📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Site Reliability Engineer - SQL Database Administration
Company: Visa
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
Category: DevOps, Server Administration, Database Administration
Date Posted: June 30, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Primary Responsibilities: Database reliability engineering, deployment, and support of Microsoft SQL Server technologies in both on-premise and cloud environments.
Key Web Technology Aspects: Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments (AWS, GCP), PowerShell, TSQL, database replication, high availability, disaster recovery, and performance monitoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on database reliability engineering, requiring a strong background in Microsoft SQL Server and cloud environments. The position involves collaboration with various teams to ensure database services meet set SLAs and performance targets.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Database Administration: Install, configure, monitor, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Servers in production and non-production environments.
Automation & Scripting: Write, develop, and maintain PowerShell and TSQL scripts for database automation and application maintenance tasks.
Collaboration & Support: Work closely with infrastructure operations, engineering, product development, business operations, and technical operations to ensure delivery of database services within SLAs and performance targets.
Database Migration & Consolidation: Provide technical expertise and hands-on support in consolidation and migration of databases to new hardware and platforms.
Performance Analysis & Monitoring: Proactively and reactively analyze, monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve database issues. Regularly perform capacity planning and trend analysis.
Database Security & Compliance: Implement and support databases, storage structures, high-availability solutions, replication, encryption, and disaster recovery solutions. Ensure security compliance for SQL servers.
Team Leadership: Lead a team of database administrators and work with global teams. Provide technical guidance and mentor team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in Microsoft SQL Server and cloud environments. The candidate should be able to work well as a team and as an individual with minimal supervision.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 2+ years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g., Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD.

Required Skills:

6-8 years of DBA experience with Microsoft SQL Server databases.
2+ years of cloud experience working on GCP or AWS or Azure.
Strong technical skills in TSQL and PowerShell programming to automate SQL Server operational repetitive tasks.
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server technologies (all core areas: SSMS, SQL clustering, Data Synchronization, Encryption, Partitioning, Performance, Security, SSAS, SSIS, and SSRS configuration).
Solid understanding of network, storage, tiered application environments, and security.
Solid knowledge in database replication technologies and strong architectural engineering skills to design systems that meet various applications' high availability and disaster recovery requirements.
Good experience in engineering processes supporting repetitive or frequent tasks in database administration or deployment.
Solid understanding and experience in maintaining MSSQL technology lifecycle and automation of MSSQL deployment.
Good engineering skills in developing enterprise solutions to support MSSQL in areas like backup, monitoring and alerting, security compliance, patching, etc.
Good interpersonal skills along with effective communication (both written and verbal) skills.
Ability to solve complex systems and database environment issues.
Ability to work in a complex organization to determine business and customer needs, providing the best solution to meet those needs.
A good team player, leader, flexible, share knowledge, help others, collaborate well within and outside the team.

Preferred Skills:

Programming languages Python or C++.
Work experience in a financial institution.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration tasks.
Showcase projects that highlight database automation, performance optimization, and high availability solutions.
Include case studies that showcase problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation for database architecture, schema design, and data modeling.
Include scripts and code snippets that demonstrate your proficiency in TSQL and PowerShell.
Showcase your understanding of database security, compliance, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role requires extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server and cloud environments, your portfolio should highlight your technical expertise in these areas. Include projects that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize database performance, as well as your experience with database replication, high availability, and disaster recovery solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,700 - $180,650 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable).

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k)
FSA/HSA
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Wellness Program

Working Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Financial Services
Company Size: Large (25,001+ employees)
Founded: 1958

Team Structure:

The team consists of database administrators, engineers, and site reliability engineers working together to ensure the availability and performance of Microsoft SQL Server databases in both on-premise and cloud environments.
The team collaborates with infrastructure operations, engineering, product development, business operations, and technical operations to deliver database services within set SLAs and performance targets.

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous integration, deployment, and improvement.
They use tools like JIRA, Confluence, and Git for project management, collaboration, and version control.

Company Website: https://usa.visa.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Visa is a large financial services company with a global presence. The team structure and development methodology reflect the company's size and focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Database Administrator / Site Reliability Engineer

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Database Administration Manager and may lead a team of database administrators.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the availability, performance, and security of Microsoft SQL Server databases, supporting various applications and business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in cloud environments, database administration, and site reliability engineering. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in database management and performance optimization.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring team members, leading projects, and driving team initiatives.
Architecture & Design: Contribute to the design and architecture of database systems, ensuring they meet the high availability and disaster recovery requirements of various applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for technical growth, leadership development, and architecture and design contributions. The candidate should be eager to expand their expertise and take on new challenges to drive the team's success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote work)

Office Location(s): Austin, Texas, United States

Workspace Context:

The team works in a collaborative environment, with a focus on knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning.
The workspace is equipped with multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools to support database administration tasks.
The team interacts with various stakeholders, including infrastructure operations, engineering, product development, business operations, and technical operations.

Work Schedule: Varies upon the needs of the department, with an expectation of being on-site for a portion of the workweek.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at Visa allows for flexibility and collaboration, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous learning. The candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: Assess your understanding of Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration tasks. Evaluate your problem-solving skills and communication abilities.
On-Site Interview: Discuss your database administration experience, leadership skills, and teamwork abilities. Present a case study or project that demonstrates your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Final Review: Review your qualifications, career goals, and cultural fit for the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration tasks.
Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize database performance, as well as your experience with database replication, high availability, and disaster recovery solutions.
Showcase your understanding of database security, compliance, and best practices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration skills.
Practice problem-solving exercises and case studies to demonstrate your technical expertise and communication abilities.

