We are seeking an exceptionally skilled and motivated Lead SQL Server Development & DBA-Level Engineer, to guide our team in building robust, scalable, and high-performance data solutions primarily within the Microsoft SQL Server ecosystem. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise in SQL Server development and database administration, with significant proven experience in managing Very Large Databases (VLDBs), along with leadership abilities to drive innovation, mentor junior talent, and ensure the delivery of high-quality data products that drive critical business insights.
The Lead SQL Server Development & DBA-Level Engineer, VP will be responsible for:
Very Large Database (VLDB) Management: Managing, developing, and optimizing solutions for very large databases, specifically within SQL Server version 19 and above, ensuring high performance and reliability.
Performance Optimization: Leading performance tuning efforts for SQL Server databases, including comprehensive query optimization, advanced indexing strategies, and overall database performance.
Collaboration with DBA Team: Working closely with the dedicated DBA team to ensure adherence to best practices and operational excellence for VLDB environments.
Data Loading & ETL Leadership: Overseeing and guiding robust data loading processes and ETL development, primarily utilizing Microsoft BI tools, to establish efficient data pipelines for large datasets. Mentoring other ETL developers in best practices.
Data Architecture & Modeling: Applying advanced data modeling principles and driving data architecture decisions for data warehouses, ensuring data integrity, scalability, security, and optimal performance for VLDBs.
Code Quality & Best Practices: Conducting rigorous code reviews for SQL (including stored procedures) to ensure quality, performance, and adherence to DBA best practices, particularly for large-scale operations.
Database Security & Access Management: Maintaining and enhancing existing entitlement and permission models to ensure robust database security, including the implementation of database encryption methods such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).
AI-Enhanced Development & Optimization: Leveraging AI tools to assist in SQL code refactoring, identifying performance bottlenecks, suggesting optimization strategies, and enhancing overall developer productivity.
Mentorship: Serving as an advisor and coach to mid-level developers and analysts, including work allocation.
Risk Assessment: Appropriately assessing risk in business decisions, ensuring compliance with laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to policy, applying ethical judgment, and escalating/managing control issues with transparency.
Recommended Qualifications
Candidates should possess a strong background in the following areas:
Experience:
8+ years of relevant experience in Apps Development or systems analysis with extensive SQL Server expertise.
Very Large Database (VLDB) Expertise: Proven and extensive experience in developing, maintaining, and optimizing solutions for very large databases (VLDBs) in SQL Server version 2019 and above.
Performance Tuning Expertise: Demonstrated ability in performance tuning for SQL Server, including expert-level skills in query optimization, indexing strategies, and overall database performance enhancements.
Data Modeling & Architecture: Deep understanding and practical experience in advanced data modeling principles, data architecture, and data warehouse concepts and design, ensuring data integrity, scalability, security, and optimal performance for VLDBs.
Data Loading & Microsoft BI & ETL Architecture: Extensive experience with data loading processes and ETL development, primarily utilizing Microsoft BI tools (SSIS, SSAS). Proven ability to architect, design, and implement highly scalable and robust ETL pipelines for large data volumes.
SQL Development Best Practices: Strong experience in SQL code reviews, fine-tuning stored procedures, and inculcating DBA best practices within development teams.
Database Security: Proven experience in managing database security, including maintaining and enhancing existing entitlement and permission models. Familiarity with database encryption technologies, specifically Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).
AI-Powered Development: Ability to leverage AI tools for efficient SQL code refactoring, optimization, and identifying potential code improvements, thereby enhancing code quality and developer productivity within a SQL Server context.
Project Management & Leadership: Experience in managing and implementing successful projects, with demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
Communication: Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication.
Nice to Have:
Python/PySpark skills for data processing and analytics.
Experience with NoSQL databases such as MongoDB or CouchDB.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience
Master’s degree preferred
This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.
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Job Family Group: Technology------------------------------------------------------
Job Family:Applications Development------------------------------------------------------
Time Type:Full time------------------------------------------------------
Primary Location:Irving Texas United States------------------------------------------------------
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:$125,760.00 - $188,640.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
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Most Relevant Skills Please see the requirements listed above.------------------------------------------------------
Other Relevant Skills Big Data, Cloudera Data Platform (CDP), Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PySpark, Python (Programming Language).------------------------------------------------------
Anticipated Posting Close Date:Jul 17, 2026------------------------------------------------------
Automated Processing and AIWe use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.
Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.
Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right
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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi.
View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.
Skills Required
- 8+ years relevant experience in applications development or systems analysis with extensive SQL Server expertise.
- Proven VLDB (Very Large Database) experience in SQL Server 2019 and above.
- Expert-level performance tuning for SQL Server, including query optimization and indexing strategies.
- Advanced data modeling, data architecture, and data warehouse design for large-scale systems.
- Designing and leading data loading and ETL development using Microsoft BI tools (SSIS, SSAS).
- Strong SQL development skills, code review experience, and stored procedure fine-tuning.
- Database security and access management experience, including entitlement/permission models and TDE.
- Ability to leverage AI tools for SQL code refactoring, performance identification, and optimization.
- Project management and leadership experience, including mentoring and work allocation.
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Master's degree.
- Python and PySpark for data processing and analytics.
- Experience with NoSQL databases (MongoDB, CouchDB).
- Experience with Oracle, Cloudera Data Platform (CDP), and Big Data technologies.
Citi Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Citi and has not been reviewed or approved by Citi.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits coverage is positioned as comprehensive, including health, dental, and vision insurance plus on-site clinics, prescription drug support, and disability coverage. Family-building support such as fertility assistance is described as a notable differentiator within the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as strong, highlighted by a 401(k) with matching and additional plan options like a Roth 401(k). Financial support is reinforced through discounts and broader financial guidance resources tied to the benefits ecosystem.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing support extends beyond insurance through programs like an Employee Assistance Program, counseling/legal resources, and gym or wellness reimbursement. These offerings increase the perceived total rewards value even when cash compensation sentiment varies by role.
Citi Insights
What We Do
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