Principal Engineer - SQL Server

About this role: At Wells Fargo, we are hiring a Principal Engineer with expertise in SQL Server, data center architecture, and enterprise-scale automation. This role will focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing automated database solutions, with a strong emphasis on data center migrations on-premise. The position has some exposure to migrations from on-premise to Azure Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database. The position provides technical leadership in strategy, architecture, and execution for database engineering initiatives. You will collaborate closely with service delivery, application, DBA, security, and architecture teams to deliver resilient and scalable solutions in an Agile environment. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong cross-functional collaboration skills, and a passion for innovation, stability, and operational excellence. The Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture (IE&A) – Database Engineering team serves as the Center of Excellence for enterprise database management. In this role, you will: Act as a trusted advisor to leadership, influencing enterprise-wide technology strategies across multiple domains Define and guide architecture decisions for databases, applications, networks, security, operating systems, and web technologies Lead resolution of highly complex, cross-functional challenges requiring advanced analysis, creativity, and long-term vision Translate business objectives into scalable, secure, and efficient engineering solutions aligned with enterprise strategy Provide technical leadership on innovative solutions that enhance operational excellence and business outcomes Stay current on industry trends and emerging technologies, recommending improvements and modernization opportunities Collaborate with stakeholders across all levels, serving as a subject matter expert and technical consultant Lead enterprise database initiatives including architecture, design, integration, and advanced data modeling Drive planning, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of SQL Server and cloud-based database platforms Design, evaluate, and certify next-generation database technologies, including automation and modernization efforts. Required Qualifications: 7+ years of Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education 7+ years of SQL Server engineering, administration, and architecture experience within large enterprise environments 5+ years of PowerShell scripting experience. Desired Qualifications: Experience with automation of large-scale database environments Proficiency with System Center Orchestrator (SCORCH) or similar automation frameworks Knowledge of GitHub for version control and collaboration Experience with Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database Familiarity with Cohesity backup and recovery solutions Experience with SQL Server encryption technologies (e.g., EKM) Knowledge of AI solutions (e.g., Tachyon, Microsoft, Google) Experience with ServiceNow for change management and JIRA for Agile delivery Working knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and release management practices Strong understanding of relational database concepts, advanced SQL querying, and data modeling Experience with API integrations and JSON payloads Knowledge of test-driven development and layered architecture concepts. Job Expectations: This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship Telecommuting is not available; this is a hybrid role Relocation assistance is not provided Relocation assistance is not available for this position Pay Range Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities. $159,000.00 - $305,000.00 Benefits Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees. Health benefits 401(k) Plan Paid time off Disability benefits Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance Parental leave Critical caregiving leave Discounts and savings Commuter benefits Tuition reimbursement Scholarships for dependent children Adoption reimbursement Posting End Date: 7 Jul 2026 *Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. We Value Equal Opportunity Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic. Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements. Applicants with Disabilities To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo. Drug and Alcohol Policy Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more. Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements: a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo. b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. Additional information may be found at: wellsfargo.com wellsfargojobs.com For questions on how to search and apply, visit frequently asked questions.