Sql Database Engineer

Description:

Raas Infotek is seeking an experienced and hands-on SQL Database Engineer (Azure MSSQL) for an immediate remote contract position. This role is ideal for an engineering-focused candidate (not a DBA) with proven experience in architecting, building, and automating Azure SQL environments within cloud infrastructures. The engineer will be responsible for database design, implementation, automation, performance tuning, and strategic cloud migration planning.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Azure SQL services (PaaS/IaaS), Terraform-based automation, and deep SQL tuning knowledge. Candidates with only DBA administrative profiles will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Engineering & Design

• Architect, build, and deploy Azure SQL solutions (Azure SQL DB, Managed Instance, Hyperscale, SQL Server on Azure VM).

• Automate database provisioning and deployment using Terraform or Azure DevOps pipelines.

• Recommend the most suitable Azure SQL service for given requirements.

🔹 Operational Excellence

• Own HA (High Availability), DR (Disaster Recovery), performance tuning, backup, and monitoring strategies.

• Utilize tools like Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and custom dashboards for database health and performance tracking.

• Conduct deep RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and implement permanent fixes.

🔹 Planning & Governance

• Work with application and infrastructure teams through all development and deployment cycles.

• Manage licensing, capacity planning, cost optimization, and enforce security & encryption policies.

🔹 Strategic Contributions

• Drive high-level discussions with architects and stakeholders to shape future-state architectures.

• Present technical roadmaps, improvement proposals, and mentor junior DBAs/engineers.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years of overall SQL Server experience; minimum 4 years with Azure SQL.

• Deep hands-on experience with Azure SQL DB, Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs.

• Advanced knowledge of T-SQL, query optimization, index strategies, and execution plans.

• Proficiency in Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) practices for database deployments.

• Solid understanding of Azure networking, AAD (Azure Active Directory), cost management, and monitoring tools.

• Proven experience with HA/DR architectures such as AlwaysOn AGs, geo-replication, and failover groups.

• Familiarity with Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, and scripting (e.g., PowerShell).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microsoft Azure certifications: DP-300, AZ-104, or AZ-305.

• Experience working in hybrid environments (cloud + on-premises).

• Exposure to PostgreSQL, Cosmos DB, or other modern cloud-native databases.

• Participation in architecture review boards and engineering proposal development.