability, current location, and expected hourly rate.

We look forward to hearing from you!