Senior Database Engineer – Database Management

Description

We are seeking a Senior Database Administrator and Migration Expert to lead the SQL migration from on-premises to Google cloud. The position requires expertise on SQL installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance tuning of enterprise database systems to On-premises and Google Cloud. This role ensures the security, availability, reliability, and scalability of mission-critical databases covering enterprise systems such as SQL Server. The Senior DBA will drive architecture and capacity planning, automate operational workflows, enforce robust security practices, and mentor other DBAs on Google Cloud.

This position requires hands-on experience managing large, high-availability environments both on-premises and in the Google Cloud. It also includes responsibility for planning and executing complex database migrations to Google Cloud platforms. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and collaborate closely with stakeholders and infrastructure teams to optimize performance, streamline deployments, and ensure reliable data operations across multiple environments.

Must be able to multitask effectively and perform well under pressure in a fast paced, high urgency environment. Ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage multiple incidents concurrently, and maintain attention to detail in a high tempo operations setting. Comfortable working under tight deadlines, handling frequent context switches, and remaining calm during high stress production incidents.

Job Description and Duties:

• Full-time, on-site position at DOT Headquarters, Washington, DC.
• Provide in person support several days per week, with availability for either the early shift (starting 7:00 AM) or late shift (ending 7:00 PM) as needed.
• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise level database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and supporting infrastructure across on premises and Google Cloud environments.
• Configure, manage, and optimize Google Cloud SQL and Managed Instances (MI).
• Plan and execute migrations of SQL databases from on premises to Google Cloud (IaaS and PaaS).
• Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning to ensure scalability, reliability, and security.
• Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery strategies for SQL environments targeting Google Cloud.
• Monitor the performance, integrity, and security of all database platforms and investigate anomalies.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks: index optimization, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Plan and perform upgrades, patching, and migrations for standalone and cloud hosted database servers.
• Oversee and lead migration projects, including lift and shift and re-platforming efforts to Google Cloud.
• Manage database accounts, roles, and permissions according to least privilege and compliance requirements.
• Audit database activity and maintain comprehensive logs of configuration and schema changes for compliance and forensics.
• Implement encryption, secure connectivity (TLS/SSL), and other security controls for data at rest and in transit.
• Maintain detailed, version controlled documentation for database environments, architecture diagrams, configurations, procedures, and runbooks.
• Generate regular reports on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends for stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with development, infrastructure, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.
• Mentor DBAs on Google Cloud practices, establish operational best practices, and contribute to automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise database environments in hybrid (on premises) and Google Cloud settings.
• Proven expertise in planning and executing cloud migration projects; hands on experience with Google Cloud Platform is a strong plus.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Must have a minimum of 10 years of related experience as a database administrator, specializing in supporting SQL environment.
• SQL Server and Google Cloud Certified (e.g., Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, Cloud Architect, or relevant SQL Server certifications).
• Strong expertise in SQL Server administration both on premises and in Google Cloud environments.
• In depth knowledge and hands on experience in SQL Server installation, configuration, optimization, and ongoing maintenance.
• Proven ability to manage SQL Server instances (versions 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012) across multiple platforms, including VMware, Google Cloud (IaaS/PaaS), and on premises infrastructure.
• Capability to troubleshoot performance issues, analyze execution plans, and implement database performance optimizations.
• Experience implementing database security solutions, such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and SSL/TLS for secure data transmission.
• Hands on experience migrating SQL clusters to Google Cloud, including assessment of client requirements and providing detailed technical recommendations.
• Ability to participate in on call rotations and perform mandatory monthly maintenance tasks.
• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder who has resided in the U.S. for at least 3 years with the ability to obtain a public trust clearance.

Preferred skills and qualifications:

• Full-time, on-site position at DOT Headquarters, Washington, DC.
• Provide in person support several days per week, with availability for either the early shift (starting 7:00 AM) or late shift (ending 7:00 PM) as needed.
• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise level database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and supporting infrastructure across on premises and Google Cloud environments.
• Configure, manage, and optimize Google Cloud SQL and Managed Instances (MI).
• Plan and execute migrations of SQL databases from on premises to Google Cloud (IaaS and PaaS).
• Contribute to database architecture and capacity planning to ensure scalability, reliability, and security.
• Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery strategies for SQL environments targeting Google Cloud.
• Monitor the performance, integrity, and security of all database platforms and investigate anomalies.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks: index optimization, statistics updates, and consistency checks.
• Plan and perform upgrades, patching, and migrations for standalone and cloud hosted database servers.
• Oversee and lead migration projects, including lift and shift and re-platforming efforts to Google Cloud.
• Manage database accounts, roles, and permissions according to least privilege and compliance requirements.
• Audit database activity and maintain comprehensive logs of configuration and schema changes for compliance and forensics.
• Implement encryption, secure connectivity (TLS/SSL), and other security controls for data at rest and in transit.
• Maintain detailed, version-controlled documentation for database environments, architecture diagrams, configurations, procedures, and runbooks.
• Generate regular reports on performance, capacity growth, and usage trends for stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with development, infrastructure, and security teams to streamline deployments and accelerate incident resolution.
• Mentor DBAs on Google Cloud practices, establish operational best practices, and contribute to automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise database environments in hybrid (on premises) and Google Cloud settings.
• Proven expertise in planning and executing cloud migration projects; hands on experience with Google Cloud Platform is a strong plus.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.