Senior Database Administrator/Cloud Architect

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Job Overview & Summary

We are seeking a Senior Database Administrator/Cloud Architect to lead our organization's cloud transformation initiatives and database modernization efforts. This hybrid role combines deep database administration expertise with enterprise-level cloud architecture responsibilities, with primary focus on designing and implementing scalable, secure cloud solutions across multi-cloud environments. The ideal candidate will drive our cloud-first strategy, lead complex migration projects, and architect resilient data platforms that support business growth while optimizing performance and costs.

This position requires a strategic thinker who can bridge traditional database management with modern cloud-native architecture, working closely with cross-functional teams to enable enterprise adoption of cloud services and guide the evolution from legacy systems to cloud-optimized solutions.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties:

• Lead design and implementation of cloud architecture strategies for IT projects across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform platforms.
• Architect and deploy cloud-native database solutions, data lakes, and analytics platforms to support aviation stakeholders and business intelligence requirements.
• Drive cloud migration initiatives from legacy on-premises systems to managed cloud services, ensuring minimal disruption to critical airport operations.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, ARM templates, and CloudFormation for automated, repeatable deployments.
• Implement comprehensive disaster recovery and high availability architectures using multi-region replication and cloud-managed services.
• Establish and enforce cloud security frameworks, identity management, and compliance protocols aligned with city of Atlanta and Department of Aviation policies.
• Build and optimize DevOps/CI-CD pipelines for automated provisioning, deployment, and monitoring of cloud and on-premises environments.
• Design cost-efficient cloud workloads through auto-scaling, serverless adoption, and strategic use of reserved instances and managed services.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable microservices and cloud-native application patterns.
• Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, solution designs, technical how-to guides, and operational runbooks for cloud implementations and deployments.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Data Management Team members on cloud technologies and best practices.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize cloud database performance to ensure 24/7 availability for airport operations.

Required Technical Skills

? Cloud Platforms: Minimum 5 years hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform, including core services, architecture patterns, and best practices.

? Cloud Database Technologies: Expertise in cloud-native databases (Amazon Aurora, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL, Cosmos DB, BigQuery) and distributed database systems.

? Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Proficient in Terraform, ARM templates, CloudFormation, or similar tools for automated infrastructure deployment and management.

? Database Administration: Advanced skills in SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle with experience in installation, configuration, patching, capacity planning, performance tuning, backup/recovery, and high availability configurations.

? DevOps & CI/CD: Experience with automated deployment pipelines using tools like Azure DevOps, AWS Code Pipeline, Jenkins, or GitLab CI.

? Containerization & Orchestration: Working knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, and container management in cloud environments.

? Data Integration & ETL: Experience with cloud data services (AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, Google Dataflow) and data pipeline development.

? Security & Identity Management: Knowledge of cloud security frameworks, encryption, IAM, and compliance implementation.

? Scripting & Programming: Proficiency in PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar languages for automation and tooling.

? Monitoring & Observability: Experience with cloud monitoring tools (CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, Google Cloud Operations) and performance optimization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cloud Certifications: AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, or equivalent advanced cloud certifications.
• Specialized Database Certifications: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional, or cloud-specific database certifications.
• Enterprise Architecture Experience: Background in large-scale enterprise architecture design, particularly in mission-critical or 24/7 operational environments.
• Advanced Analytics & Big Data: Experience with data warehousing, business intelligence platforms, machine learning services, and advanced analytics in cloud environments.
• Multi-Cloud Strategy: Proven experience designing and implementing multi-cloud architectures and hybrid cloud solutions.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Advanced expertise in designing enterprise-level disaster recovery and business continuity solutions.
• Cost Management & FinOps: Experience with cloud financial operations, cost optimization strategies, and budget management for large-scale cloud deployments.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Previous experience leading technical teams, conducting training sessions, or mentoring junior staff on cloud technologies.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related technical field, OR equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of progressive experience in database administration, cloud architecture, or related IT infrastructure roles.
• Cloud Architecture Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing cloud solutions in enterprise environments.
• Database Administration Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in database design, implementation, administration, and performance optimization.
• Leadership Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience leading technical projects, mentoring team members, or driving technology initiatives.
• Enterprise Environment: Demonstrated experience working in large-scale, mission-critical environments with high availability requirements (24/7 operations preferred).
• Migration & Transformation Projects: Proven track record of successfully leading cloud migration projects or digital transformation initiatives.
• Documentation & Communication: Experience creating technical documentation, presenting to executive leadership, and communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Soft Skills & Professional Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technology solutions with organizational goals and long-term vision, balancing innovation with operational stability.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, from technical teams to executive leadership.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong troubleshooting abilities and systematic approach to identifying root causes and developing effective solutions under pressure.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to provide technical guidance, mentor team members, and influence cross-functional collaboration without direct authority.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, adapt to changing requirements, and thrive in a rapidly evolving cloud landscape.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Experience working effectively with diverse teams including developers, operations staff, security teams, and business stakeholders.
• Customer Service: Understanding of internal customer needs and commitment to delivering solutions that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, system configurations, and security protocols, especially critical in airport operations environment.
• Resilience & Composure: Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities, and maintain focus during critical incidents or system outages.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive approach to identifying optimization opportunities and driving innovation within established processes.

Reporting Structure & Team Dynamics:

• Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Data Management Team IT Manager within the Office of Technology & Digital Experience (TDE).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners closely with other TDE teams including engineering, operations, security, service desk, and telecom teams.
• Technical Leadership Role: Serves as the primary cloud architecture subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to junior team members and peers.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interfaces regularly with other DOA divisions, business units, and external vendors to understand requirements and deliver cloud solutions.
• Project Team Participation: Leads cloud initiatives and participates in enterprise-wide technology planning and decision-making processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Expected to actively participate in team knowledge sharing, conduct technical training sessions, and contribute to the team's collective expertise.
• Escalation Point: Serves as a senior escalation resource for complex cloud architecture and database issues within the Data Management Team.

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Schedule: Standard business hours (8:15 to 5:00) with flexibility required for system maintenance windows, emergency response, and project deadlines that may extend beyond normal hours.
• On-Call Responsibilities: Participation in rotation for critical system support and incident response, particularly for cloud infrastructure and database emergencies affecting airport operations.
• Collaborative Environment: Works in both independent and team settings, requiring effective communication in virtual meetings and in-person collaboration.