SQL Infrastructure Architect

Job Title: SQL Infrastructure Architect

Location:                         Dublin / Hybrid

Employment Type:     Day Rate Contract

Duration :                        6 months

Start Date:                      Jan 2026

Role Overview

The SQL Infrastructure Architect will be responsible for architecting, designing, and documenting a highly available (HA) Microsoft SQL Server 2022 cluster environment. This role also involves acting as a technical consultant to plan and execute the migration of existing SQL Server 2014 databases to the new platform, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design
  • Design and document a robust SQL Server 2022 HA cluster architecture (including Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, and disaster recovery strategies).
  • Define infrastructure requirements (compute, storage, networking) for optimal SQL performance and scalability.
  • Develop security, compliance, and backup strategies aligned with organizational standards.
• Migration Planning & Execution
  • Assess current SQL Server 2014 environment and dependencies.
  • Develop a detailed migration plan including risk assessment, rollback strategies, and testing phases.
  • Execute migration of databases, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.
• Technical Consulting
  • Provide expert guidance to stakeholders on SQL best practices, performance tuning, and HA/DR configurations.
  • Collaborate with application teams to validate compatibility and optimize queries post-migration.
• Documentation
  • Produce comprehensive architecture diagrams, configuration guides, and operational runbooks.
  • Maintain detailed migration documentation and lessons learned.

Required Skills & Experience

• Technical Expertise
  • Proven experience architecting and implementing SQL Server HA clusters (preferably SQL Server 2019/2022).
  • Strong knowledge of Always On Availability Groups, Windows Server Failover Clustering, and replication technologies.
  • Experience with database migration strategies and tools (e.g., Data Migration Assistant, SSIS).
  • Proficiency in performance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization.
• Infrastructure Knowledge
  • Familiarity with virtualization platforms (VMware/Hyper-V)
  • Understanding of networking, storage, and security principles in enterprise environments.
• Soft Skills
  • Excellent documentation and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or similar.
• Experience with hybrid cloud SQL deployments.

·      Terraform Code Understand

Deliverables

• SQL Server 2022 HA Cluster architecture and design documentation.
• Migration plan and execution report.
• Operational runbooks and troubleshooting guides.

 For more info please call Michael on 01 6146058 or e: [email protected]