Lead SQL Administrator - Database Operations

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences. 

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. 

Rockstar India is on the lookout for a talented Lead Microsoft SQL Server DBA, to join our Online Services organization, to provide technical leadership, guide database protocols, and drive operational excellence across our global SQL Server environment.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Rockstar’s large game development studio in Bangalore, India. 

WHAT WE DO

• The Rockstar Database Operations team offers operational and development assistance for critical platforms and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and mentor a team of SQL Server DBAs, encouraging teamwork and support.
• Monitor the health, performance, and availability of enterprise-scale SQL Server environments.
• Architect, implement, and maintain HA/DR solutions using Always On, clustering, and multiple data center guidelines.
• Drive automation of routine operational tasks to improve team efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
• Review and tune queries, indexes, and server configurations to improve efficiency and minimize latency.
• Collaborate with developers to review database code, schema designs, and deployment pipelines.
• Audit server health, error logs, and system performance to proactively address potential issues.
• Manage database upgrades, patching cycles, and capacity planning initiatives.
• Own and maintain detailed documentation for standards, processes, and runbooks.
• Act as a main contact for intricate incidents and lead root cause analysis and remediation efforts.
• Partner with leadership to plan roadmaps, prioritize initiatives, and align database operations with business needs.
• Participate in the 24/7 on-call rotation, providing mentorship and support for critical incidents.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of shown ability with Microsoft SQL Server administration and development.
• Demonstrable experience in leading or mentoring DBAs in enterprise environments.
• In-depth understanding of SQL Server internals, performance tuning, and issue resolution.
• Good background in HA/DR designs and multi-data center solutions.
• Experience supporting large-scale, high-concurrency, critical systems.
• Proficiency with database deployment automation and source control integration.

SKILLS

• Advanced T-SQL and query optimization expertise.
• Proficient knowledge in indexing strategies, locking, blocking, and concurrency management.
• Hands-on experience with storage, server, and OS-level performance tuning.
• Ability to analyze complex performance issues and drive root cause resolution.
• Skilled at building automation scripts and tools.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-team collaboration skills.
• Strategic problem solver with a focus on scalability, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and capable of making data-driven decisions.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• Passion for Rockstar Games.
• Familiarity with .NET/C# or application development.
• Experience with PowerBI, SSRS, SSIS, or ETL workflows.
• Experience with SQL Sentry, SolarWinds DPA, or other monitoring tools.
• Experience leading database load testing initiatives.
• Knowledge of Splunk, Datadog, or similar observability platforms.
• Familiarity with other database technologies (MySQL, MongoDB, Redis).
• Experience in CI/CD environments and database-as-code practices.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to hiring, promoting, and compensating employees based on their qualifications and demonstrated ability to perform job responsibilities.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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