Associate Lead Database Engineer

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 is on the lookout for a passionate Associate Lead Microsoft Database Engineer who will provide technical leadership, guide database best practices, and drive operational excellence across our global SQL Server environment.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar’s NYC headquarters in Downtown Manhattan. 

WHAT WE DO

• The Rockstar Games Online Services Database Operations Team is a development group, passionate about growing and maintaining the technology platform that powers Rockstar’s online titles and our ability to deliver outstanding player experiences.
• The Rockstar Database team provides development and operational support for critical platforms and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and mentor a team of SQL Server Database Engineers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee the health, performance, and availability of enterprise-scale SQL Server environments.
• Architect, implement, and maintain HA/DR solutions using Always On, clustering, and multi-data center best practices.
• Drive automation of routine operational tasks to improve team efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
• Review and tune queries, indexes, and server configurations to maximize throughput 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.
• Own and maintain detailed documentation for standards, processes, and runbooks.
• Partner with leadership to plan roadmaps, prioritize initiatives, and align database operations with business needs.
• Participate in the 24/7 on-call rotation, providing guidance and support for critical incidents.

REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years of experience with Microsoft SQL Server administration and development.
• Proven experience leading or mentoring Database Engineer in enterprise environments.
• Expert understanding of SQL Server internals, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HA/DR design and multi-data center solutions.
• Experience supporting large-scale, high-concurrency, mission-critical systems.
• Proficiency with database deployment automation and source control integration.
• Advanced T-SQL and query optimization expertise.
• Strong knowledge of 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.
• Familiarity with other database technologies (MySQL, MongoDB, Redis).
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-team collaboration skills.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on scalability, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and capable of making data-driven decisions.
• Experience with PowerBI, SSRS, SSIS, or ETL workflows.

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 SQL Sentry, SolarWinds DPA, or other monitoring tools.
• Experience leading database load testing initiatives.
• Knowledge of Splunk, Datadog, or similar observability platforms.
• 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 committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process in order for such applicants to be considered for the position for which they are applying, as well as to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar’s reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please notify your recruiter during the interview process.

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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