ATS Keywords: Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, database administration, TSQL, PowerShell, high availability, disaster recovery, performance monitoring, team leadership, problem-solving, communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and cloud environments, as well as their problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and teamwork abilities. The candidate should be prepared to discuss their database administration experience, leadership skills, and career goals.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Database Technologies:

Microsoft SQL Server (all core areas: SSMS, SQL clustering, Data Synchronization, Encryption, Partitioning, Performance, Security, SSAS, SSIS, and SSRS configuration)
Cloud Environments: AWS, GCP
Programming Languages: TSQL, PowerShell
Automation Tools: GENAI
Monitoring Tools: Various database monitoring tools (e.g., SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Profiler, etc.)
Backup & Recovery Tools: Various backup and recovery tools (e.g., SQL Server Backup, SQL Server Log Shipping, etc.)
Security & Compliance Tools: Various security and compliance tools (e.g., SQL Server Audit, SQL Server Always Encrypted, etc.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role includes Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and various database administration tools. The candidate should be proficient in these technologies and have experience working with them in a production environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Expertise: Demonstrate a deep understanding of Microsoft SQL Server and cloud environments.
Collaboration: Work effectively with various teams, including infrastructure operations, engineering, product development, business operations, and technical operations.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in database management and performance optimization.
Problem-Solving: Solve complex systems and database environment issues efficiently and effectively.
Adaptability: Adapt to new technologies, tools, and processes as needed to improve database performance and availability.

Collaboration Style:

The team follows an Agile methodology, with a focus on continuous integration, deployment, and improvement.
They use tools like JIRA, Confluence, and Git for project management, collaboration, and version control.
The team encourages knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Visa values expertise, collaboration, continuous learning, problem-solving, and adaptability. The candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and be eager to learn and grow with the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Database Performance Optimization: Identify and address performance bottlenecks in Microsoft SQL Server databases, optimizing queries, indexing, and configuration.
High Availability & Disaster Recovery: Design and implement high availability and disaster recovery solutions for Microsoft SQL Server databases in both on-premise and cloud environments.
Cloud Migration: Migrate Microsoft SQL Server databases to cloud environments, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
Security & Compliance: Implement and maintain database security and compliance measures, following best practices and industry standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration tasks.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring team members, leading projects, and driving team initiatives.
Architecture & Design: Contribute to the design and architecture of database systems, ensuring they meet the high availability and disaster recovery requirements of various applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents technical challenges in database performance optimization, high availability and disaster recovery, cloud migration, and security and compliance. The candidate should be eager to tackle these challenges and drive the team's success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Microsoft SQL Server: Describe your experience with Microsoft SQL Server and its various core areas. Provide examples of how you have optimized database performance, implemented high availability solutions, and ensured security compliance.
Cloud Environments: Discuss your experience working with cloud environments like AWS and GCP. Explain how you have migrated databases to the cloud and ensured optimal performance.
Problem-Solving: Present a case study or project that demonstrates your ability to solve complex systems and database environment issues. Explain your approach to problem-solving and how you collaborate with team members to find effective solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

Visa's Database Administration Team: Research the team's structure, development methodology, and collaboration tools. Explain how you would contribute to the team's success and drive continuous improvement.
Database Administration Best Practices: Discuss your understanding of database administration best practices, including performance optimization, high availability, and security compliance. Explain how you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Case Studies: Present case studies or projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Include a walkthrough of your approach to database performance optimization, high availability, and security compliance.
Technical Deep Dive: Prepare a deep dive into a specific aspect of Microsoft SQL Server or cloud environments, showcasing your in-depth knowledge and understanding of the technology.
Team Collaboration: Explain how you have worked effectively with various teams, including infrastructure operations, engineering, product development, business operations, and technical operations. Provide examples of how you have driven team initiatives and contributed to the team's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and cloud environments, as well as their problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and teamwork abilities. The candidate should be prepared to discuss their database administration experience, leadership skills, and career goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Site Reliability Engineer - SQL Database Administration position at Visa:

Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration tasks. Include relevant keywords and emphasize your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and teamwork abilities.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Explain your interest in the role and how your experience and skills make you a strong fit for the team. Discuss your career goals and how you would contribute to the team's success.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Showcase your understanding of database performance optimization, high availability, and security compliance.
Research Visa: Learn about the company's culture, values, and development methodology. Prepare questions to ask during the interview process to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.
Practice Interview Questions: Review the technical and company & culture questions provided in this document. Practice your responses and prepare for the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to database administration, site reliability engineering, and Microsoft SQL Server technologies.
Include web technology industry standards, best practices, and emerging trends in database management and performance optimization.
Emphasize the candidate's technical expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration tasks.
Address the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and teamwork abilities.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about technical responsibilities, with specific reasoning based on role level and web technology industry practices.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute web technology-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and web technology specialization.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration technologies and tools relevant to the role.
Address web technology career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in database administration and site reliability engineering.
Provide tactical advice for portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies.
Include web technology-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize database performance optimization, high availability, security compliance, and problem-solving skills.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use web technology industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to database administrators and site reliability engineers.
Provide actionable insights that give web technology professionals a competitive advantage.
Focus on web technology team culture, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize Microsoft SQL Server, cloud environments, and database administration best practices, performance optimization, and security compliance.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the database administration and site reliability engineering discipline and role level.
Address browser compatibility, accessibility standards, and user experience design principles as they relate to database administration and site reliability engineering.
Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable database architecture.
Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for database administration and site reliability engineering projects.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to database administration or site reliability engineering roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific web technology role.
Marketing language unrelated to database administration or site reliability engineering.

Generate comprehensive, web technology-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for database administrators and site reliability engineers seeking their next opportunity and preparing for technical interviews in the web technology industry.

Staff Site Reliability Engineer- SQL Database Administration