SQL Server Senior Engineer

Zurich is looking for an experienced SQL Server Senior Engineer for Public Cloud (AWS & Azure) to develop, implement, optimize, and maintain cloud-based solutions.  This is a pivotal technology leadership role that requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills to architect scalable, reliable, and secure SQL Server environments that support critical business applications.  The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with cloud-based SQL Server deployments, a strong understanding of cloud infrastructure, and the ability to guide organizations through their digital transformation journeys.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for providing end-to-end database support for cloud services through monitoring, incident response, and incident resolution for the Public and Private Cloud Platform environment.
• Database Systems Administration: Responsible for database backup and recovery (verification, checks), examine logs and alerts, maintain access rights and roles, database instance version control.
• Engage in Incident and Problem resolution including escalation to the appropriate teams as required.  Contribute to incident root cause analysis, with enough knowledge to lead discussions and drive tangible improvements.
• Provide support and expertise to troubleshoot issues on the public cloud database platforms (AWS and Azure) for hosted workloads, escalating to other specialized teams as required.
• Perform infrastructure engineering for activities which include database platform upgrades, image patching, monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in security incident response and investigation as needed.
• Engage with automation team to engineer, automate, and orchestrate database provisioning and maintenance processes using modern cloud tools and technologies.  Evaluate, design, and implement supporting technologies in alignment with global and local requirements.  Develop infrastructure as code to manage and provision cloud database resources leveraging standard tools (Terraform, PowerShell, Azure DevOps)
• Create and update capability and service playbooks and runbook documentation as required.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues reported by monitoring systems and submitted through the ticketing system. Fully document issues, actions taken, and steps for resolution.
• Initiate escalation process as appropriate while communicating progress and resolution to clients. Work with others to resolve problems and minimize escalations.
• Focus on continued professional development to maintain knowledge and application of current industry best practices and security concepts.  Provide advice on best practices for operations management of AWS RDS Databases.  Carry out and document Proof of Concept work for RDS Databases.
• Exhibit an innovative mindset by suggesting improvements as well as engineering and implementing related recommendations.  Strong desire to learn, implement, and teach others in new processes and technologies.
• Perform other tasks as defined, planned, and approved by leadership.  Support off hours changes and incidents.

Experience Required:

• Cloud Solution Architecture: Design and implement end-to-end SQL Server solutions on AWS and Azure, leveraging IaaS, native cloud services, automation, and best practices to ensure high availability, scalability, and performance.
• Migration and Modernization Leadership: Lead complex migration and modernization projects in AWS and Azure, including assessment, planning, execution, testing, and optimization.
• Performance Optimization: Analyze and optimize SQL Server workloads for throughput, latency, resource utilization, and cost across cloud platforms, including query tuning, indexing strategies, and resource scaling.  Experience with monitoring tools such as Dynatrace.  Experienced setting up monitoring / alarming for production DB environments.
• Experience with query analyzers and query tuning / slow query optimization etc.
• Security & Compliance: Architect secure SQL Server deployments by applying encryption, identity and access management, network security, auditing, and compliance frameworks (such as HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2).
• Automation & Infrastructure as Code: Implement automation using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Azure Resource Manager templates, AWS CloudFormation) for the provisioning and management of SQL Server resources.
• Disaster Recovery & High Availability: Design and maintain robust disaster recovery and high availability strategies utilizing cloud-native technologies (e.g., Azure Site Recovery, AWS RDS Multi-AZ, Always On Availability Groups).
• Collaboration & Consulting: Work closely with application architects, developers, DevOps engineers, security teams, and business stakeholders to align SQL Server solutions with organizational goals.
• Technology Evaluation: Stay current with emerging cloud technologies, evaluate new SQL Server features and cloud services, and provide recommendations to improve database platforms.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for SQL Server architectures, processes, and procedures. Mentor and train teams to build cloud expertise.
• Cost Management: Monitor, analyze, and optimize database costs in cloud environments using native cost management tools, recommending adjustments to align with organizational budgets.
• Operational understanding of security best practices and standards around cloud computing and access management.
• Strong analysis and troubleshooting skills and experience.

Technical Requirements:

• SQL Server Expertise: Proven experience designing, implementing, and administering Microsoft SQL Server environments (versions 2019 and later), including advanced features such as clustering, replication, partitioning, and in-memory OLTP.
• Cloud Platform Mastery: Deep hands-on knowledge of AWS (e.g., RDS for SQL Server, EC2, S3, IAM, CloudWatch) and Azure (e.g., Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance, Virtual Machines, Azure Active Directory).
• Migration Tools: Experience with migration tools and services such as Data Migration Assistant, Azure Database Migration Service, AWS Database Migration Service, and third-party solutions.
• Automation & Scripting: Proficiency in PowerShell, T-SQL, and at least one IaC tool (e.g., Terraform, ARM, CloudFormation) for automating deployments and managing infrastructure.
• Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Strong skills in monitoring, diagnosing, and resolving SQL Server issues in a cloud context, using tools like Azure Monitor, AWS CloudWatch, SQL Profiler, and custom dashboards.
• Security Best Practices: Experience implementing data encryption (at rest & in transit), role-based access control, key management, and compliance monitoring within cloud SQL Server deployments.
• Networking & Integration: Knowledge of cloud networking concepts (VPC, subnets, peering, VPN) and integration with other enterprise data services, APIs, and applications.
• Backup & Recovery: Experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining backup and restore strategies for SQL Server, including point-in-time recovery, cross-region backups, and geo-redundancy.
• DevOps & CI/CD: Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines integrating SQL Server deployments into agile delivery cycles.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or System Architecture and 6 or more years experience in an IT operations area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including Associate Degree in Computer Science or System Architecture and 6 or more years experience in an IT operations area
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent, and 8 or more years experience in an IT operations area
  AND
• Experience with public and private Cloud technologies
• 5 or more years’ project management experience
• 3 or more years’ leadership experience in Infrastructure or Cloud implementations
• Experience of migrating in-house services to a public cloud provider
• Experience of delivering business solutions with cloud computing services/platforms
• Experience with Virtual/Cloud infrastructure troubleshooting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience with SQL Server database architecture, administration, and engineering.
• 3+ years of architecting and managing SQL Server solutions on AWS and/or Azure cloud platforms.
• Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or similar, are highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities for interacting with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Other Requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required.

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. The proposed salary range for this position is $124,500.00 - $203,700.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. 

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission. 

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
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