No C to C or sponsorship Onsite in Buffalo, NY Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Azure SQL Database Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of SQL database solutions hosted in Microsoft Azure. In this role, you will provide advanced technical direction and solutions across the full systems development lifecycle. You will support a new middleware application integrating with a SaaS platform, ensuring secure, high-performing, and highly available database environments. This position requires deep expertise in Azure SQL technologies, as well as the ability to mentor junior team members and lead development tasks across varied project scopes. Primary Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and maintain complex Azure SQL databases, including schema design, T-SQL development, stored procedures, and indexing strategies. • Lead and contribute to systems analysis, development, and implementation activities for new or existing applications. • Serve as the primary technical resource for database architecture, optimization, and security. • Analyze and resolve database-related performance and integration issues, including query plan analysis and tuning. • Manage the technical planning, execution, and delivery of assigned projects. • Collaborate with development, operations, and business teams to ensure database systems meet performance and availability requirements. • Monitor and maintain database backup/recovery processes and disaster recovery readiness. • Provide leadership and direction to less experienced engineers. • Ensure database solutions are in compliance with security policies and leverage Azure features such as Managed Identities and TDE. • Create, review, and maintain detailed technical documentation and specifications. • Participate in vendor software evaluations and make technology recommendations. • Ensure adherence to internal risk, compliance, and audit standards. Required Qualifications: • Associate degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in systems analysis and application/database development — or a combined 7+ years of education and relevant experience. • Proven expertise in Azure SQL Database technologies including T-SQL, stored procedures, schema design, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), and Azure Active Directory Authentication. • Strong experience with Azure networking, Managed Identities, and database security. • In-depth knowledge of database modeling, performance tuning, and optimization. • Hands-on experience with query execution plans, index tuning, and monitoring tools. • Strong problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Experience with application integration, especially middleware and SaaS data pipelines. • Ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently. Preferred Qualifications: • Advanced knowledge of enterprise IT ecosystems and integrated applications. • Familiarity with the organization's application framework (or comparable environments). • Experience mentoring team members and leading technical initiatives. • Action-oriented with a proactive approach to system improvement and problem resolution. • Background in regulatory compliance and internal control frameworks.