Senior Backend Engineer - SQL and C#

Skillable is a 100% remote tech company focused on modernizing training. The Senior Backend Engineer – SQL and C# is responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining Azure SQL database environments while collaborating with engineering teams to align database design with application development.

Responsibilities:

• Design and model relational database solutions using SQL technologies (e.g., Azure SQL), including schema design, normalization, and optimization for performance and scalability
• Deep involvement with engineering team in the Data Access Layer using EF CodeFirst modeling, mappings, and LINQ queries to ensure the schema and C# domain model are coherent, intentional, optimized, maintain integrity, and follow best practices
• Establish data unit test patterns and framework for LINQ/query expressions and other data access patterns
• Plan, script, review, and safely roll out EF migrations (including zero downtime/online migration patterns and rollback plans)
• Design, develop and debug Data Access Layer application code in C#
• Analyze and optimize SQL query performance to ensure efficient data retrieval and application responsiveness, applying Entity Framework techniques such as query translation analysis, LINQ optimization, and proper use of eager vs. lazy loading
• Optimize performance of application-generated queries on Azure SQL Database through techniques such as index tuning and query plan analysis to ensure fast and efficient transactional operations
• Operate as a subject matter expert on data access and ORM integration (i.e Entity Framework), including providing guidance on best practices for database access patterns
• Automate database deployment and maintenance tasks using CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and scripting tools (e.g., PowerShell, Azure CLI)
• Work with DevOps to manage and synchronize database changes across development, QA, staging, and production environments, ensuring consistency and reliability
• Oversee and manage Azure cloud-hosted databases (Azure SQL), including configuration, monitoring, performance tuning, and cost optimization
• Integrate and maintain monitoring and alerting solutions (e.g., Datadog, Azure Monitor) for proactive database health and performance management
• Explore and recommend new technologies, patterns, and methods to accomplish items on the technical and product roadmaps
• Collaborate with Architects to define, implement, and maintain high availability and disaster recovery (HADR) solutions for Azure cloud and hybrid database environments
• Participate in agile ceremonies (sprint planning, code reviews, etc.) to embed database best practices in the SDLC
• Participate in on-call rotations and support incident response as needed
• Support and promote the company values through positive interactions with both internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis
• Other strategic business initiatives or special cross-functional project involvement as required

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience as a database engineer, developer-focused DBA, or similar role
• Proven experience redesigning and optimizing relational database models for modern applications
• Deep experience with Azure SQL Database, including modeling design, deployment, and management in cloud environments
• Experience implementing .NET code (C# and Entity Framework) including the ability to debug and identify performance issues related to ORM usage
• Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps pipelines, CI/CD, and agile development methodologies
• Proficiency in automating database tasks using PowerShell, Azure CLI, or similar scripting tools
• Experience with database monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog) and proactive performance management
• Knowledge of security best-practices for Azure SQL
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a remote, fast-paced environment
• Advanced SQL development and optimization skills, including query tuning and execution plan analysis
• Strong understanding of relational database design principles (normalization, indexing strategies, constraints)
• Expertise in Entity Framework and ORM performance optimization techniques (LINQ query optimization, eager vs. lazy loading, query translation analysis)
• Proficiency in Azure SQL Database management and optimization for application workloads
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and database automation using scripting tools (PowerShell, Azure CLI)
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Datadog, Azure Monitor) for database performance and health
• Knowledge of high availability and disaster recovery strategies for cloud-hosted databases
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with development and DevOps teams