Sr. Database Platform Engineer (SQL Server & Azure)

Senior Database Platform Engineer (SQL Server & Azure)Type: Contract-to-HireLocation: Denver, CO; Houston, TX; or Midland, TXCompensation: $50 to $80 per hour (depending on experience)Work Model: Remote with occasional onsite collaboration in Denver, Houston, or MidlandWhy This RoleThis is not a traditional maintenance DBA role. The organization is at a critical inflection point. The on-prem SQL Server estate is mission critical and needs immediate, confident ownership. At the same time, the company is committed to moving to Azure and specifically Azure SQL Managed Instance, but lacks a true technical leader to define and drive that direction.We are looking for a senior-level database professional who wants to own today's platform and architect tomorrow's. Someone who has already led a cloud migration, formed opinions the hard way, and is comfortable saying "this is how it should be done" and then executing.If you are motivated by stabilization, modernization, and reducing manual work through standardization and automation, this role was built for you.What You Will DoOwn and Stabilize the On-Prem SQL EnvironmentIn the first phase of the role, you will take full ownership of a largely on-premises SQL Server environment supporting critical business workloads. This includes performance tuning, capacity planning, high availability, disaster recovery, and operational reliability.You will:Act as the senior authority for SQL Server operations and production healthDiagnose and resolve performance issues through deep query, indexing, and execution plan analysisDesign, support, and improve HA and DR solutions including Always On Availability Groups, clustering, and replicationLead upgrades, patching, and legacy SQL modernization with minimal disruptionProvide calm, methodical escalation support for high severity incidentsLead Cloud Modernization with Azure SQL Managed InstanceThis role carries clear ownership of the database cloud strategy. Azure is the destination, and Azure SQL Managed Instance is the target platform.You will:Architect, build, and operate a greenfield Azure SQL Managed Instance environmentDefine configuration standards, monitoring, security, and operational practices for MILead on-prem to Azure migration planning and execution, including validation and cutoverPartner with infrastructure, security, and application teams to align cloud databases with enterprise standardsClearly articulate tradeoffs, risks, and long-term benefits of design decisionsReduce Tickets and Build Platforms Through AutomationThe long-term goal is fewer manual DBA tickets and more scalable platforms.You will:Help define database standards that support self-service provisioningContribute to infrastructure-as-code and automation efforts for database creation and lifecycle managementWork with DevOps teams to move database provisioning into pipelinesStandardize patterns that reduce human involvement while improving reliabilityBuild and maintain PowerShell or similar automation to support operations and complianceParticipate in Enterprise OperationsThis is a senior operational role, not just design on a whiteboard.You will:Participate in change management, release processes, and maintenance windowsWork with enterprise scheduling tools such as ActiveBatch and Azure DevOpsSupport SOX controls, audits, access reviews, and audit-ready documentationCollaborate closely with infrastructure, application, DevOps, and security teamsWhat We Are Looking ForRequired Experience8+ years of hands-on SQL Server DBA experience in production environmentsDeep expertise in performance tuning, query optimization, and index strategyStrong experience with HA and DR architectures including Always On Availability GroupsProven ownership of on-prem SQL Server environments at scaleHands-on Azure experience including SQL Server on VMs and Azure SQL Managed InstanceDemonstrated experience leading or owning a cloud migration, not just participatingPowerShell scripting for automation and operational toolingStrong change management discipline and production judgmentPreferred ExperienceExposure to infrastructure-as-code tools such as TerraformExperience with CI/CD pipelines and Azure DevOpsFamiliarity with monitoring tools such as SolarWinds DPA, SQL Sentry, Grafana, or similarExperience in SOX or compliance-driven environmentsMicrosoft SQL or Azure database certificationsWho Thrives HereThis role is ideal for someone who:Is comfortable stepping into ambiguity and creating structureEnjoys owning both stability and modernizationThinks in platforms and systems, not just ticketsHas opinions formed through real production experienceCommunicates clearly with both technical peers and business stakeholdersWants to be the person driving cloud direction, not waiting for itEngagement DetailsContract with strong intent to convert to full-timeDirect hire considered immediately for an exceptional candidatePrimarily remote, with some in-person collaboration expected throughout the yearThis is a senior DBA role with a clear modernization mandate. You will be trusted to own critical systems today and lead the transition to a cloud-first database platform over the next one to two years.If that responsibility sounds more exciting than intimidating, this is likely a great fit.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.