Senior Database Architect – PostgreSQL Migration

Senior Database Architect – PostgreSQL Migration

Belgium | Hybrid | Freelance

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Database Architect to join a business-critical database migration project.

The project involves migrating an existing database infrastructure from Sybase ASE to PostgreSQL. This initiative is a key part of the ongoing modernisation and scalability of the organisation's platforms.

Your Role

As a Database Architect, you will play a key role in the migration, taking ownership of designing, implementing and optimising the new PostgreSQL environment.

You will combine architectural expertise with hands-on implementation and team coaching, ensuring that the new environment achieves at least the same level of performance, reliability and stability as the existing Sybase environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design the target PostgreSQL architecture, ensuring performance, scalability and reliability.
• Translate and redesign complex Sybase T-SQL patterns into PostgreSQL.
• Optimise database performance through indexing, query tuning, partitioning and other techniques.
• Develop data validation and quality control processes to prevent data loss.
• Support the cutover process and define the migration strategy.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide technical guidance to the team.
• Implement automation for database administration and monitoring.
• Support and maintain the existing Sybase environment throughout the migration.

Your Profile

• Strong experience as a Database Architect or Senior Database Administrator (DBA).
• In-depth expertise in PostgreSQL, including database design, performance tuning and optimisation.
• Proven experience with large-scale database migrations and legacy environments.
• Knowledge of PostgreSQL extensions such as pg_logical and pg_vector is a plus.
• Experience with SQL dialect conversion (Sybase to PostgreSQL).
• Knowledge of AlloyDB is an advantage.
• Strong expertise in performance tuning and query optimisation.
• Knowledge of Linux/Unix environments and scripting (Shell, tuning and automation).
• Experience in database administration and automation.
• Knowledge of Java environments is a plus.
• Experience with Sybase ASE is an advantage, but not mandatory. Willingness to learn is sufficient.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Hands-on, pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently.

Practical Information

• Start date: ASAP
• Duration: 12 months, with a possibility of extension.
• Location: Hybrid working arrangement.
• 1 day per week onsite in Leuven.
• Remaining days at an office in Hasselt, Ghent or Antwerp.
• Languages: Dutch and English.
• Working hours: Occasional participation in on-call duties or maintenance outside regular business hours may be required.

Interested?

Are you an experienced Database Architect looking for your next challenge in a large-scale, business-critical migration project?

Feel free to get in touch or send your CV.