[Remote] Senior SQL Server DBA – AWS RDS & EC2

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. TaxAct is seeking a Senior SQL Database Administrator to drive database operations, performance, security, and platform strategy across AWS-based systems. This role is essential for ensuring stable and high-performance data systems, especially during peak tax season, and involves collaboration with various engineering teams to enhance observability and operational excellence. Responsibilities • Own the health, performance, availability, and scalability of databases across AWS environments • Drive database platform architecture, standards, and improvements to support peak workloads • Perform advanced performance tuning, indexing, execution plan analysis, and troubleshooting • Manage backup and recovery strategies to meet defined RPO/RTO objectives • Build and maintain Datadog dashboards, alerts, and automated health checks; participate in on-call rotations and lead database incident response and RCA efforts • Partner with engineering and architecture teams to embed database best practices into application design, schemas, and data pipelines • Review and deploy database changes from internal teams and vendors; support performance modeling for new initiatives • Develop automation using T-SQL, PowerShell, and Bash to improve operational efficiency, integrity validation, and failover readiness • Contribute to database infrastructure-as-code using CloudFormation and Terraform, and support platform modernization and migrations • Implement and audit database security, encryption, access controls, compliance, and data governance practices • Mentor junior DBAs and guide engineers, leading initiatives that improve reliability, scalability, and data quality Skills • 8+ years of experience in database administration, engineering, or architecture • Deep expertise in SQL Server, including performance tuning, high availability, indexing, and optimization • Hands-on experience with SQL Server replication technologies, including Change Tracking (CT) and Change Data Capture (CDC) • Production experience with PostgreSQL and DynamoDB • Strong experience with AWS database services, including RDS and SQL Server on EC2 • Proficiency in T-SQL, PowerShell, and Bash for automation • Experience supporting high-scale, mission-critical environments • Familiarity reviewing database IaC in CloudFormation or Terraform • Experience with Datadog or similar observability platforms • Strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills • Ability to perform in high-pressure, seasonal peak environments • High ownership, urgency, and problem-solving mindset • Experience mentoring and elevating team members • Exposure to AI-assisted database insight or performance tools • Experience working in EKS-based microservices environments • Experience contributing to SLO/SLI definitions for database services Company Overview • TaxACT develops a tax preparation software that offers guidance and ensures a maximum tax refund. It was founded in 1998, and is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is Company H1B Sponsorship • TaxAct has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 8 in 2025, 6 in 2024, 11 in 2023, 14 in 2022, 16 in 2021, 13 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Apply tot his job