Database Migration Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Database Migration Engineer to lead the migration of our SQL Server environment to an open-source database platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This role is central to our cloud modernization strategy and will be responsible for planning, executing, and validating a zero-data-loss migration while minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in both Microsoft SQL Server and open-source relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB), hands-on AWS experience, and a proven track record delivering large-scale database migrations in production environments.Migration Planning & ArchitectureLead end-to-end migration assessment of existing SQL Server databases, stored procedures, triggers, and schema objectsDesign the target AWS architecture (RDS, Aurora, or self-managed EC2) based on workload requirements, SLA, and costDefine migration strategy: lift-and-shift vs. re-platform vs. re-architect, with clear trade-off analysisDevelop detailed migration runbooks, rollback plans, and cutover checklistsEvaluate and select appropriate migration tooling (AWS Database Migration Service, AWS Schema Conversion Tool, pgloader, etc.)Schema & Code ConversionConvert SQL Server schemas, data types, constraints, and indexes to target open-source equivalentsRewrite T-SQL stored procedures, functions, and triggers to PostgreSQL PL/pgSQL or MySQL stored routinesIdentify and resolve compatibility gaps: sequences vs. identity columns, datetime handling, collation differences, JSON supportRefactor application SQL queries to eliminate SQL Server-specific syntaxData Migration & ValidationExecute full-load and CDC (Change Data Capture) migrations using AWS DMS or equivalent toolingDesign and run data validation frameworks to verify row counts, checksums, and referential integrity post-migrationManage parallel run periods to ensure consistency between source and target systemsPerform performance benchmarking and query tuning on the target databaseAWS Infrastructure & OperationsProvision and configure target database environments using Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, or CDK)Configure RDS/Aurora parameter groups, security groups, VPC subnets, and IAM rolesImplement backup strategies, point-in-time recovery, Multi-AZ replication, and read replicasSet up CloudWatch monitoring, alerting, and performance insights for the migrated environmentStakeholder CollaborationPartner with application development teams to coordinate code changes and integration testingProvide technical guidance and knowledge transfer to DBAs and infrastructure teams post-migrationCommunicate migration status, risks, and milestones to engineering leadership and project sponsorsDocument all migration procedures, architecture decisions, and operational runbooksRequired Qualifications5+ years of hands-on database administration or engineering experience3+ years of production experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2012–2022), including T-SQL, SSIS, and SQL Agent2+ years of experience with PostgreSQL or MySQL in production environmentsDemonstrated experience executing at least one large-scale SQL Server to open-source database migrationProficiency with AWS database services: RDS, Aurora, and AWS DMSStrong understanding of database internals: execution plans, indexing strategies, locking, and transaction managementExperience with schema conversion tooling (AWS SCT, pgloader, or similar)Scripting proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShell for automation and data validationSolid grasp of networking fundamentals: VPCs, subnets, security groups, private linkPreferred QualificationsAWS Certified Database – Specialty or AWS Solutions Architect certificationExperience with Aurora PostgreSQL or Aurora MySQL specificallyFamiliarity with CDC tooling: Debezium, AWS DMS continuous replication, or StriimExperience migrating databases with high-volume OLTP workloads (>10K TPS)Knowledge of data warehousing on Amazon Redshift or SnowflakeExposure to container-based database deployments (EKS, ECS)Experience with Terraform or AWS CDK for infrastructure automationFamiliarity with compliance frameworks: SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS as they apply to database security