Hamilton is hiring a Senior SQL Database Administrator to own the engineering, automation, performance, and reliability of our SQL Server platforms. This role, based in the US or Bermuda, moves beyond traditional DBA operations to focus on building automation-first, self-healing, and highly resilient systems.
What You'll Do
- Design, deploy, and operate high-availability SQL Server environments using Always On Availability Groups and Failover Clusters.
- Own the end-to-end lifecycle of SQL Server instances from build through to decommission.
- Ensure platforms meet all availability, performance, security, and recoverability requirements.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex database incidents and performance issues.
- Design and implement automation-first processes using PowerShell, T-SQL, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Automate SQL builds, patching, upgrades, backups, monitoring, alerting, and health checks.
- Implement Infrastructure as Code for database platforms using ARM, Bicep, Terraform, or DSC.
- Promote “DBA as a service” capabilities for internal engineering teams.
- Lead advanced performance troubleshooting, query optimization, and analysis of execution plans and wait statistics.
- Design and implement indexing, partitioning, and data-growth strategies.
- Proactively identify and remediate performance and capacity risks.
- Support performance testing and release readiness for critical applications.
- Implement and maintain SQL security best practices including least privilege access, encryption, and auditing.
- Support compliance with regulatory and internal security standards.
- Work closely with security teams on vulnerability management and platform hardening.
- Operate SQL Server across on-premises and cloud environments, including Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure SQL DB, and SQL Server on Azure IaaS.
- Optimize cost, performance, and availability in cloud platforms.
- Support migration and modernization initiatives to the cloud.
- Partner with application, data, and platform engineering teams on database-friendly architectures.
- Provide guidance and mentoring to junior DBAs and engineers.
- Contribute to standards, patterns, and documentation for database engineering.
- Participate in architecture and design reviews for new systems.
What We're Looking For
- Extensive hands-on experience as a Senior SQL Server DBA in production environments.
- Deep expertise in SQL Server internals, T-SQL development, and performance tuning.
- Strong automation and scripting skills, with PowerShell being essential.
- Proven experience implementing CI/CD pipelines for database and platform changes.
- Proven experience operating high-availability and disaster-recovery SQL solutions.
- A strong understanding of Windows Server and underlying infrastructure.
Nice to Have
- Experience with Azure SQL (Managed Instance, Azure SQL DB).
- Experience with Terraform, ARM, or Bicep for database infrastructure.
- Familiarity with monitoring platforms like Azure Monitor, SQL Sentry, Redgate, or Prometheus.
- Experience supporting large-scale or mission-critical platforms.
- Exposure to DevOps and SRE practices applied to data platforms.
- Microsoft certifications such as Azure Database Administrator Associate.
Technical Stack
- SQL Server, PowerShell, T-SQL
- Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions
- ARM, Bicep, Terraform, DSC
- Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure SQL DB, Azure IaaS
Team & Environment
You will report to the SQL Database Manager and collaborate closely with application, data, and platform engineering teams.
Benefits & Compensation
- Hybrid working model.
- Matching 401K plan.
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- Generous time off, including parental leave.
- Continued support for professional development.
- Gym subsidy.
- My Day program for additional personal leave.
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position open to candidates located in the US or Bermuda.
Hamilton fosters an inclusive, supportive, and empowering culture guided by the principles of Be Smart, Be Sensible, Be Open, and Be More. We embrace individuality and value diverse perspectives.
