Senior Database Administrator

Senior Database Administrator Location

Washington, DC

Job Type

Contract | 6+ Months

Job Summary

STAFFXPERT LLC is seeking a Senior Database Administrator on behalf of our client in Washington, DC . The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, administration, performance optimization, security, availability, and recovery of SQL Server database environments.

This role requires a highly skilled database professional who can troubleshoot complex issues, implement automation, support critical database operations, and collaborate effectively with development, infrastructure, and IT teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, configure, upgrade, monitor, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Ensure database performance, availability, reliability, and security.
• Perform performance tuning, including query optimization, indexing, database design, and resource utilization analysis.
• Develop and maintain robust backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Implement and maintain database security controls, including access management, auditing, encryption, and compliance requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database connectivity issues, data integrity problems, performance bottlenecks, and system failures.
• Develop scripts and automation solutions using T-SQL, PowerShell , and other appropriate tools to improve operational efficiency.
• Monitor database growth and resource utilization and perform capacity planning for current and future requirements.
• Support database upgrades, migrations, deployments, and integration initiatives.
• Collaborate with developers, system engineers, application teams, and other stakeholders to support database-dependent applications.
• Establish and maintain database monitoring and alerting solutions.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, operational procedures, configurations, and recovery processes.
• Identify root causes of recurring issues and implement effective, long-term solutions.
• Support database-related projects and initiatives while meeting established timelines and technical objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology , or a related field. A master s degree or relevant professional certifications is a plus.
• Several years of hands-on experience administering Microsoft SQL Server environments.
• Strong experience with SQL Server performance tuning, high availability, disaster recovery, backup/recovery, and security .
• Proficiency in T-SQL, database administration, database design, troubleshooting, and performance optimization .
• Experience with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and database monitoring and troubleshooting tools such as SQL Profiler and Extended Events.
• Experience developing automation and administrative scripts using PowerShell and/or T-SQL .
• Strong understanding of database security, access controls, auditing, encryption, and data protection best practices.
• Experience troubleshooting complex database and infrastructure issues and performing root cause analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with technical and business stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required Public Trust clearance .

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud-based database platforms , including AWS database services.
• Experience supporting enterprise or mission-critical database environments.
• Experience with database migrations, upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
• Relevant Microsoft SQL Server, cloud, or database administration certifications.
• Knowledge of applicable data protection, security, and compliance standards.
• Experience leading or coordinating database-related technical projects.