Migration Expert (SQL Server to PostgreSQL)

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Migration Expert (SQL Server to PostgreSQL) based in United States.** We are seeking an experienced database migration specialist to lead complex migrations from Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL. In this role, you will leverage deep expertise in T-SQL internals, PostgreSQL architecture, and database performance optimization to ensure reliable, efficient cross-platform transitions. You will take ownership of migration planning, schema conversion, procedural code transformation, and data validation. Working with modern development and documentation tools, you will also help streamline migration workflows through automation and scripting. Your technical insights will contribute to improved database performance, maintainability, and operational reliability. This remote opportunity is ideal for a seasoned database professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and sharing expertise with other engineers. ### Accountabilities: As the Migration Expert, you will lead end-to-end database migration initiatives while ensuring compatibility, performance, and data integrity throughout the process. Your main responsibilities will include: - Lead migrations from SQL Server to PostgreSQL, covering schema conversion, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and data transfer. - Analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize complex T-SQL code using an in-depth understanding of SQL Server internals, query execution plans, indexing, and performance behavior. - Translate T-SQL procedural logic into PL/pgSQL, addressing differences in data types, collations, constraints, identity columns, sequences, cursors, dynamic SQL, exception handling, and temporary tables. - Develop and maintain migration scripts, tools, and utilities to automate schema extraction, data export and import, and migration validation. - Assess database performance and auditing requirements using SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), and other relevant diagnostic tools. - Identify and resolve cross-platform compatibility issues, including transaction isolation differences, collation mismatches, and stored procedure behavior. - Apply SQL Server auditing and compliance expertise, including SQL Server Audit, Change Data Capture (CDC), transaction log analysis, and row-level security. - Work with Jira, Confluence, GitHub, and GitLab to support development workflows, documentation, and migration tracking. - Document migration architecture, technical decisions, challenges, and lessons learned. - Mentor junior database administrators and developers on T-SQL internals, PostgreSQL compatibility, and performance tuning. **Requirements:** The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on database engineering experience, strong analytical skills, and a proven record of delivering large-scale migrations between SQL Server and PostgreSQL. The following qualifications are expected: - At least 10 years of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server and expert-level proficiency in T-SQL. - Deep understanding of SQL Server internals, including the query execution engine, transaction log architecture, buffer manager, and tempdb behavior. - Demonstrated experience migrating large, complex databases from SQL Server to PostgreSQL. - Strong knowledge of PostgreSQL, PL/pgSQL, database architecture, and performance tuning. - Proven ability to write, analyze, and optimize complex SQL scripts, stored procedures, functions, and triggers. - Expertise in schema and data mapping, including data types, collations, constraints, identity-to-sequence conversion, and procedural logic translation. - Strong SQL Server performance-tuning skills, including indexing strategies, query plan optimization, statistics management, and partitioning. - Practical experience with SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, DMVs, and database auditing and compliance tools. - Ability to automate administrative and migration tasks using PowerShell or SQLCMD. - Familiarity with Jira and Confluence, alongside GitHub or GitLab, for workflow management, technical documentation, and development collaboration. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts and mentor colleagues. - Experience with Azure, AWS, or GCP database hosting and migration is an advantage. - Knowledge of Python or Bash for automation, as well as SSIS or equivalent ETL frameworks, is considered a plus. **Benefits:** - **Remote work:** Work from anywhere worldwide. - **Employment type:** Permanent employment. - **Start date:** As soon as possible. - **Technical impact:** Lead challenging database modernization projects and improve migration efficiency, compatibility, and performance. - **Professional development:** Share knowledge with other technical professionals while deepening expertise across SQL Server and PostgreSQL environments.