<p>We are seeking an experienced <strong>SQL Server 2022 Security &amp; Encryption Engineer</strong> to design and implement a comprehensive security and encryption framework for SQL Server 2022 databases containing Protected Health Information (PHI). This short-term contract role is critical for achieving strong technical safeguards and delivering auditable evidence for HIPAA compliance.</p><p>The successful candidate will deploy and harden SQL Server 2022 using industry-leading encryption, access control, auditing, and masking technologies, ensuring sensitive data is protected at rest, in transit, and in use.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Deploy and configure SQL Server 2022 with a full security and encryption stack, including:</li><li>Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)</li><li>Always Encrypted with Azure Key Vault integration</li><li>Column-Level Encryption on all PHI-containing columns</li><li>Row-Level Security (RLS)</li><li>Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)</li><li>Implement SQL Server Audit and route audit logs to Microsoft Sentinel for centralized monitoring and alerting</li><li>Enforce TLS 1.2 / 1.3 for all database connections and disable legacy protocols</li><li>Perform surface area reduction and hardening (disable unnecessary features, xp_cmdshell, etc.)</li><li>Design and implement secure key management practices using Azure Key Vault</li><li>Develop and document encryption strategies, policies, and procedures for PHI protection</li><li>Create a complete <strong>HIPAA Technical Safeguard evidence package</strong> including configuration documentation, encryption inventories, key management processes, and audit procedures</li><li>Collaborate with the Microsoft Security Framework Engineer and Microsoft Sentinel Engineer to ensure seamless integration with the broader security stack (Defender, Sentinel, Purview DLP, etc.)</li><li>Provide knowledge transfer and training to internal database and security teams</li></ul><p><br></p>

<ul><li>7+ years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA or Database Security Engineer</li><li>Deep expertise in SQL Server 2022 security features, specifically:</li><li>Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)</li><li>Always Encrypted (with Azure Key Vault)</li><li>Column-Level Encryption</li><li>Row-Level Security and Dynamic Data Masking</li><li>SQL Server Audit and log shipping to SIEM (Sentinel)</li><li>Proven experience implementing encryption solutions for databases containing PHI in regulated healthcare environments</li><li>Strong knowledge of HIPAA Security Rule technical safeguards and ability to produce auditable compliance evidence</li><li>Experience with Azure Key Vault for cryptographic key management</li><li>Solid understanding of TLS configuration, certificate management, and SQL Server surface area hardening</li><li>Excellent documentation and communication skills</li></ul><p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>Prior experience working on Microsoft 365 E5 + Sentinel environments</li><li>Familiarity with Microsoft Purview sensitivity labeling and DLP integration with SQL databases</li><li>Certifications such as MCSE: Data Management and Analytics, or equivalent modern SQL security-focused credentials</li><li>Experience delivering HIPAA-compliant database implementations</li></ul><p><br></p>

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