Solution Architect & Technical Engagement (SQL Server to Azure Databricks modernization) - Canada

**Role: Solution Architect & Technical Engagement Lead (SQL Server to Azure Databricks modernization / migration)

Remote (Canada)** Job Type: Contract Role Summary

• We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Solution Architect and Technical Engagement Lead to lead the implementation of a SQL Server to Azure Databricks modernization initiative following a successful proof of concept.
• This client-facing role combines solution architecture, technical leadership, executive engagement, and delivery ownership. The successful candidate will work with senior business and technology stakeholders to define the target architecture, lead implementation planning, and support the decision between a hybrid SQL Server Databricks solution and a full Databricks migration.

Project Focus Implementation of a SQL Server to Azure Databricks modernization initiative following a successful proof of concept.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the target architecture and implementation strategy for migrating SQL Server workloads to Azure Databricks.
• Assess hybrid and full-migration options based on performance, scalability, cost, complexity, and business needs.
• Provide hands-on guidance on converting complex T-SQL stored procedures into optimized Python and PySpark solutions.
• Lead functional, integration, regression, and performance testing.
• Validate results against existing SQL Server baselines and benchmark workloads of different sizes.
• Present technical findings, risks, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Lead architecture workshops, technical discussions, and executive presentations.

Required Skills

• Proven experience leading enterprise data-modernization or SQL-to-cloud migration projects.
• Strong hands-on expertise in Azure Databricks, Apache Spark, Python/PySpark, SQL Server, and T-SQL.
• Experience with Delta Lake, ADLS Gen2, Azure Data Factory, and CI/CD.
• Strong knowledge of migration validation, workload benchmarking, performance analysis, and production readiness.
• Excellent communication, presentation, workshop facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience engaging with senior IT and business stakeholders, including VP- and SVP-level executives.
• Ability to influence without direct authority, resolve disagreements, build consensus, and lead technical teams.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in insurance or reinsurance, including pricing, catastrophe modelling, or actuarial calculations.
• Knowledge of Monte Carlo simulations and computationally intensive workloads.
• Familiarity with Touchstone or RMS platforms.