Data Architect – SQL Database Assessment & Modernization
Data Architect – SQL Database Assessment & ModernizationLocation – Dallas or Austin, TX (4 days office / week)CTH (3 months max) or FTERole OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Data Architect to lead SQL Database Assessment and Modernization engagements. The candidate will be responsible for assessing the existing SQL Server landscape, analyzing database architecture, performance, security, scalability, and integration patterns, and defining a future-state architecture aligned with business, analytics, AI, and cloud modernization objectives.The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in SQL Server, database architecture, data modeling, performance optimization, migration strategies, cloud platforms, and enterprise data governance.Key ResponsibilitiesDatabase AssessmentPerform comprehensive assessment of SQL Server environments, including:Database architectureSchema designStored proceduresETL processesData integration patternsSecurity and compliance postureHigh availability and disaster recovery setupAnalyze database workloads, usage patterns, growth trends, and performance bottlenecks.Review database operational processes, maintenance strategies, backup and recovery mechanisms.Conduct database inventory and dependency analysis.Assess data quality, lineage, governance, and metadata management practices. Architecture & Modernization StrategyDefine target-state data architecture and modernization roadmap.Recommend modernization approaches:SQL Server upgradeAzure SQL DatabaseAzure SQL Managed InstanceSynapse AnalyticsSnowflakeDatabricksCloud-native data platformsDefine migration strategies including rehost, replatform, refactor, and rebuild approaches.Develop phased migration and transformation roadmap.Identify quick wins and long-term transformation opportunities. Data Modeling & DesignReview conceptual, logical, and physical data models.Recommend schema optimization and database design improvements.Define enterprise data models supporting analytics and reporting requirements.Establish data standards and modeling best practices. Performance & OptimizationAnalyze:Query performanceIndexing strategyPartitioning opportunitiesResource utilizationDatabase growth trendsRecommend performance tuning and optimization initiatives.Provide capacity planning and scalability recommendations. Security & GovernanceEvaluate database security architecture.Assess:Access controlsEncryptionAuditingCompliance requirementsData retention policiesRecommend governance framework, metadata management, and data stewardship practices. Stakeholder ManagementEngage with business stakeholders, application architects, DBAs, and engineering teams.Lead discovery workshops and technical assessment sessions.Present findings and executive-level recommendations.Prepare assessment reports and modernization business cases. DeliverablesCurrent State Assessment ReportDatabase Inventory & Dependency MatrixData Architecture Assessment DocumentPerformance Assessment ReportSecurity & Compliance AssessmentTarget State Architecture BlueprintModernization RoadmapMigration Strategy & Effort EstimationExecutive Summary & Recommendations Required Technical SkillsSQL & Database TechnologiesMicrosoft SQL Server (2012/2014/2016/2019/2022)T-SQLStored ProceduresQuery OptimizationIndex TuningPartitioningReplicationAlways On Availability GroupsData ArchitectureEnterprise Data ArchitectureData Modeling (Conceptual, Logical, Physical)ERWIN / ER StudioMetadata ManagementData GovernanceMaster Data ManagementDatabase MigrationSQL Server Assessment & MigrationDatabase ModernizationSchema MigrationData MigrationMigration Factory ApproachSoft SkillsStrong customer-facing communication.Executive stakeholder management.Solution consulting and advisory experience.Ability to create assessment reports and modernization proposals.· Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.· Experience leading distributed onsite-offshore teams.