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!