Cloud Database Migration Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Cloud Database Migration Engineer with deep expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and practical experience migrating workloads from Azure Virtual Machines to Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The engineer will manage the full migration lifecycle from assessment and setup on Google Cloud VM to final cutover into Google Cloud SQL (Managed SQL Server). This role also requires strong SQL development and query tuning skills for performance validation and optimization post-migration.

Key Responsibilities:

1 Migration Planning & Assessment

• Assess existing Azure SQL Server VM configuration, databases, backup strategy, and dependencies.
• Evaluate database size (5 TB+), performance metrics, I/O, and network layout.
• Design a two-phase migration plan: 1) Azure VM Google Cloud VM; 2) Google Cloud VM Google Cloud SQL (SQL Server)
• Define cutover, downtime, and rollback strategies.

2 Azure VM to Google Cloud VM

• Set up and configure Google Compute Engine VMs with the correct SQL Server edition/version.
• Migrate databases using native backup/restore, log shipping, or replication.
• Establish secure connectivity (VPN, VPC, private IPs, firewall rules) between Azure and GCP.
• Validate data consistency, permissions, and linked services post-migration.

3 Google Cloud VM to Google Cloud SQL

• Configure Cloud SQL for SQL Server instances, IAM roles, and storage.
• Perform backup uploads to Google Cloud Storage and restore into Cloud SQL.
• Migrate and reconfigure SQL Agent Jobs, logins, SSIS packages, and linked servers.
• Optimize schema, indexes, and queries for Cloud SQL compatibility and performance.

4 SQL Query & Performance Responsibilities

• Analyze and refactor complex T-SQL queries, stored procedures, and functions.
• Perform execution plan analysis, index tuning, and query performance optimization.
• Validate query performance before and after migration using tools like: 1) SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS); 2) Query Store; 3) Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA)
• Identify and fix query regressions due to differences between VM SQL Server and Cloud SQL.
• Collaborate with developers to modernize legacy SQL code for cloud performance.

5 Post-Migration Activities

• Validate data integrity, performance benchmarks, and application connectivity.
• Implement monitoring, backup, and HA/DR strategies on Cloud SQL.
• Tune resource configurations for performance and cost efficiency.
• Create detailed documentation and migration runbooks.
• Conduct knowledge transfer sessions for internal teams.

Required Skills and Experience

• 4+ years hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server 20162019/2022 administration and development.
• Proven track record in cloud database migrations, especially Azure GCP or on-prem Cloud.
• Strong expertise in : 1) T-SQL scripting, stored procedures, views, triggers; 2) Performance tuning, indexing, query plan analysis; 3) Database optimization and refactoring
• Solid understanding of GCP services:
• Compute Engine, Cloud SQL, Cloud Storage, IAM, Monitoring, VPC networking.
• Familiar with Azure SQL VM management, Azure networking, and storage configurations.
• Experience with log shipping, replication, Always On, backup/restore strategies.
• Scripting proficiency in PowerShell, Python, or Bash for automation.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with Google Database Migration Service (DMS) or CloudEndure.
• Familiarity with Terraform/Ansible for infrastructure automation.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines for database deployment.
• Certifications: 1) Google Cloud Professional Database Engineer; and/or 2) Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate; and/or 3) MCSA/MCSE in SQL Server

Education

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.