Senior Database Engineer

Description:
On-site in Washington, DC

Our client seeks a Senior Database Engineer responsible for installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance tuning of Microsoft SQL Server databases while supporting enterprise open-source data platforms. The role ensures security, availability, reliability, scalability, and stability across mission-critical environments. The engineer will collaborate with development, DevOps, and infrastructure teams to optimize performance, streamline deployments, automate operations, and mentor junior DBAs. The position is full-time on-site at DOT HQ in Washington, DC and does not require travel.

Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident with an active Public Trust clearance. This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $50.00 to $60.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Install and configure Microsoft SQL Server instances and tools including SSMS, SSRS, SSIS, and SSAS.
• Set up new databases, servers, and related infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments.
• Manage SQL Server clustering, replication, Always On, and high availability solutions.
• Monitor and maintain database performance, integrity, and security.
• Perform index optimization, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Plan and execute upgrades, patches, and migrations including on-premises to Azure.
• Troubleshoot errors, bottlenecks, deadlocks, and performance issues.
• Analyze query execution plans and optimize SQL queries.
• Use SQL Profiler, Extended Events, and Performance Monitor for diagnostics.
• Administer accounts, roles, and permissions and audit database activities.
• Maintain documentation for environments, configurations, and changes.
• Generate performance, growth, and usage reports.
• Support Azure managed instances and database security solutions including TDE and STIG compliance.
• Participate in DR testing, provide recommendations, and support on-call rotations.
• Mandatory participation in monthly database patching.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years as a database administrator supporting Oracle and SQL environments.
• Oracle and SQL certifications.
• Proficiency with SQL clustering, Always On, and migrations to Azure.
• Experience with Azure Managed Instance and SQL STIG, including TDE.
• Administration expertise for SQL Server versions 2012 through 2022 and Oracle on Linux and Windows.
• Experience with Oracle RAC, OEM, RMAN, Data Guard, and RAC on Windows.
• Linux shell scripting proficiency and experience with AWS RDS and EC2.
• Ability to analyze execution plans and optimize performance.
• Knowledge of AWS concepts for DBA operations.
• Experience with DR testing and on-call support.
• Background supporting 24x7 operations and automating health checks, alerts, and maintenance.
• Experience configuring Always On AGs, mirroring, log shipping, and replication.
• Capability to manage SQL clusters, apply SQL Server and Windows patches, and configure SSRS.
• Ability to configure OEM monitoring, custom shell script monitors, and Oracle backup and recovery.
• Experience setting least-privilege user access across SQL and Oracle.

Education Requirements:

• Oracle and SQL certifications required. LCAT education requirement status not specified.