SQL Database Engineer

Position summary

The SQL database administrator is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of the firm's database systems, ensuring performance, availability, and security across enterprise applications and infrastructure.

This role supports business operations by managing database environments and working with application owners and development teams to deliver solutions that meet business and technical requirements.

The SQL database administrator also supports database-related initiatives and firmwide systems, including document management platforms, and contributes to the stability, reliability, and ongoing improvement of the firm's database environment.

This position is remote; however, candidates are expected to reside within approximately 1–2 hours of commuting distance from the Pittsburgh office.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain high-performance database systems to support applications and business operations
• Optimize database performance through capacity planning, query optimization, index tuning, and other performance techniques
• Perform database engineering and administration activities, including installation, configuration, monitoring, backup, recovery, and troubleshooting
• Develop and implement data management policies and best practices to ensure data integrity, availability, and security
• Design and maintain database security measures, including access controls, encryption, roles, permissions, and auditing
• Collaborate with developers, system administrators, and stakeholders to deliver database solutions
• Lead database-related projects, including upgrades, migrations, and deployments
• Design and implement backup and recovery strategies and test restore procedures
• Configure and maintain high availability solutions (e.g., AlwaysOn Availability Groups) and disaster recovery plans
• Apply patches and updates to SQL Server instances and perform regression testing
• Develop and maintain monitoring and alerting solutions; analyze performance and implement corrective actions
• Provide administration of cloud-based database platforms, including Azure SQL and Azure Data Factory
• Lead and support projects related to the firm's document management system (DMS), including upgrades, migrations, and integrations
• Provide advanced support for DMS-related systems, including knowledge management, indexing, records management, and ethical wall systems
• Develop and maintain documentation, and provide training and support to application owners and developers
• Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend improvements to database infrastructure
• Participate in firmwide IT initiatives, project teams, or escalation teams as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Relevant Microsoft certifications (e.g., MCSE, MCDBA) a plus

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in database administration with enterprise-level systems (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL)
• Experience with performance tuning, query optimization, and capacity planning
• Experience with backup and recovery procedures
• Experience with technologies including AlwaysOn Availability Groups, high-availability architectures, SAN environments, virtual SQL Server environments, Power BI, and PowerShell
• Familiarity with document management systems preferred

Skills

• Strong proficiency in database design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting
• In-depth knowledge of database security principles and best practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage competing priorities, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact across all organizational levels
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid environment

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities
None

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities
• Ability to engage in effective and professional communication
• Ability to analyze complex information while maintaining attention to detail, managing multiple priorities, and exercising sound judgment
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to work extended hours and in the office as required to meet business or project needs

Working conditions

• Remote role with occasional in-office requirements
• Candidates must reside within approximately 1–2 hours of the Pittsburgh office to support potential in-office needs or emergencies

Pay ranges

Pittsburgh: $94,000 – $106,000

This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, location and experience.

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Medical insurance
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Virtual health services
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Accident insurance
• Hospital indemnity insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health employee assistance program (EAP)
• Paid family leave (for eligible exempt and non-exempt staff)
• Transportation benefit
• Back-up child care services
• College coach program
• Pet insurance
• Paid sick time (for exempt staff)
• Paid time off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code, and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and a generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an equal opportunity employer with core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork and respect, innovation, and impact. Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.