Database Migration SME - Oracle & Microsoft SQL Server

Job Title: Database Migration SME (Subject Matter Expert)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Database Migration SME to lead complex, large-scale database migration and modernization initiatives across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. As the go-to expert, you will design, plan, execute, and optimize end-to-end database migration strategies with minimal downtime, zero data loss, and optimal performance.

You will work closely with application teams, solution architects, cloud architects, and infrastructure teams to migrate legacy databases to modern cloud-native platforms while ensuring security, compliance, performance, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end database migration projects from on-premises to cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) or between cloud platforms, including heterogeneous and homogeneous migrations.

Design and implement robust migration strategies using lift-and-shift, re-platforming, and re-architecting approaches for minimal downtime (near-zero or zero-downtime migrations).

Perform detailed assessment, discovery, and compatibility analysis of source databases (Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, DB2, etc.) and recommend target cloud-native or open-source database solutions.

Execute migrations using specialized tools and services such as:

o AWS: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS), Schema Conversion Tool (SCT), Snowball, DMS Fleet Advisor

o Azure: Azure Database Migration Service, Data Migration Assistant (DMA)

o Google Cloud: Database Migration Service, Data Transfer Service

o Third-party tools: Striim, Qlik Replicate, Attunity, Oracle GoldenGate, Dbvisit, etc.

Design and implement high-availability, disaster recovery, and data replication strategies during and post-migration.

Handle schema conversion, data transformation, data validation, and post-migration performance tuning & optimization.

Ensure data integrity, consistency, security, encryption, and compliance (GDPR, ISO, SOC2, RBI guidelines where applicable) throughout the migration lifecycle.

Automate migration processes using Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible), scripting (Python, PowerShell, Shell), and CI/CD pipelines.

Conduct risk assessment, mitigation planning, cutover rehearsals, and rollback strategies.

Provide expert-level troubleshooting for complex migration issues related to performance, connectivity, data corruption, or tool limitations.

Define database migration best practices, standards, frameworks, and governance for the organization.

Mentor and train internal teams on database migration tools, methodologies, and cloud database best practices.

Collaborate with stakeholders to create migration roadmaps, effort estimation, and successful delivery of migration programs.

Stay updated with latest migration tools, techniques, and emerging technologies (e.g., serverless databases, vector database migrations for AI workloads).

Required Qualifications & Experience

Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

8+ years of overall IT experience with 6+ years of specialized hands-on experience in large-scale database migrations and modernization projects.

Proven track record of successfully leading multiple complex database migration programs in enterprise environments.

Must-Have Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills:

Deep expertise in relational databases: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, DB2.

Strong experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and their native database migration services.

Hands-on proficiency with industry-leading migration tools (AWS DMS + SCT, Azure DMS, Oracle GoldenGate, Striim, etc.).

Excellent knowledge of schema conversion, data replication, CDC (Change Data Capture), and data validation techniques.

Strong scripting and automation skills (Python, PowerShell, Bash, SQL).

Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible) for migration automation.

Performance tuning and optimization of source and target databases.

Understanding of networking, security, and compliance requirements in migration scenarios.

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities under pressure.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to work in agile, fast-paced, and client-facing environments.

Leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Certifications (Preferred)

AWS Certified Database Specialty

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)

Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Oracle GoldenGate Specialist

Google Cloud Professional Database Engineer

AWS Certified Data Migration Specialty (or equivalent)

Red Hat or other cloud migration certifications (added advantage)

Preferred Experience

Experience in BFSI, Telecom, Retail, or large-scale enterprise transformation programs (highly relevant for Bengaluru market).

Exposure to heterogeneous migrations (e.g., Oracle PostgreSQL/Aurora, SQL Server Azure SQL).

Knowledge of application refactoring required for cloud database migrations.

Experience with data platform modernization, including migration to data lakes, warehouses, or AI-ready databases.

Prior consulting or managed services background in database migration.

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka (Hybrid / On-site)

Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent