We have an outstanding Contract position for an SQL/Oracle Database Architect and Administrator to join a leading Company located in the Alexandria, VA surrounding area.
We are seeking a highly skilled Database Architect/Administrator (DBA) with strong experience in SQL Server (and Oracle would be a bonus) to support a strategic initiative transitioning operational database responsibilities from the Business Systems group into IT Operations. This role focuses on database observability, performance and availability optimization, modernization, architecture, and long-term management practices that will stabilize, optimize, and streamline the customer's data environment.
Job Responsibilities:
Database Architecture & Redesign
- Assess existing SQL Server and Oracle database environments for structural, performance, and design issues.
- Redesign database hosting environments to reduce complexity and improve scalability, licensing costs, and flexibility - conversion from a single SQL Server model into a SQL cluster environment is highly desirable.
- Develop long-term database architecture standards and best practices for IT Operations.
Database Management & Administration
- Install, configure, patch, and upgrade SQL Server and Oracle database platforms.
- Manage storage structures, indexing strategies, partitioning, and capacity planning for OLTP/OLAP workloads.
- Develop and maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
Performance, Observability, Optimization & Troubleshooting
- Facilitate the detection and alerting strategy across operational environments, triage issues when necessary.
- Identify performance bottlenecks, tune SQL queries, optimize indexes, and streamline inefficient schema components.
- Diagnose and resolve complex database issues across both SQL and Oracle platforms.
Data Integrity, Security, and Standards
- Implement and enforce data governance guidelines, user access controls, and security policies.
- Maintain metadata, documentation, data models, and standard operating procedures.
Collaboration & Transition
- Work with Business Systems, developers, and IT Operations to transition operational database ownership into IT.
- Provide mentorship, documentation, and operational guidance to support sustainable internal ownership.
- Assist in application integration and support related system modifications.
Basic Hiring Criteria:
- Proven experience in architecting, redesigning, and administering SQL Server and Oracle environments.
- Strong background in database optimization, schema redesign, capacity planning, and performance tuning.
- Experience supporting enterprise environments, including backup/recovery and high availability.
- Ability to analyze and refactor poorly structured or legacy databases.
- Strong documentation and communication skills to support operational transition.
- Experience working under the ITIL disciplines of Change, Incident, Problem, and Service management.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience leading database modernization initiatives or migrating responsibilities between departments.
- Prior consulting or short-term engagement experience is a plus.