*SQL Server DBA* (W2, Contract to Hire Role)
Posted 1 week ago by 1754465551
Negotiable
Outside
Remote
USA
Summary: The SQL Server DBA role at Kellton Tech is a hands-on, technical position focused on optimizing the performance of a mission-critical OLTP database. The successful candidate will be responsible for tuning SQL code and server configurations to enhance throughput and minimize latency. This position requires deep expertise in SQL Server and AWS infrastructure, along with strong automation and scripting skills. The role is remote, with a preference for candidates located in Charlotte, NC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth performance analysis of SQL queries and database operations.
- Manage indexes and statistics to optimize database performance.
- Refactor SQL code and stabilize execution plans for optimal performance.
- Tune server-level configurations for enhanced database efficiency.
- Integrate AWS infrastructure and monitoring for database management.
- Automate environment provisioning and CI/CD processes.
- Develop benchmarking scenarios and performance reporting.
Key Skills:
- 8+ years of SQL Server tuning experience in high-volume OLTP environments.
- Strong understanding of execution plans, wait-stat analysis, and index strategies.
- Hands-on experience with AWS EC2-hosted SQL Server and CloudWatch.
- Proficiency in PowerShell/Python for automation and CI/CD integration.
- Familiarity with diagnostic tools like SQL Profiler and Extended Events.
- Excellent communication skills for collaboration with developers and architects.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: undetermined
Country: USA
Working Arrangements: remote
IR35 Status: outside IR35
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: IT
Kellton Tech is a full-service software development company, offering end-to-end IT solutions, strategic technology consulting and product development services in Web, SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud), ERP-BPM, and IoT space Our methodology of inventing infinite possibilities with technology helps us develop best in-class and cost effective solutions for our clients.
Currently Kellton Tech is looking for talented resources for one of our listed client. Below are the position details:
Kellton Tech is a full-service software development company, offering end-to-end IT solutions, strategic technology consulting and product development services in Web, SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud), ERP-BPM, and IoT space Our methodology of inventing infinite possibilities with technology helps us develop best in-class and cost effective solutions for our clients.
Currently Kellton Tech is looking for talented resources for one of our listed client. Below are the position details:
Position: SQL Server DBA
Work Location: Remote (Charlotte, NC preferred)
Duration: 6 month contract w/ potential to extend or convert
Financial services or banking background experience would be good
Job Description:
Role Focus
This is a hands-on, deeply technical role: you ll drive the end-to-end performance of a mission-critical OLTP database supporting critical business operations. Your primary mission is to squeeze out every ounce of throughput and minimize latency by tuning both the SQL code and the underlying EC2-hosted server configuration.
Key Responsibilities
- In-Depth Performance Analysis:
o Profile top-heavy queries using DMVs (e.g. sys.dm_exec_query_stats, sys.dm_io_virtual_file_stats)
o Capture and analyze Extended Events sessions and Query Store data to identify plan regressions and parameter sniffing issues
Index & Statistics Management:
o Design and implement covering/non-clustered indexes, filtered indexes, and indexed views
o Automate statistics updates and histograms to optimize cardinality estimates
SQL Refactoring & Plan Stabilization:
o Rewrite stored procedures, TVFs, and ad-hoc statements for set-based operations
o Employ Plan Guides, Query Hints, and parameterization strategies to enforce optimal execution plans
Server-Level Tuning:
o Configure NUMA, affinity masks, MAXDOP, cost threshold for parallelism, and lock escalation settings
o Optimize TempDB layout (multiple data files, trace flags 1118/1117), autogrowth settings, and file-striping across EBS volumes
AWS & Infrastructure:
o Right-size EC2 instance types (vCPU, memory) and EBS provisioning (IOPS vs. throughput)
o Integrate with AWS monitoring (CloudWatch metrics, Enhanced Monitoring) and alert on disk queue lengths, buffer pool usage, wait stats
Automation & CI/CD:
o Script environment provisioning and configuration via PowerShell, AWS CLI / CloudFormation / CDK
o Integrate database deployment and migration into Azure DevOps
Benchmarking & Reporting:
o Develop load-testing scenarios), capture baselines, validate and drive continuous improvement
o Deliver detailed before/after performance reports with clear metrics (TPS, latency percentiles, CPU/IO utilization) aligned to business transactions and processes.
Required Skills & Experience
- Deep SQL Server Expertise: 8+ years tuning SQL Server 2016/2019/2022 in high-volume OLTP environments ( 100M rows)
Performance-First Mindset: Mastery of execution plans, wait-stat analysis, index strategies, and statistics management
AWS Savvy: Hands-on with EC2-hosted SQL Server; strong grasp of EBS volume types, networking, and CloudWatch
Scripting & Automation: Proficient in PowerShell/Python for admin tasks and CI/CD integration (Azure DevOps or equivalent) - Diagnostic Toolset: Comfortable with SQL Profiler/Extended Events, Query Store, Plan Explorer, and third-party profilers (FogLight, SolarWinds, etc.)
- Communication & Collaboration: Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for developers and architects in two-week sprints
Nice-to-Haves
Familiarity with containerized SQL Server (Docker/Kubernetes) or managed services (RDS/Aurora)
Experience with Resource Governor, Partitioning, and In-memory technologies (In-Memory OLTP, Columnstore)
Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, AWS Certified Database Specialty
Why This Role?
Impact: Tackle the biggest performance challenges in our core transactional system.
Apply: Interested candidates can apply with their detailed word formatted resume along with their contact information\availability to raj DOT sekhar AT Kellton DOT com
- 7.0.3.5.92.9.15.7
Thanks for all your time!