Database Migration Architect – Azure Managed Databases (MSSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL)

We are looking for an experienced Database Migration Architect with strong expertise in migrating on-premises databases (MSSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL) to Azure managed database services. The ideal candidate will lead end-to-end database modernization and re-platforming initiatives from VMware-based environments to Azure, while working closely with application teams across Java, Python, .NET, React, and Node.js ecosystems.

This role requires deep database knowledge, cloud architecture expertise, and a strong understanding of how databases integrate with modern distributed applications.

Key Responsibilities

1. Database Migration & Modernization

• Lead migration of on-prem databases (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL) to Azure:

◦ Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance

◦ Azure Database for MySQL

◦ Azure Database for PostgreSQL

• Define migration strategies: lift-and-shift, re-platform, refactor.

• Use tools such as Azure Database Migration Service (DMS), Azure Migrate, and native replication tools.

• Ensure data integrity, minimal downtime, and performance stability during migration.

2. Re-Platforming from VMware to Azure

• Design and execute database migration from VMware-hosted environments to Azure managed services.

• Assess existing infrastructure and recommend optimal Azure database platforms.

• Eliminate legacy dependencies and modernize database deployments.

3. Database Architecture & Design

• Design scalable, highly available, and resilient database architectures in Azure.

• Implement HA/DR strategies (geo-replication, failover groups, backups).

• Optimize schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query performance.

4. Application Integration Understanding

• Collaborate with application teams using:

◦ Java (Spring Boot)

◦ Python (Django, Flask, FastAPI)

◦ .NET / ASP.NET

◦ Node.js

◦ React (frontend integration awareness)

• Ensure seamless database integration with microservices and APIs.

• Optimize database interactions for application performance.

5. Performance Optimization & Tuning

• Analyze and optimize query performance and execution plans.

• Conduct workload assessments and capacity planning.

• Implement monitoring and tuning using Azure tools.

6. Security & Compliance

• Implement database security best practices:

◦ Encryption (TDE, SSL)

◦ Role-based access control (RBAC)

◦ Data masking and auditing

• Ensure compliance with enterprise and regulatory standards.

7. DevOps & Automation

• Automate database deployments using CI/CD pipelines.

• Implement Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, Bicep).

• Enable automated backups, patching, and scaling.

8. Monitoring & Operations

• Set up monitoring using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Application Insights.

• Define SLAs, SLOs, and alerting mechanisms.

• Support production environments and troubleshoot issues.

9. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work with architects, developers, and business stakeholders.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship.

• Translate business requirements into database solutions.

Required Skills & Experience

Core Database Expertise

• Strong hands-on experience with:

◦ Microsoft SQL Server (on-prem & Azure)

◦ MySQL

◦ PostgreSQL

• Experience in database migration and modernization projects.

• Deep understanding of data modeling, indexing, and query optimization.

Azure Expertise

• Experience with:

◦ Azure SQL Database & Managed Instance

◦ Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL

◦ Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)

• Knowledge of Azure networking (VNet, Private Endpoints).

Migration & Re-Platforming

• Proven experience migrating databases from VMware/on-prem to Azure.

• Experience in handling large-scale and mission-critical databases.

Required Skills & Experience

Core Database Expertise

• Strong hands-on experience with:

◦ Microsoft SQL Server (on-prem & Azure)

◦ MySQL

◦ PostgreSQL

• Experience in database migration and modernization projects.

• Deep understanding of data modeling, indexing, and query optimization.

Azure Expertise

• Experience with:

◦ Azure SQL Database & Managed Instance

◦ Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL

◦ Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)

• Knowledge of Azure networking (VNet, Private Endpoints).

Migration & Re-Platforming

• Proven experience migrating databases from VMware/on-prem to Azure.

• Experience in handling large-scale and mission-critical databases.

Application Awareness

• Understanding of application stacks:

◦ Java, Python, .NET

◦ Node.js, React

• Ability to optimize database usage patterns for applications.

DevOps & Automation

• Experience with CI/CD tools (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).

• Scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).

Preferred Qualifications

• Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert).

• Experience with data migration strategies for zero/near-zero downtime.

• Knowledge of data warehousing and analytics (Synapse, Data Factory).

• Familiarity with NoSQL databases (Cosmos DB, MongoDB).

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.

• Ability to work in cross-functional and distributed teams.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

Experience Level

• 8–12+ years of experience in database engineering/architecture.

• 4+ years in cloud database migration roles.

Key Competencies

• Database Migration Strategy

• Azure Managed Databases

• Performance Tuning & Optimization

• Cloud Re-Platforming (VMware to Azure)

• Application-Database Integration