Consulting Engineer - Data
Location:
Grand Rapids, MI / Indianapolis, IN
Employment Type:
Full-time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Position Overview:
As a Microsoft SQL Consulting Engineer, you will design and deliver database and data integration solutions that enable clients to manage, transform, and leverage their data effectively. You will translate business requirements into reliable database architectures, configure and maintain SQL Server environments, optimize performance, and build data pipelines to move data across systems. This role combines technical expertise in SQL Server administration and development with proficiency in Microsoft's modern data platform tools including Fabric and Azure Data Factory.
Key Responsibilities:
SQL Server Administration
- Install, configure, and maintain SQL Server instances in on-premises and hybrid environments
- Implement and manage backup and recovery strategies, high availability solutions, and disaster recovery plans
- Configure security settings, user permissions, and auditing to meet compliance requirements
- Apply patches, updates, and perform capacity planning
Performance Tuning & Optimization
- Analyze and optimize query performance using execution plans, indexing strategies, and query rewrites
- Monitor server health and proactively identify performance bottlenecks
- Tune SQL Server configuration settings for optimal resource utilization
- Troubleshoot and resolve database performance issues
Database Development
- Design and implement database schemas, stored procedures, functions, and views
- Ensure data quality, integrity, and adherence to best practices in database design
- Develop and maintain T-SQL scripts for data management and automation
Data Pipeline Development
- Build and maintain data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric and/or Azure Data Factory
- Implement ETL/ELT processes to move and transform data across sources and destinations
- Monitor pipeline performance and troubleshoot data flow issues
Solution Design & Delivery
- Translate business requirements into database and data integration solutions aligned with industry best practices
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data needs and define technical approaches
- Deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining customer satisfaction
Technical Collaboration
- Work with customers to plan, design, configure, and diagnose SQL Server and data pipeline technologies
- Partner with other engineers and technical leads on complex projects
- Document solutions and share knowledge with team members
Qualifications:
Certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate, Azure Database Administrator Associate, or Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (or working toward certification)
Experience
- 3–5 years in SQL Server administration, database development, data engineering, or related consulting
- Demonstrated experience installing, configuring, and managing SQL Server environments
- Proven track record of performance tuning and query optimization
- Hands-on experience building data pipelines in Microsoft Fabric and/or Azure Data Factory
Skills
- Strong proficiency in T-SQL, stored procedures, indexing, and database design
- Solid understanding of SQL Server internals, execution plans, and performance monitoring tools
- Familiarity with high availability and disaster recovery solutions (Always On, log shipping, replication)
- Experience with Azure data services and the Microsoft data platform ecosystem
- Understanding of data modeling and ETL/ELT patterns
Interpersonal Qualities
- Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and project delivery
