Database Platform Architect

Overview

Please note this role is based in our Phoenix, AZ Support Office. This role owns the architecture and evolution of our data infrastructure across on-premises Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL, and open-source relational platforms including PostgreSQL, while championing modern DataOps and cloud-native practices across the organization.

The Platform Architect serves as the technical authority for data platform decisions, partnering with engineering, analytics, and business teams to deliver scalable, secure, and highly available data systems. The ideal candidate brings deep SQL Server expertise alongside hands-on experience with cloud database platforms, infrastructure-as-code, and CI/CD pipelines for data workloads.

This role operates within a hybrid Agile/ITIL model and requires both independent ownership of complex architectural initiatives and strong cross-functional collaboration. Flexibility for on-call coverage and off-hours maintenance windows is required.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise data architecture roadmap, aligning platform strategy with business objectives and technology trends.
• Lead the design and governance of MS SQL Server, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, and related relational platforms across development, staging, and production.
• Architect and implement high-availability and disaster recovery solutions including AlwaysOn Availability Groups, failover clustering, and cloud-native replication.
• Drive DataOps adoption by integrating database changes into CI/CD pipelines, automating deployments, and managing infrastructure-as-code (IaC) for data platform resources.
• Establish and enforce data platform standards, naming conventions, security controls, and governance policies.
• Lead performance engineering efforts, including proactive query tuning, index strategy, workload management, and capacity planning for multi-TB environments.
• Evaluate and recommend cloud database services and emerging technologies, providing build-vs-buy analysis and proof-of-concept implementations.
• Mentor and guide database engineers and developers, elevating data platform knowledge across the organization.
• Partner with development teams on complex schema design, API data patterns, and data warehouse modeling.
• Oversee data migration and upgrade projects, including major version upgrades and cloud lift-and-shift initiatives.
• Drive automation of operational processes including monitoring, alerting, backup validation, and routine maintenance using PowerShell, Python, or similar.
• Provide escalation support for critical production incidents and participate in 24x7 on-call rotation.
• Produce architectural documentation, including solution design documents, runbooks, and data flow diagrams.

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Qualifications

Education & Experience

· Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

· 10+ years of experience with MS SQL Server in enterprise environments, with at least 3 years in an architect or lead capacity.

· 5+ years working with large-scale databases (5TB+) in high-availability configurations.

· 3+ years hands-on experience with cloud database platforms (Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance) and open-source RDBMS platforms (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or similar).

· Proven experience building and operating DataOps pipelines with CI/CD tooling (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or equivalent).

· Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Bicep) for database resource provisioning.

Technical Skills

· Expert-level proficiency in MS SQL Server: AlwaysOn AG, WSFC, replication, log shipping, and failover clustering.

· Strong knowledge of cloud-native database services: Azure SQL MI, Azure Synapse, and related PaaS offerings.

· Proficiency with open-source RDBMS platforms: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MariaDB — including replication, extensions, and performance tuning.

· Experience with modern ETL/ELT patterns, SSIS, Azure Data Factory, or dbt.

· Proficiency in PowerShell and Python for automation, scripting, and platform management.

· Hands-on experience with database CI/CD tools (Flyway, Liquibase, SSDT, or similar).

· Solid understanding of data security: TDE, row-level security, dynamic data masking, RBAC, and cloud IAM patterns.

· Experience with Performance Tuning and Optimization (PTO), including execution plan analysis and workload isolation.

· Familiarity with observability tools (Datadog, Azure Monitor, SQL Insights, or equivalent).

· Knowledge of data governance frameworks and catalog tooling (Purview, Collibra, or similar) a plus.

· Microsoft certifications (DP-, DP-, AZ-) preferred.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:

• Competitive pay
• Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health
• Vacation accrual plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
• Flexible schedules
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• (K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!

Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:

• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance
• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Company paid short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
• Paid holidays