Database Migration Engineer

About the role

This position focuses on the critical aspects of database modernization where automated tools fall short. You will directly address the complex conversion, validation, and reconciliation challenges that arise during migrations, with support from senior engineers for the most intricate issues. In this role, you are the final line of defense for difficult database transformations, ensuring that logic is preserved accurately across different platforms. You will own the detailed analysis of problematic code sections that cannot be handled by standard automation. Your work will be instrumental in de-risking the most challenging phases of cloud migration projects for our clients. You will act as a technical specialist, diving deep into the nuances of SQL dialect differences and behavioral variances. Your contributions will directly impact the reliability and performance of production database environments post-migration.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Investigate database object conversion issues and adapt solutions for compatibility with PostgreSQL, leveraging guidance from senior engineers for particularly complex scenarios.
• Synthesize findings from AWS Schema Conversion Tool to pinpoint problematic code segments that demand expert-level intervention and manual refinement.
• Architect and manage version-controlled database migration scripts, ensuring that repeatable changes and robust rollback procedures are meticulously maintained.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot database-related application anomalies, working alongside senior team members to resolve intricate and high-stakes problems.
• Evaluate and enhance PostgreSQL query performance by conducting in-depth examinations of execution plans and refining indexing strategies for optimal efficiency.
• Supervise AWS Database Migration Service operations throughout data transfer and replication cycles, documenting and escalating any irregularities discovered.
• Lead efforts in diagnosing data mismatches and identifying performance bottlenecks within the DMS ecosystem through systematic analysis.
• Execute comprehensive verification and reconciliation processes to confirm data integrity and accuracy between source and target databases.
• Partner with application development teams to conduct rigorous validation of SQL behavior and performance, ensuring all expectations are met before production deployment.
• Interpret legacy database schemas and transform them into modern PostgreSQL structures while preserving underlying business logic and relationships.
• Establish and enforce coding standards for SQL migration scripts to promote consistency, readability, and long-term maintainability.
• Utilize advanced debugging techniques to isolate root causes of migration failures that are not apparent in standard testing environments.
• Document complex migration patterns and resolutions to build institutional knowledge and support less experienced team members.
• Participate in pre-cutover reviews and post-cutover validations to ensure seamless transitions for live client systems.
• Stay current with emerging best practices in database engineering and cloud migration to continuously improve team methodologies.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a comparable field.
• Possess 3-5 years of professional experience in database development or engineering, with demonstrable involvement in migration projects.
• Have hands-on practical experience with at least one of the following database systems: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, or PostgreSQL/Aurora PostgreSQL.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of direct experience with database migration initiatives, such as Oracle to PostgreSQL or SQL Server to PostgreSQL conversions.
• Exhibit a high level of SQL proficiency and a foundational understanding of query performance optimization techniques.
• Be familiar with AWS Schema Conversion Tool and AWS Database Migration Service, with prior hands-on experience being a distinct advantage.
• Have working knowledge of schema management and version control tools such as Flyway or Liquibase.
• Understand core PostgreSQL concepts, including indexing methodologies and how execution plans influence query behavior.
• Ability to read and interpret execution plans to diagnose performance issues in SQL queries.
• Strong attention to detail necessary for identifying subtle differences in data between source and target systems.
• Capability to work effectively in a fully remote environment while maintaining clear communication with distributed team members.
• Willingness to follow established procedures for documenting migration steps and recording issues for future reference.
• Commitment to adhering to fixed delivery dates and understanding the internal processes for managing project overages.
• Willingness to work directly with client teams to gather requirements and validate migration success criteria.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with AWS services such as RDS/Aurora, CloudWatch, and IAM.
• Experience with configuration management tools like Ansible, Chef, or Puppet.
• Knowledge of infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Holding an AWS Certified Database - Specialty or AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification.

Practical notes

Mactores is an AWS modernization firm that focuses on delivering tangible outcomes. Our platform, Aedeon, handles the majority of repetitive tasks, allowing our engineers to concentrate on critical architectural decisions, complex problem-solving, and successful cutovers. We commit to fixed delivery dates and absorb overages for delays within our control. You will work directly with client teams to ensure successful migration outcomes.