SQL Server Architect

*SC CLEARED*
SQL Server Architect - Cloud Resilience & High Availability (AWS Focus)
4 Month contract initially + Extensions
Based: Hybrid working. 3-4 days p/w onsite in London
Rate - £600 - £640 p/d via Umbrella

We have a great opportunity with a world leading organisation where you will be provided with all of the support and development to succeed. A progressive organisation where you can really make a difference. We have a great opportunity for a SQL Server Architect on a long term program of work.

As part of this programme, the SQL Server Architect will be responsible for designing, validating, and optimising the SQL Server platform that underpins a complex, enterprise grade SharePoint Farm hosted on AWS. The engagement will begin with an eight week Proof of Value (PoV) focused on proving SQL Server resilience patterns, including Always On and HA/DR using cloud native AWS services. Experience with Azure is also beneficial to support comparative assessment.

Key Responsibilities:
Phase 1 - Proof of Value (PoV): Resilience Patterns
Objective: Prove the viability and performance of HA/DR patterns for SQL Server supporting SharePoint on AWS.

Key Activities
* Work with Infra Architect to define PoV success criteria (RPO/RTO, failover time, throughput, recovery steps).
* Stand up PoV topology:
o SQL Server Always On Availability Groups on Amazon EC2 across multiple AZs.
o Storage using EBS (io1/io2/gp3) and where required, FSx for Windows File Server for cluster dependencies.
* Integrate CloudWatch, AWS Backup, Systems Manager, and automation as appropriate (CloudFormation/Terraform/PowerShell).
* Confirm and test SharePoint compatibility (content/search/service DBs).
* Produce pattern catalogue and TCO/performance findings and assessment of complexity to introduce and in terms of operability and maintainability for each of the chosen patterns (Always On availability groups, Always On failover cluster instances (FCI), SIOS DataKeeper, AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery, and AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS).

Deliverables
* PoV Plan & Success Metrics
* Resilience Pattern Catalogue (HA/DR topologies, pros/cons, prerequisites)
* Testing of DR options with SharePoint team.
* Performance Baseline & Findings Report (throughput/latency, failover timings)
* PoV Recommendation & Next Step Design Decisions

Core Responsibilities
* Architect HA/DR for SQL Server in AWS to support a mission critical SharePoint farm.
* Evaluate native AWS options (EC2, EBS, FSx, Route 53, CloudWatch, Backup, Systems Manager, CloudFormation).
* Design and validate Always On patterns, listener routing, quorum/witness.
* Collaborate with the Infrastructure Architect to ensure network/IAM/security fit.
* Produce documentation, runbooks, and handover materials for operations.

Key Skills & Experience:
* Soli experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2016+) architecture and operations.
* Proven delivery of Always On Availability Groups, FCI, log shipping/replication.
* Large scale SharePoint database design/operations experience.
* Strong performance engineering (indexing, I/O, concurrency, wait stats, storage optimisation).
* Deep understanding of networking for Always On, listener design, DNS failover.
* Excellent documentation and stakeholder communication.

Desirable
* Azure SQL HA/DR exposure (SQL MI, zone redundancy) for comparative design decisions.
* Hands on AWS deployment for SQL workloads (EC2, EBS, FSx, Route 53, CloudWatch, Backup, SSM).
* Automation tooling (CloudFormation/Terraform, PowerShell DSC).
* Experience with regulated environments and security hardening.

This is an excellent opportunity on a great project of work, If you are looking for your next exciting opportunity, apply now for your CV to reach me directly, we will respond as soon as possible.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take a minimum 10 weeks. LA International is an award-winning partner of choice for many of the world's most influential companies and government organisations. Holding Enhanced Government Security Accreditation, we are recognised as the European market leader in the delivery of Security Cleared talent to organisations that demand the very highest levels of security, compliance and assurance.

An award-winning organisation, having secured the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade over multiple years. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.