Azure SQL DB SME

Description

About Our Team

Our employees thrive in a culture that's fast-paced and ego-free, where innovation and collaboration are encouraged at every turn. We are an organization that provides federal agencies instant access to experienced and talented professionals who understand their unique challenges and know the most efficient ways to address them. We are continually investing in resources and talent, so we stay prepared with specialized teams in place who are experts in creating tailored technologies. Our solutions empower Federal organizations to grow, modernize, and succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.

We value all voices and want to attract talent from all backgrounds. We're on the lookout for individuals who are passionate about technology and thrive in environments where problem-solving is approached with creativity and enthusiasm. If you're someone who enjoys continuously expanding your skill set while tackling real-world business problems, you'll feel right at home with us. Veterans and military spouses are especially encouraged to bring your unique and valuable experience to our team.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Azure SQL DB SME to serve as the technical authority for the design, deployment, security, performance, and operation of Azure SQL database solutions supporting federal programs. The ideal candidate will bring deep hands-on expertise across the Azure SQL family, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, along with strong T-SQL, performance tuning, high availability/disaster recovery, and database migration skills. You'll architect and maintain secure, scalable, and highly available database environments in Azure Government, lead migrations from on-premises SQL Server, and partner with developers, data engineers, and DevOps teams to ensure applications and data pipelines are built on a reliable data foundation. By joining our organization, you'll help federal agencies modernize their data platforms and deliver better services to the people who depend on them!

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs, advising on the right deployment option, service tier, and purchasing model (vCore, DTU, serverless, elastic pools, and Hyperscale).
• Design, provision, and configure secure, scalable Azure SQL environments in Azure Government using Infrastructure as Code (Bicep, ARM templates, Terraform), PowerShell, and Azure CLI.
• Plan and lead database migrations from on-premises SQL Server and other platforms to Azure SQL using Azure Database Migration Service, Azure Migrate, Data Migration Assistant, SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA), and BACPAC/DACPAC tooling.
• Design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient data pipelines using Azure Data Factory (ADF).
• Develop and optimize ETL processes to ingest, transform, and store data in Azure Data Lake, SQL, and Synapse Analytics.
• Write, review, and optimize complex T-SQL, including stored procedures, functions, views, triggers, and indexing strategies.
• Design and maintain relational data models and database schemas that support application, reporting, and analytics workloads.
• Implement database security best practices, including Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) authentication, managed identities, RBAC, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always Encrypted, Dynamic Data Masking, Row-Level Security, SQL auditing, Private Link/private endpoints, firewall rules, and Azure Key Vault.
• Manage capacity planning, scaling, and cost optimization across Azure SQL resources, including reserved capacity and right-sizing recommendations.
• Automate database maintenance and operational tasks using Elastic Jobs, SQL Agent (Managed Instance), Azure Automation, and PowerShell.
• Implement database DevOps practices, including SQL Database Projects, SqlPackage, schema versioning, and CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Support integration of Azure SQL with Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI for data movement, reporting, and analytics.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database incidents, including blocking, deadlocks, connectivity issues, and resource contention, and conduct root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with software engineers, architects, data engineers, and DevOps teams, and participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, design reviews, and code reviews.
• Document database architecture, configurations, runbooks, standards, and best practices, and mentor team members on Azure SQL capabilities.

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Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience with Microsoft SQL Server database administration, development, or engineering.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database and/or Azure SQL Managed Instance in production environments.
• Expert-level T-SQL skills, including query optimization, indexing, and database performance tuning.
• Deep understanding of Azure SQL deployment options, service tiers (General Purpose, Business Critical, Hyperscale), and purchasing models (vCore, DTU, serverless).
• Experience with performance troubleshooting tools such as Query Store, DMVs, Extended Events, and execution plan analysis.
• Experience migrating SQL Server schemas and data to Azure using Azure Database Migration Service, Data Migration Assistant, or similar tools.
• Strong knowledge of Azure SQL security features, including Microsoft Entra ID authentication, TDE, Always Encrypted, auditing, Private Link, and Key Vault.
• Proficiency with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension.
• Experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Infrastructure as Code (Bicep, ARM, or Terraform).
• Familiarity with CI/CD for databases using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Knowledge of Agile, Scrum, and SAFe methodologies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Suitability/Fitness determination based on client requirements.
• Careful, reliable, and detail-oriented when performing high-impact administration tasks.

Preferred Skills

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300).
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).
• Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate (DP-700) or Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900).
• Experience with Azure Government Cloud and federal compliance frameworks such as FedRAMP High, NIST 800-53, and DISA STIGs.
• Experience with Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric (including mirroring), and Power BI integration.
• Experience with Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, or other Azure data platforms.
• Familiarity with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), including SSIS in Azure Data Factory.
• Experience with Azure SQL features such as ledger tables, elastic pools, elastic query, and Azure SQL Database Hyperscale.
• Knowledge of application authorization methods for applications and APIs connecting to Azure SQL (e.g., managed identities, service principals, OAuth).
• Experience supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies.