Microsoft SQL Server DBA

Key ResponsibilitiesAdministration & OperationsInstall, configure, and upgrade SQL Server (2016/2017/2019/2022) across on-prem and/or cloud (Azure).Manage Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, Log Shipping, and replication where applicable.Implement and maintain backup/restore strategies (Full/Diff/Log), including off-site retention and regular test restores.Own security hardening: least-privilege access, AD integration, encryption (TDE, backup encryption), auditing.Maintain Agent jobs, maintenance plans, Ola Hallengren or equivalent, CHECKDB cadence, index and statistics maintenance.Performance & CapacityMonitor and tune performance using wait statistics, Query Store, execution plans, and index design.Troubleshoot blocking/deadlocks, long-running queries, parameter sniffing, and I/O bottlenecks.Capacity planning (CPU/RAM/IOPS/Storage), growth forecasting, and cost/performance optimization.Automation & MonitoringAutomate routine tasks with PowerShell/T-SQL, and maintain infrastructure-as-code/scripts where feasible.Operate and improve monitoring/alerting (e.g., SentryOne, SQL Monitor, Azure Monitor, Zabbix/Prometheus), and create weekly/monthly health reports.Reliability & ChangeEnforce SLA/SLO targets, conduct root-cause analysis (RCA), and drive preventive actions.Plan and execute patching/CUs with minimal downtime; coordinate change windows via ITSM/CAB.Create and maintain runbooks, SOPs, and disaster-recovery documentation; participate in DR drills.CollaborationWork closely with application, BI/ETL, and infrastructure teams; advise on schema/index design and release readiness.Provide on-call support in a rotation and handle priority incidents professionally.Required Qualifications & Experience5–8 years hands-on administration of Microsoft SQL Server in enterprise environments.Strong knowledge of HA/DR (Always On AG, FCI, Log Shipping) and backup/restore strategies.Proven experience with performance tuning: Query Store, DMVs, wait stats, execution plans, indexing strategies.Solid T-SQL skills (scripting, automation) and practical PowerShell for DBA tasks.Experience with security: AD/Windows authentication, roles/permissions, TDE, auditing.Comfortable with Windows Server, networking basics (firewalls/ports), and storage fundamentals (IOPS/latency).Track record of documentation, change management, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.Good communication skills in English (Arabic is a plus, if relevant).Nice-to-Have (Preferred)Azure SQL (IaaS VMs, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or Azure SQL DB) administration and migrations.Exposure to security/compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NCA-ECC) and data masking/subsetting tools.Scripting beyond PowerShell (e.g., Python) for tooling and automation.Microsoft certification (e.g., DP-300: Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions, legacy MCSA/MCSE).EducationBachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Information Systems—or equivalent practical experience.