Senior Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator - Fully Remote

Fortified Data is a fast-growing, fully remote database services company helping organizations worldwide optimize their most critical data environments. As trusted advisors in database management, administration, and strategic consulting, we partner with clients to design solutions that don't just solve today's challenges—they scale for tomorrow's growth. Our team brings deep expertise across high-volume, mission-critical systems, and we're known for translating complex technical problems into clear, actionable business strategies. We don't just manage databases—we elevate data engagements and transform technology environments. We've built a collaborative, curious culture where your expertise matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is real—from anywhere. Fortified Data is an equal-opportunity employer. Eligible candidates must provide evidence of legal working status for any employer in the U.S. Job Summary Fortified Data is seeking a Senior SQL Database Administrator to join our technical service delivery team. In this role, you'll be a trusted advisor to our clients, designing, managing, and supporting enterprise database systems with a primary focus on Microsoft SQL Server. You'll own database stability, performance, and availability while serving as a technical mentor to our team. Duties & Essential Job Functions Client Support & Service Delivery • Resolve client technical support issues through our Managed Service Desk • Manage priority of inbound support requests • Respond to client issues within targeted response times specified in SLA (service level agreement) • Resolve database integrity issues, performance issues, blocking and deadlocking issues, replication issues, connectivity issues, and security issues • Communicate ticket status with team members and clients • Document in detail the resolution of each issue within our Ticket Management System • Enter time spent with clients in real-time Database Operations & Administration • Plan and perform the installation of database application software, patches, and service packs • Proactive database monitoring and maintenance • Ensure the integrity and security of client databases • Consolidate and tune databases for optimal performance • Perform backups and restores • Database performance monitoring, optimization and tuning • Implement and support systems for high availability and disaster recovery (e.g. Always On Availability Groups, replication, log shipping, failover clustering) • Generate and maintain scripts to support database creation, schemas, automate tasks and related activities • Perform root cause analysis, document, and present to client • Update internal process and support documentation Technical Leadership • Mentor Junior DBAs • Lead internal lunch-and-learn sessions • Contribute technical blog posts and white papers Education & Experience Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or Similar Technical Degree (or equivalent professional experience) Required Experience: 5+ years of demonstrated experience in Microsoft Database Administration to include experience with: • Microsoft SQL Server versions 2016 and later (including 2019, 2022) • Advanced installation, configuration, and patching of database software • Expert proficiency with T-SQL including query optimization • Experience with a second database platform (Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB) • Implementing high availability solutions (Always On Availability Groups, replication, log shipping, failover clustering) • Intermediate knowledge of Windows Desktop and Server Operating Systems • Basic understanding of NICs, subnets, and firewalls • Ability to troubleshoot query plans and provide remediation and/or recommendations • Effectively use monitoring tools • Understand histograms, page splitting, integrity checks, index usage and tuning, and wait statistics • Understand and implement security models • Understand how to read Performance Monitor and proactively tune systems Preferred Experience: Preference will be given to candidates with experience in: • PowerShell scripting and automation • Prior experience with a Managed Services Provider • Demonstrated experience in data extraction and manipulation, ETL techniques using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) • Working knowledge of cloud-based technologies such as Azure and AWS • Experience with SentryOne, Redgate, or similar monitoring platforms • Experience working in fully remote or distributed team environments Required Attributes • Customer Service: Listens and responds effectively to customer questions; resolves customer problems to the customer’s satisfaction. Respects all internal and external customers and uses a team approach when dealing with customers to exceeding customer expectations. • Ability to Multi-Task: Proven ability to manage multiple issues and/or projects successfully bringing them all to resolution in a timely manner. • Problem Solving: Anticipates problems, recognizes and accurately evaluates the signs of a problem and analyzes current procedures for possible improvements. • Detail Oriented: Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently. • Automation / Tools: Proficient in use of all Microsoft Office software applications including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Willingness and ability to learn and implement new software applications and technologies. Work Environment • We are a 100% remote company • Some travel possible Apply tot his job