Principal Database Administrator

About Us:

Endpoint is an interactive response technology (IRT®) systems and solutions provider that supports the life sciences industry. Since 2009, we have been working with a single vision in mind, to help sponsors and pharmaceutical companies achieve clinical trial success. Our solutions, realized through the proprietary PULSE® platform, have proven to maximize the supply chain, minimize operational costs, and ensure timely and accurate patient dosing. Endpoint is headquartered in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina with offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Position Overview:

The Principal Database Administrator (DBA) serves as the strategic and technical lead responsible for designing, implementing, and managing high-performance, mission-critical SQL Server environments. This role requires extensive expertise in database architecture, high-availability configurations, performance optimization, and data security, with a strong focus on ensuring data integrity and system reliability. 

The Principal DBA will lead initiatives for automation, troubleshooting, and incident response, acting as the top-level escalation point for complex database issues. This role also involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior DBAs, and driving continuous improvement efforts across all database operations. Ideal candidates will have a deep knowledge of SQL Server technologies, scripting for automation, and a proactive approach to managing both cloud-based and on-premises database solutions aligned with business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with DBAs to architect and design scalable solutions in both on-premises Data Center and the Azure Cloud, including Always on High Availability, Clustering and Log Shipping.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce database standards and guidelines for DBAs and the Operations Engineering team.
• Develop, manage, and maintain monitoring solutions to identify issues in the data tier.
• Analyze results and provide SQL tuning and process development to optimize poorly performing code.
• Work with the Systems Operations team to ensure data tier security, including encryption and access control, in compliance with relevant regulations.
• Perform regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to safeguard data.
• Validate and maintain backup strategies to ensure data protection, recovery, and business continuity in alignment with the organization’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with clients and regulatory organizations.
• Serve as the top-level escalation point for all database-related issues.
• Document and conduct corrective and preventative action (CA/PA) exercises in response to data tier incidents.
• Stay current with SQL Server advancements and trends, evaluating emerging tools and technologies for organizational benefits.
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize database environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Developers, Infrastructure, DevOps, etc.) to support project needs and database integration.
• Mentor junior DBAs, providing technical guidance, best practices, and training on SQL Server technologies.
• Availability for on-call work as part of the regular schedule, and as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in SQL Server Database Administration, with proven expertise in managing large, mission-critical databases.
• Strong knowledge of SQL Server high-availability solutions and clustered environments.
• Proficiency in T-SQL and PowerShell scripting for database automation.
• Extensive experience writing T-SQL stored procedures and performing query optimization and tuning. 
• Experience with cloud-based database solutions (Azure SQL and Cosmos) is highly desirable.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SQL Profiler, Extended Events, and third-party tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Redgate).

Skills:

• Ability to interact effectively with resources from the functional and technical tracks on the project team.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to manage shifting priorities.
• Must be willing to work on-call as part of regular work schedule and when required.
• Process and detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment preferred.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a collaborative approach to working with various teams and mentoring junior staff.

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