Lead SQL Server Developer

Company Overview

At 4A Consulting, we turn complexity into opportunity. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Baltimore, MD, we are a women-owned, boutique consulting firm specializing in delivering innovative, data-driven solutions to both the Federal Government and Fortune 500 clients. Our team blends deep industry knowledge with advanced technologies to design tailored strategies that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes. We pride ourselves on an agile, collaborative approach that helps organizations navigate challenges and seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. At 4A, we don’t just deliver projects, we build trusted partnerships that empower our clients to lead with confidence in the digital age.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Developer to lead database development activities for the Maryland Pension Administration System (MPAS). The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL development, with expertise in stored procedures, functions, views, triggers, database schema design, data modeling, and query performance optimization.
Working under the direction of the Agency\'s Systems Development Unit, the Lead Data Developer will oversee database development standards, review database code, mentor other data developers, and collaborate with application developers to implement reliable and high-performing database solutions. This is a database development role, not a database administration (DBA) position, with a primary focus on implementing business logic, optimizing SQL code, and supporting application development.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical leadership, Agile team experience, and at least five years of pension administration system experience, along with the ability to resolve complex database issues and ensure compliance with Agency and State software development standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead database development activities supporting the MPAS application suite and related enterprise systems.
• Assign, coordinate, and review T-SQL development tasks while mentoring data developers and promoting consistent coding practices.
• Establish and maintain database coding standards, naming conventions, documentation requirements, and development best practices.
• Design, develop, test, and maintain SQL Server stored procedures, functions, views, and triggers that implement MPAS business logic.
• Collaborate with application developers to design, evolve, and maintain database schemas, data models, and application data structures.
• Develop and maintain database migration scripts, schema changes, and data conversion routines to support application enhancements and releases.
• Analyze SQL Server execution plans to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize queries, indexes, stored procedures, and other database objects.
• Troubleshoot complex database defects, investigate root causes, and implement solutions that improve performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Conduct unit, integration, and system testing of database code to ensure accuracy, data integrity, and alignment with application requirements.
• Work closely with application development teams to ensure efficient database access and appropriate integration between application code and database objects.
• Participate in Agile planning, estimation, code reviews, and technical discussions to support timely delivery of database development work.
• Create and maintain technical documentation covering database designs, business logic, data models, migration procedures, and performance improvements.
• Recommend database development techniques and tools that improve code quality, maintainability, and delivery efficiency.
• Follow all applicable Agency and State software development policies, standards, and guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on T-SQL development experience, including stored procedures, functions, views, and triggers.
• Strong experience with Microsoft SQL Server 2016 or later.
• Demonstrated expertise in database schema design, relational data modeling, and implementation of application business logic within SQL Server.
• Experience analyzing execution plans and optimizing queries, indexes, stored procedures, and overall database code performance.
• Proven experience leading or coordinating database development teams in an Agile environment.
• At least 5 years of pension administration system experience.
• Experience establishing database coding standards, reviewing SQL code, and mentoring other developers.
• Experience collaborating with application developers on database design, data access patterns, and application integration.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to resolve complex database development and performance issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating development activities across technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
• Familiarity with database source control, schema versioning, and migration tools such as Flyway or Redgate.
• Understanding of Entity Framework Core data access patterns and how application code consumes SQL Server database objects.
• Experience using Azure DevOps and GitHub for source control, work tracking, collaboration, and development workflows.
• Experience working in enterprise Agile development environments.
• Prior experience supporting the State of Maryland or working on Maryland state government technology initiatives.

Why Join 4A 

• Be part of a mission-driven, women-owned consulting firm with a reputation for excellence.
• Work on high-impact projects across federal and commercial clients.
• Collaborate in an inclusive, growth-oriented culture where innovation is valued.
• Access career development programs, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, flexible work options, and a focus on work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

4A Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive hiring process. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability may contact . This email is intended solely for accommodation requests.

Please note that 4A Consulting participates in the federal E-Verify program. Upon hire, we will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US. 4A Consulting will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.