About the role
We are seeking a senior SQL Server architect to lead the upgrade of a mission-critical SQL Server environment from SQL Server 2016 to SQL Server 2022. This is not a traditional DBA role. Instead of routine database administration, you will lead enterprise-scale modernization, migration, automation, and high-availability work.
You will partner with infrastructure, application, and IT security teams to design, implement, and optimize a secure, resilient, and highly available SQL Server platform across multiple sites and data centers.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the planning and execution of Microsoft SQL Server upgrades from SQL Server 2016 to SQL Server 2022.
- Design, implement, and maintain high availability and disaster recovery architectures, including Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) and Always On Availability Groups.
- Support multi-site deployments across multiple data centers.
- Validate database health, performance, and stability before, during, and after migrations.
- Perform performance tuning and optimization across mission-critical environments.
- Apply security best practices to protect the SQL Server platform.
- Build automation with PowerShell to streamline deployments, upgrades, and operations.
- Partner with infrastructure, application, and IT security teams on platform design and implementation.
- Support production operations as needed throughout the modernization effort.
Required qualifications
- Proven experience leading Microsoft SQL Server upgrades (must have), including migrations from SQL Server 2016 to SQL Server 2022.
- Deep expertise in SQL Server administration, engineering, and modernization.
- Significant hands-on experience in both DBA work and production operations.
- Strong expertise in high availability and disaster recovery, including WSFC, Always On Availability Groups, and multi-site / multi-data center deployments.
- Strong skills in performance tuning and SQL Server security.
- Strong PowerShell scripting and automation skills.
- Track record of validating database health, performance, and stability in mission-critical environments.
- Ability to work onsite in Richmond, VA.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience leading enterprise-scale modernization projects end to end, from design through cutover.
- Experience working with state government or public sector organizations.
- Experience collaborating across infrastructure, application, and security teams on large technical initiatives.