Cloud Database Administrator (Azure)

Job Description

Job Description

Akira Technologies is seeking an experienced Cloud Database Administrator (Cloud DBA) to support the design, implementation, migration, administration, automation, and optimization of enterprise database environments within Microsoft Azure cloud platforms. The Cloud DBA will be responsible for managing cloud-based database services, implementing infrastructure as code (IaC), automating deployments, ensuring database security and availability, and supporting large-scale cloud modernization initiatives.

This role requires strong expertise in Azure database technologies, cloud architecture, database migration, automation, performance tuning, security compliance, and high-availability solutions. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineers, architects, developers, and cybersecurity teams to maintain secure, scalable, and highly available database environments supporting mission-critical operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, configure, and administer Microsoft Azure database services including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance (SQL MI), and Azure Database for PostgreSQL.
• Lead database migration efforts from on-premises environments to Microsoft Azure cloud platforms.
• Perform Oracle-to-SQL Server database conversion activities and support modernization initiatives.
• Implement and maintain database high-availability, backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.
• Monitor database performance and conduct performance tuning, optimization, and capacity planning activities.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using Terraform and Ansible.
• Automate infrastructure provisioning, configuration management, and application deployments using CI/CD best practices and tools including GitHub Actions, Terraform, and Ansible.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Ansible to streamline operational and administrative tasks.
• Configure and manage Azure networking and security controls supporting cloud database environments.
• Implement and enforce database security best practices, including identity management, encryption, access controls, vulnerability management, and compliance requirements.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability scans, remediation activities, and compliance reviews.
• Support cloud architecture initiatives and collaborate with engineering teams on cloud infrastructure design and implementation.
• Troubleshoot complex database, cloud infrastructure, networking, and performance-related issues.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, operational procedures, architecture diagrams, and configuration standards.
• Support continuous process improvement initiatives through automation, monitoring, scripting, and operational enhancements.
• Participate in on-call and operational support activities as required to support 24x7 mission operations.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of experience configuring, deploying, and administering Microsoft Azure services.
• 5+ years of experience migrating on-premises databases to Microsoft Azure cloud environments.
• 5+ years of experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud networking, and cloud security.
• 7+ years of experience supporting database high availability, backup, restore, recovery, and disaster recovery solutions.
• 5+ years of experience with database performance tuning and optimization.
• 4+ years of experience automating infrastructure provisioning and application deployments using CI/CD methodologies.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with Terraform and Ansible.
• Experience administering Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and PostgreSQL environments.
• Experience developing automation and scripting solutions using PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Ansible.
• Experience implementing database security controls and conducting vulnerability assessments.
• Experience supporting cloud architecture, cloud technologies, cloud services, and enterprise-scale Azure environments.
• Strong knowledge of relational database management systems and database administration best practices.
• Experience with process improvement, automation, monitoring, and scripting/programming languages.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience as a Data Architect, Database Architect, or Cloud Database Administrator.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate certification.
• Additional Azure certifications related to cloud architecture, administration, or security.
• Advanced knowledge of networking concepts, object-oriented technologies, data warehousing, and relational database engines.
• Experience supporting federal government or Department of Defense environments.
• Experience with enterprise monitoring, observability, and cloud governance frameworks.

Salary Range: $115,000 to $140,000

Akira’s pay range for this position considers various factors including skills, years of experience, training, licenses, certifications, alignment with market data, and internal equity in the organization. This pay range estimate is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary, which Akira believes to be done in good faith in compliance with local laws. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

General Description of Benefits

Akira offers its employees multiple options for medical plans (some with Health Savings Account), dental plans, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with employer match. To promote work/life balance, Akira offers paid time off, including vacation and sick time, holidays, paid parental leave, military leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave. We also offer short and long-term disability benefits to protect employee income in the event of sickness or injury, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and critical illness insurance. Akira also offers tuition, training, and certification reimbursement for professional development and career advancement.

Akira regularly reviews our total rewards package to ensure our offerings remain competitive and reflect the values and needs expressed by our employees.

About Akira Technologies

Akira strives to meet and exceed the mission and objectives of US federal agencies. As a leading small business cloud modernization and data analytics services provider, we deliver trusted and highly differentiated solutions and technologies that serve the needs of our customers and citizens. Akira serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies across the intelligence, cyber, defense, civilian, and health markets. Every day, our employees deliver transformational outcomes, solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers.

Akira is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.