Sr. SQL Database Administrator (DBA) / AWS Aurora Migration Engineer

Zolon Tech Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) / AWS Aurora Migration Engineer to support the migration of the Armed Forces Public Information Management System (AFPIMS) from its existing on-premises infrastructure to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud environment.

The selected candidate will be responsible for assessing, planning, migrating, configuring, securing, optimizing, and maintaining the AFPIMS Microsoft SQL Server databases as part of the transition to AWS Aurora.

The DBA will play a critical role in ensuring the successful migration of database systems supporting thousands of Department of Defense (DoD) websites hosted through the AFPIMS platform.

The position requires extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server administration, database migrations, AWS database services, data integrity, performance optimization, security compliance, and disaster recovery.

Important Technical Consideration

AWS Aurora does not provide a native Microsoft SQL Server engine. The selected DBA must assess compatibility and support the conversion of existing SQL Server databases to an approved Aurora engine, such as Aurora PostgreSQL, including necessary schema, stored procedure, and application changes. The DBA will work closely with the AFPIMS Development Team to ensure application compatibility.

Key Responsibilities

SQL Server Database Assessment and Migration Planning

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing AFPIMS Microsoft SQL Server databases hosted on the on-premises infrastructure.
• Identify database versions, sizes, dependencies, configurations, and performance requirements.
• Evaluate compatibility between Microsoft SQL Server and AWS Aurora PostgreSQL.
• Develop a detailed database migration strategy, including sequencing, resource requirements, schedules, and technical risks.
• Identify database objects requiring conversion, including stored procedures, functions, triggers, views, indexes, and SQL Server-specific features.
• Document existing database configurations, application connections, service accounts, and dependencies.
• Coordinate migration planning with AFPIMS Operations, Development, Security, QA, and AWS Cloud Engineering teams.
• Develop database migration procedures, rollback strategies, and validation plans.

AWS Aurora Database Migration

• Lead the migration of AFPIMS databases from Microsoft SQL Server to AWS Aurora.
• Configure and support AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) for database replication and migration activities.
• Utilize AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) or approved equivalent tools to assess and convert SQL Server schemas and database objects.
• Configure AWS Aurora PostgreSQL database clusters, instances, storage, and network connectivity.
• Support initial database loads and ongoing change data capture (CDC) where applicable.
• Perform database schema conversion and data transformation activities.
• Coordinate with application developers to modify SQL queries, stored procedures, and database connectivity requirements.
• Establish secure connections between the AFPIMS application environment and AWS Aurora.
• Monitor migration performance, troubleshoot data transfer issues, and resolve compatibility problems.
• Develop procedures to minimize application downtime during final database cutover.

Database Administration and Optimization

• Install, configure, administer, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server databases throughout the migration period.
• Configure and administer AWS Aurora PostgreSQL databases.
• Monitor database availability, utilization, performance, and resource consumption.
• Optimize database queries, indexing strategies, and execution plans.
• Identify and resolve database bottlenecks affecting AFPIMS website performance.
• Configure database parameters and connection pooling to support application workloads.
• Monitor AWS Aurora database metrics using Amazon CloudWatch and other approved monitoring tools.
• Troubleshoot database connectivity, replication, transaction processing, and performance issues.
• Support database patching, upgrades, maintenance, and configuration management.
• Assist with database capacity planning and AWS resource optimization.

Database Security and DoD Compliance

• Implement database security controls consistent with DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Support NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5 security controls applicable to database systems.
• Coordinate with the AFPIMS Information System Security Manager (ISSM) and Security Team.
• Implement database encryption at rest and in transit using approved AWS services and configurations.
• Configure database access controls, authentication, and least-privilege permissions.
• Support AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) integration where applicable.
• Implement database auditing, logging, and monitoring capabilities.
• Support vulnerability assessments, security scans, and remediation activities.
• Assist with Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) compliance and applicable database hardening requirements.
• Provide database security documentation supporting the AFPIMS Authority to Operate (ATO) process.
• Support incident response and database security investigations when required.

Database Backup, Recovery, and Continuity of Operations

• Develop and implement database backup and recovery procedures.
• Configure AWS Aurora automated backups, snapshots, and point-in-time recovery.
• Establish database recovery procedures supporting AFPIMS operational requirements.
• Coordinate with the Operations Team to establish Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).
• Develop and execute database restoration testing.
• Support database disaster recovery and Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning.
• Document database recovery procedures and operational runbooks.
• Validate backup integrity and recovery capabilities before production cutover.

Migration Testing and Validation

• Develop database migration test plans and validation procedures.
• Perform pre-migration and post-migration database assessments.
• Validate data integrity, completeness, and consistency following migration.
• Coordinate functional testing with the AFPIMS Development and QA Teams.
• Perform database performance and load testing.
• Identify and resolve application compatibility issues associated with database migration.
• Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Operational Readiness Reviews (ORR).
• Participate in migration rehearsals and final production cutover activities.
• Document testing results, discrepancies, corrective actions, and final acceptance criteria.

Documentation and Knowledge Transfer

• Develop and maintain database architecture documentation.
• Produce database migration plans, procedures, and execution checklists.
• Document database configurations, security settings, and operational requirements.
• Develop database administration Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare database backup and recovery runbooks.
• Provide database migration status reports to the AFPIMS Program Management Office (PMO).
• Support technical reviews and government briefings.
• Conduct knowledge transfer sessions with AFPIMS Operations and Development personnel.
• Provide final migration documentation and operational handoff materials.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience administering enterprise Microsoft SQL Server environments.
• Minimum 3 years of experience supporting AWS cloud database environments or comparable cloud database migrations.
• Demonstrated experience migrating Microsoft SQL Server databases to PostgreSQL or another non-SQL Server database platform.
• Experience supporting enterprise applications in production environments.
• Experience with large-scale database migrations and complex application dependencies.
• Experience supporting DoD, federal government, or similarly regulated environments.

Technical Skills

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the following technologies

Technology / Skill Required Proficiency

Microsoft SQL Server Administration Expert

SQL Server Database Migration Expert

AWS Aurora PostgreSQL Advanced

AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) Advanced

AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) Advanced

SQL Server T-SQL Expert

PostgreSQL / PL/pgSQL Advanced

Database Performance Tuning Advanced

Database Backup and Recovery Advanced

AWS CloudWatch Monitoring Intermediate

AWS IAM and KMS Intermediate

Database Security and Encryption Advanced

SQL Server to PostgreSQL Schema Conversion Advanced

Database Replication and CDC Advanced

Database Disaster Recovery Advanced

PowerShell / Python Scripting Intermediate

NIST SP 800-53 / DoD Security Requirements Intermediate

Location

Remote

Clearance

DoD active Secret