DB2 to PostgreSQL Migration Tech Lead

Overview

Remote
$60 - $68
Contract - Independent
Contract - W2
Contract - 3 Year(s)

Skills

Java
PostgreSQL
GCP
Kubernetes
OCP
ETL
Spring
DB2

Job Details

Location: Eastern or Central Time Zone - 100% remote
Experience Level: 7-10 Years
Contract Duration: 12+ months   

Position Overview   - We are seeking an experienced Database Migration Tech Lead to spearhead a critical DB2 to PostgreSQL migration project. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you'll start as the sole contributor, developing the migration strategy and execution plan before building and leading a team to deliver the project.

The ideal candidate combines deep database migration expertise with strong Java development skills, capable of analyzing existing DB2-based applications and ensuring seamless business logic preservation during the PostgreSQL transition.  

Key Responsibilities  

Migration Planning & Strategy

  • Lead comprehensive assessment of existing DB2 database structures, stored procedures, and dependencies
  • Develop detailed migration roadmap and execution strategy from DB2 to PostgreSQL
  • Design data mapping strategies ensuring zero business logic loss during transition
  • Create migration testing frameworks and validation procedures

Technical Leadership & Execution

  • Start as individual contributor, then build and lead technical team as project scales
  • Analyze and refactor Java database access code (JDBC, ORM frameworks) for PostgreSQL compatibility
  • Review and modify existing database access patterns, queries, and stored procedures
  • Ensure preservation of all business logic during code transformation

Java Application Integration

  • Assess and modify Java applications interfacing with DB2 databases
  • Refactor database access layers, connection pooling, and transaction management
  • Update ORM configurations, SQL queries, and database-specific functionality
  • Implement PostgreSQL-specific optimizations while maintaining application performance

Project Delivery & Quality Assurance

  • Establish migration milestones
  • Implement comprehensive testing strategies for data integrity and business logic validation
  • Coordinate with stakeholders on migration phases and rollback procedures
  • Document migration processes and provide knowledge transfer to operational teams

Required Technical Skills

Database Migration Expertise

  • Proven experience with large-scale DB2 to PostgreSQL migrations
  • Deep understanding of DB2 and PostgreSQL architectural differences
  • Expertise in data type mapping, stored procedure conversion, and schema transformation
  • Experience with database migration tools and ETL processes

Java Development Proficiency

  • Advanced Java skills with focus on database access patterns
  • Expertise in JDBC, connection pooling, and database transaction management
  • Experience with ORM frameworks (Hibernate, JPA, MyBatis)
  • Strong SQL development and optimization skills across both DB2 and PostgreSQL

Technical Leadership

  • Demonstrated experience leading similar database migration projects from start to finish
  • Ability to work independently in initial planning phases
  • Experience building and mentoring technical teams mid-project
  • Strong architectural decision-making capabilities

Essential Experience Requirements  

Database Technologies

  • DB2: Advanced knowledge of DB2 LUW/z/OS, stored procedures, triggers, and DB2-specific features
  • PostgreSQL: Production experience with PostgreSQL, including performance tuning and optimization
  • Migration Tools: Experience with database migration utilities, data validation tools, and ETL frameworks

Java Ecosystem

  • Spring Framework: Experience with Spring Boot, Spring Data, Spring Batch for database operations
  • Database Access: Deep understanding of Java database connectivity patterns and best practices
  • Code Refactoring: Proven ability to analyze and modify legacy database access code

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience as sole technical lead transitioning to team leadership
  • Knowledge of containerization (Kubernetes, OpenShift) for database deployment
  • Experience with cloud database services, particularly Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL
  • Familiarity with database performance monitoring and optimization tools
  • Understanding of DevOps practices for database deployment and CI/CD integration

Testing & Validation Requirements

  • Java Proficiency Test: Candidates will complete hands-on Java database access coding assessment
  • PostgreSQL Technical Test: Practical PostgreSQL migration and optimization exercises
  • Portfolio Review: Demonstration of similar migration project deliveries

Critical Success Factors

  • Self-Starter Mentality: Must be comfortable working independently in initial project phases
  • Business Logic Preservation: Zero tolerance for business logic loss during migration
  • Quality Focus: Comprehensive testing and validation approach required

 

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