Migration DBA Architect – Azure SQL Managed Instance to AWS Oracle RDS

Role:                                           DBA Architect

Location:                                    Remote USA

Duration:                                   4-6+ months  

Job Description:

This role requires: Azure MS SQL to Oracle RDS, you need a heterogeneous migration approach using the AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) and the AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS).

Job Title

Migration DBA – Azure SQL Managed Instance to AWS Oracle RDS

Role Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Migration DBA with strong experience migrating Azure SQL Managed Instance (Azure SQL MI) workloads to AWS Oracle RDS. This role will lead and execute end-to-end database migration activities including assessment, design, schema/code conversion, data migration, cutover planning, performance tuning, security hardening, and post-migration validation. You will partner with application, infrastructure, security, and DevOps teams to ensure migrations are secure, resilient, performant, and compliant, with minimal downtime and strong operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Discovery & Assessment

Analyze current-state Azure SQL MI environments: sizing, performance baselines, HA/DR, storage, networking, and operational dependencies.

Assess database compatibility and migration complexity:

·        SQL Server features (T-SQL constructs, CLR, SQL Agent jobs, SSIS/SSRS dependencies, linked servers, etc.)

·        Oracle target constraints/features on Amazon RDS for Oracle (managed service limitations, options, licensing considerations, etc.)

·        Create migration approach options: rehost/refactor, online vs. offline, phased migration, and rollback strategy.

·        Produce migration artifacts: runbooks, cutover plans, rollback plans, risk log, and validation checklists.

Migration Design & Execution (Cross-Platform)

Design target-state Oracle database architecture on AWS:

·        Oracle RDS instance class selection, storage layout, parameter groups, option groups, Multi-AZ, backup retention, monitoring strategy.

Lead schema and code conversion from SQL Server to Oracle:

·        Translate T-SQL to PL/SQL where required; rewrite stored procedures, functions, triggers, views, and sequences.

·        Convert SQL Server-specific data types, constraints, and indexing strategies to Oracle equivalents.

Execute data movement using enterprise tools and approaches (based on requirement):

·        Bulk load and incremental replication patterns; staging and parallel load strategies.

·        Coordinate with tools such as AWS DMS, native export/import approaches, or third-party migration tools.

Plan and execute cutover with minimal downtime:

·        Pre-cutover rehearsals, performance dry runs, and final sync timing.

·        Application connection string changes, credential rotation, and DNS/endpoint switching.

Performance Engineering & Optimization

·        Establish pre/post migration baselines (CPU, IOPS, query latency, wait events, locking contention).

Tune Oracle database performance post-migration:

·        Index strategy adaptation, statistics management, query plan stabilization, and parameter tuning.

Optimize workloads for AWS operational realities:

·        Storage/I/O tuning, connection pool sizing, maintenance windows, backups, and patching.

Security, Compliance & Reliability

Implement security best practices across the migration lifecycle:

·        Encryption in transit/at rest, key management integration, auditing, least privilege access, and secrets management.

Configure monitoring and alerting:

·        CloudWatch metrics/logs, Oracle diagnostics as permitted in RDS, and integration with enterprise observability tools.

Ensure HA/DR readiness:

·        Multi-AZ strategy, backup/restore drills, RPO/RTO alignment, and documented failover procedures.

Operational Readiness & Handover

·        Create operational runbooks and standard operating procedures:

·        Backup/restore, patching, user provisioning, performance troubleshooting, and capacity planning.

·        Support production hypercare and transition to steady-state operations.

·        Mentor engineers and contribute to repeatable migration frameworks/templates.

Required Qualifications

·        8+ years of DBA experience with strong focus on migration delivery in enterprise environments.

·        Proven experience migrating Azure SQL Managed Instance / SQL Server workloads to AWS, specifically Oracle on Amazon RDS.

Deep SQL Server and Oracle knowledge:

·        SQL Server: T-SQL, indexing, query tuning, SQL Agent, backup/restore, HA concepts.

·        Oracle: PL/SQL, optimizer fundamentals, performance tuning, RMAN concepts (as applicable), user/security administration.

Strong AWS and Azure fundamentals:

·        AWS: RDS (Oracle), VPC, Security Groups, IAM, KMS, CloudWatch, networking basics.

·        Azure: SQL MI architecture concepts, connectivity, backup/restore options, monitoring.

·        Experience producing migration documentation: HLD/LLD, runbooks, validation scripts, cutover/rollback plans.

·        Hands-on troubleshooting skills across network latency, connectivity, authentication, and performance bottlenecks.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Experience with AWS DMS and/or other migration tooling (e.g., Qlik Replicate, Precisely, Ispirer, etc.).

·        Prior involvement in large-scale platform migrations with multiple applications/databases.

·        Knowledge of data integration patterns, CDC replication, and zero/low-downtime migrations.

·        Experience with DevOps/IaC: Terraform/CloudFormation, CI/CD integration for database changes.

·        Familiarity with compliance frameworks (SOX, PCI, HIPAA) and audit logging requirements.

·        Oracle licensing knowledge (BYOL vs license-included where applicable) and managed service constraints.

Technical Skills (Core)

·        Azure SQL MI / SQL Server: performance tuning, HA/DR concepts, backup/restore, security, automation.

·        Oracle (RDS): schema objects, PL/SQL, query tuning, parameter/option group configuration, monitoring.

·        Migration Engineering: schema conversion, data movement, validation, reconciliation, rollback.

·        Cloud Networking/Security: VPC/Subnets, routing, firewall rules, IAM roles/policies, encryption, secrets.