SQL Engineer

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SQL Engineer (Contract) Inside IR35 - Hybrid working (3 days onsite)
Overview We are seeking an experienced SQL Engineer to support a large scale SQL Server and Windows Server migration programme. The role involves upgrading a significant estate from SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2019 to newer, supported versions. With multiple end of life deadlines approaching, this position is critical for ensuring stability, compliance, and long term platform resilience. The ideal candidate will have strong hands on experience delivering complex SQL upgrade and migration projects, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work in a structured programme environment.
Key Responsibilities * Lead and execute migration activities across a large SQL Server estate, moving from SQL 2016 & 2019 to SQL 2022 (with a roadmap toward SQL 2025 in future phases). * Assess, analyse, and document the existing SQL environment, including discovery of additional instances "in the background." * Work with the Project Manager to plan and prioritise migrations across a complex estate. * Upgrade, consolidate, and optimise SQL instances as required to meet technical and business needs. * Support the migration of associated Windows Server estates * Ensure secure, stable and compliant transitions aligned with end of life timelines. * Conduct troubleshooting, performance tuning, and post migration validation work. * Produce clear migration documentation, runbooks, and operational handover materials. * Collaborate with technical leads, infrastructure teams, and wider stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery.
Essential Skills & Experience * Extensive hands on experience with SQL Server migrations, upgrades, and platform modernisation. * Proven background upgrading from SQL 2016 and SQL 2019 to later versions (SQL 2022; SQL 2025). * Strong understanding of SQL Server architecture, clustering, HA/DR, AlwaysOn, performance tuning, and security. * Demonstrated ability to analyse large, complex estates and identify hidden/unknown instances. * Experience migrating associated Windows Server platforms (2016/2019). * Ability to work independently and take ownership of delivering migration outcomes from A to B. * Excellent problem solving skills and attention to detail. * Ability to work in a structured, high pressure EOL driven project environment.
Desirable Experience * Experience delivering large-scale database estate modernisation within enterprise environments. * Familiarity with SQL 2025 roadmap and feature set. * Experience using migration tooling (e.g., Redgate, SSIS, native SQL tools, Azure Data Studio, monitoring platforms). * Knowledge of compliance-driven environments or regulated industries.
In accordance with the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, this position is advertised based upon DGH Recruitment Limited having first sought approval of its client to find candidates for this position.
DGH Recruitment Limited acts as both an Employment Agency and Employment Business
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Location:
City Of London, London
Salary:
£600 - £650 /day
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
IT

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