McCalla Integrative Hiring! Full Time Senior Database Engineer – MSSQL - Azure in Federal Territory - Ricebowl

ABOUT THE ROLE

McCalla Integrative is looking for a hands-on Senior Database Engineer specialising in Microsoft SQL Server and Azure to join our technology team in Kuala Lumpur. This is not a conventional DBA role focused mainly on monitoring, patching and backups. We are looking for someone who can go deeper into the database environment — performance tuning, query optimisation, T-SQL, database design, production troubleshooting and working closely with application developers. The role will be the primary database engineering resource in Malaysia, working closely with our local development teams and our US-based infrastructure and technology teams.

Our Malaysia operation supports software development for our US parent organisation, with teams across software development, RPA, BI and product development. Our core technology environment is primarily Microsoft-based, including .NET, MVC, Microsoft SQL Server and Azure. This role would suit someone who enjoys technical ownership, solving complex database problems and working across both infrastructure and application teams.

WORKING AUTHORISATION & ARRANGEMENTS

• Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Malaysia.
• We are unable to provide Employment Pass or work visa sponsorship for this position.
• Candidates requiring current or future employer sponsorship to work in Malaysia will not be considered for this role.
• Kuala Lumpur based & Hybrid / flexible working arrangement
• Normal working hours are primarily Malaysia hours
• Some flexibility is required for occasional collaboration with US teams, which may extend into the evening when necessary
• The role works closely with both Malaysia development teams and US infrastructure/technology teams

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Microsoft SQL Server Engineering

• Administer, maintain and support Microsoft SQL Server environments across on-premises and Microsoft Azure infrastructure
• Take ownership of the SQL Server environment and related production issues
• Manage Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server hosted on Azure Virtual Machines
• Ensure database availability, reliability, scalability and operational stability
• Support SQL Server upgrades, migrations, patching and platform improvements

Performance Tuning & Optimisation

• Perform advanced database performance tuning across SQL Server environments
• Analyse execution plans, indexing strategies, blocking, deadlocks, waits and long-running queries
• Identify and resolve database performance bottlenecks
• Optimise complex T-SQL queries, stored procedures, functions and database scripts
• Monitor database CPU, memory, storage, I/O and overall resource utilisation
• Support databases operating in high-volume and production-critical environments
• Carry out capacity planning and recommend improvements where required

Database Development & Application Support

• Work closely with .NET and application development teams on database-related issues
• Review and improve SQL code, stored procedures and database scripts
• Troubleshoot performance issues across both application and database layers
• Review database schema and design and recommend improvements for performance and scalability
• Support developers with database best practices, query optimisation and production troubleshooting
• Assist with application deployments, database changes and production releases

Azure Cloud Database Engineering

• Manage and support database infrastructure within Microsoft Azure
• Configure and maintain Azure SQL services and SQL Server on Azure VMs
• Support migration of databases from on-premises environments to Azure
• Work with Azure infrastructure services to ensure connectivity, availability and security
• Monitor and optimise cloud database performance, resource utilisation and operational cost
• Review and recommend improvements to cloud database architecture and configuration

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

• Design, implement and maintain SQL Server HA/DR solutions
• Manage Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication, backup and recovery
• Perform failover testing and disaster recovery exercises
• Ensure recovery procedures meet business continuity, RPO and RTO requirements
• Maintain reliable backup and restoration processes for production environments

Production Support & Operations

• Take ownership of database-related production incidents and root cause analysis
• Troubleshoot complex database and infrastructure-related issues
• Work closely with US infrastructure and technology teams on production issues and technical improvements
• Automate routine database administration, monitoring and maintenance where possible
• Maintain database documentation, operating procedures and environment standards
• Support database health monitoring, maintenance and capacity planning

Security & Compliance

• Manage database roles, permissions and access controls
• Implement database encryption and security practices including TDE, SSL/TLS and Azure security features
• Ensure SQL Server environments comply with organisational security standards
• Identify and address database security vulnerabilities and configuration risks

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of strong hands-on experience in Microsoft SQL Server database engineering / administration
• Strong understanding of SQL Server architecture and database internals
• Strong hands-on experience in SQL Server performance tuning and optimisation
• Strong T-SQL skills including stored procedures, functions and complex queries

Good understanding of:

• execution plans, indexing strategies, locking and blocking, deadlocks, transaction management & query optimisation
• Experience supporting production-critical Microsoft SQL Server environments
• Practical experience with database troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Experience with SQL Server HA/DR technologies including Always On, clustering, backup and recovery
• Experience working with Microsoft Azure database services such as, Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs
• Experience working with application or development teams on database-related performance and production issues
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of database-related issues
• Comfortable working with cross-border teams and US-based stakeholders

NICE TO HAVE

• Azure database migration experience
• Experience supporting large-scale or high-volume databases
• Experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI or other scripting/automation tools
• Experience with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics or database monitoring tools
• Exposure to infrastructure as code such as Terraform, Bicep or ARM templates
• Microsoft Azure certification
• Experience working in .NET / MVC application environments
• Experience in database architecture or database modernisation projects

WHO THIS ROLE WILL SUIT

This role would suit someone who:

• Is strong in Microsoft SQL Server and wants broader ownership
• Enjoys solving performance and production issues rather than only routine administration
• Is comfortable working closely with developers and infrastructure teams
• Can independently investigate and resolve complex database problems
• Is comfortable being the primary database engineering resource in Malaysia
• Enjoys working in an environment where technical judgement and ownership are valued

COMPENSATION

Compensation will be based on experience, technical capability and current market level. We are open to considering strong candidates at different seniority levels where the technical fit is right.