ACTY - SQL Server Expert

IMPORTANT: At the moment we are only considering candidates located in Latin America. Please do not apply if you are not located in Latin America.

About Empirical

Empirical empowers early and growth stage tech companies to create the right products in the right way by providing two pivotal services:

• Product & Technology Leadership: Our clients entrust critical decisions to our network of top-tier US-based CTOs and CPOs. We provide fractional, project, or advisory based support, combining highly experienced talent with a flexible approach.

• Product Development Teams: We provide our clients with high performing, senior product development talent through a scalable staff augmentation model and ongoing support. We focus on Latin America to find exceptional talent, with time zone and cultural compatibility.

We are proud to be a people first company, where we prioritize building meaningful, long lasting human connections with clients and team members alike, while embracing diversity and uniqueness. With this foundation and our focus on talent, we help create great products that people love.

Our values

• Care about people first

• Strive to add value always

• Lead with integrity

• Have fun every step of the way

The Opportunity

Our client, is seeking an experienced MS SQL Database Administrator (DBA) for a critical 60–90 day optimization project. The primary focus will be on configuring and fine-tuning SQL Server environments to significantly enhance performance and reliability, as well as upgrading to the latest version.
This is a high-impact project that could extend into a longer-term role based on performance and client needs. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and may report directly to technical leadership overseeing the initiative.

What you'll do

• Evaluate the current SQL Server environment and identify areas for performance optimization.

• Configure and fine-tune database settings to maximize speed, scalability, and reliability.

• Lead the upgrade process to the latest version of Microsoft SQL Server.

• Monitor database performance and implement improvements proactively.

• Document processes, configurations, and recommendations to ensure knowledge transfer.

• Collaborate with the broader technical team to align database strategies with business goals.

• Performance Monitoring with Azure Tools:
  Familiarity with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, SQL Insights, and Query Performance Insight for monitoring and troubleshooting database performance in Azure.

• Cost Management and Optimization:
  Understanding of pricing models for Azure SQL services and ability to optimize compute, storage, and licensing costs (e.g., vCore model vs DTU model).

• Database Version Upgrade:
  Assess current SQL Server versions and upgrade databases to the latest stable, supported versions, ensuring compatibility with existing applications.

• Performance Configuration Tuning:
  Analyze current database configurations (memory, CPU, storage, indexing) and apply optimizations to improve query performance, transaction throughput, and resource utilization.

• Backup and Rollback Planning:
  Design and validate a comprehensive backup, rollback, and disaster recovery plan to safeguard data integrity during and after the upgrade process.

• Performance Benchmarking and Validation:
  Conduct pre- and post-upgrade performance benchmarks to validate improvements and identify any regressions or additional tuning opportunities.

• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer:
  Provide updated environment documentation, including new version configurations and tuning adjustments, and conduct a handover session for IT/Operations teams.

Your qualifications and experience

Must haves

• 7+ years of experience as an MS SQL Server DBA in production environments.

• Deep understanding of SQL Server configuration, tuning, and optimization techniques.

• Hands-on experience upgrading SQL Server instances to newer versions.

• Expertise in troubleshooting performance bottlenecks and resolving database issues.

• Solid understanding of backup and recovery best practices.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.

• Solid English and communication skills.