US Job Description

Company Overview
Reed Smith is a forward-thinking international law firm committed to advancing our clients’ business goals. We foster an inclusive culture and embrace innovation to deliver smarter, more effective legal solutions. With extensive industry expertise, strong client relationships, and a collaborative global structure, we are a trusted partner for complex legal matters, including disputes, transactions, and regulatory issues. Our team of over 3,000 professionals, including more than 1,600 lawyers across 30+ offices in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, works together as one global partnership to drive success for our clients, our firm, and our communities.

Position Overview
The SQL Database Engineer is responsible for maintaining the performance, security, and availability of the firm’s SQL Server databases. This role involves close collaboration with application owners and development teams to design, build, and manage database solutions that align with business needs. The engineer will also troubleshoot database issues, support users, and handle administrative tasks for enterprise systems. A strong grasp of database management, security, and relevant technologies is essential. The engineer will also act as an internal advisor within the department.

Key Responsibilities

– Design, implement, and manage high-performance database systems to support business operations and applications.
– Enhance database performance through capacity planning, query optimization, and index tuning.
– Handle database administration tasks such as installation, configuration, monitoring, tuning, backups, recovery, and troubleshooting.
– Develop and enforce data management policies and best practices to ensure data integrity, security, and availability.
– Implement security protocols, including access controls, encryption, and auditing.
– Partner with developers, system administrators, and stakeholders to deliver database solutions that meet business goals.
– Lead database-related projects, including upgrades, migrations, and deployments.
– Design and execute backup and disaster recovery strategies, ensuring data recoverability.
– Manage database security settings, including user roles, permissions, and audit logs.
– Configure and maintain high availability solutions like AlwaysOn Availability Groups.
– Apply patches and updates to SQL Server environments and test for compatibility.
– Create and maintain monitoring tools and alerts for real-time issue detection.
– Automate monitoring tasks using scripts and scheduled jobs.
– Provide expertise in cloud-based database platforms, including Azure SQL and Azure Data Factory.
– Lead projects related to the firm’s Document Management System (DMS), including upgrades, integrations, and migrations.
– Manage DMS data transfers, document imports/exports, user access, and vendor escalations.
– Provide advanced support for DMS-related systems such as Knowledge Management, Records Management, and ethical wall systems.
– Collaborate with business and technical teams to implement and support these systems.
– Document database configurations, procedures, and best practices.
– Train and support application owners and developers as needed.
– Stay updated on emerging technologies and recommend improvements to the database infrastructure.
– Maintain professional knowledge through ongoing learning.
– Participate in special projects, committees, or teams as needed.
– Perform other duties as assigned. Job responsibilities may be adjusted as necessary.

Qualifications

Education:
– Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent training and experience in IT.
– Microsoft certifications (MCSE, MCDBA) are a plus.

Experience:
– Minimum of 5 years in database administration with a focus on enterprise-level systems (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL).
– Strong skills in database design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
– Proven experience in performance tuning, query optimization, and capacity planning.
– Solid understanding of database security and best practices.
– Hands-on experience with backup and recovery processes.
– Familiarity with high availability architectures, SAN environments, virtual SQL Servers, PowerBI, PowerShell, and Microsoft Office tools.
– Experience with Document Management Systems is a plus.

Skills:
– Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
– Capable of managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing demands.
– Proven leadership and decision-making abilities under pressure.
– Effective verbal and written communication across all organizational levels.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
– None

Tools and Equipment:
– Personal computer and standard office equipment.

Essential Functions:
– Analyze and resolve complex technical issues.
– Exercise sound judgment and adaptability.
– Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
– Perform computer-based tasks for extended periods.
– Read and interpret digital and printed information accurately.
– Hear and understand verbal communication for effective collaboration.

Work Environment:
– Primarily remote work.
– Occasional extended hours may be required.
– Must be available for in-office work as needed; proximity to office is important.

Salary Range:
– Pittsburgh: $94,000 – $106,000
– Actual compensation may vary based on experience, location, and other factors.

Employee Benefits

Reed Smith offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

– 401(k) Retirement Plan
– Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
– Health Savings Account (HSA)
– Virtual Health Services
– Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness Insurance
– Life and Disability Insurance (Short- and Long-Term)
– Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
– Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
– Paid Family Leave (for eligible staff)
– College Savings Plan
– Transportation Benefits
– Back-up Child Care Services
– College Coach Program
– Pet Insurance
– Paid Sick Time (for exempt staff)
– Paid Time Off (for all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith provides a dynamic work environment, business casual dress code, competitive compensation, flexible benefits, tuition assistance, and a generous 401(k) plan. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to integrity, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation, and impact. Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with applicable laws. Only qualified candidates will be considered. No search firms, please.