Title: Systems Engineer, Server Upgrade Contractor
Location: Phoenix, AZ
As a Windows Server Upgrade Contractor, you will lead the planning and execution of enterprise Windows Server operating system upgrades. This role focuses on assessing current environments, preparing systems for upgrade, performing in-place or migration-based upgrades, and validating system performance and stability after implementation. The position works closely with technical stakeholders to ensure upgrades are completed securely, efficiently, and in alignment with change management and maintenance window requirements.
Your role:
· Evaluate existing Windows Server 2016 environments to determine upgrade readiness and identify compatibility risks across applications, roles, and system dependencies.
· Plan and execute operating system upgrades to Windows Server 2022 or Server 2025 using approved upgrade strategies.
· Perform both in-place upgrades and migration-based upgrades depending on system requirements and infrastructure constraints.
· Coordinate upgrade activities with business units, technical teams, and key stakeholders to minimize operational disruption.
· Verify backup integrity and confirm rollback capabilities before beginning upgrade activities.
· Apply required remediation steps, patches, and configuration updates to prepare systems for upgrade.
· Execute upgrades within virtualized environments including VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix platforms.
· Validate system performance, functionality, and stability after upgrades are completed.
· Troubleshoot and resolve issues directly related to operating system upgrade processes.
· Confirm upgraded systems meet established security baselines and configuration standards.
· Document upgrade plans, execution steps, validation results, and rollback procedures.
· Track upgrade progress and maintain accurate project status reporting.
· Perform upgrade activities within approved change management processes and scheduled maintenance windows.
What you’ve got:
· Hands-on experience upgrading enterprise Windows Server environments.
· Strong knowledge of Windows Server versions including 2016, 2022, and 2025.
· Experience working within Active Directory environments.
· Familiarity with virtualized infrastructure platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix.
· Familiarity with Azure, specifically infrastructure management around VMs.
· Experience validating backup and recovery systems prior to infrastructure changes.
· Ability to troubleshoot operating system upgrade issues and resolve technical dependencies.
· Experience working within structured change management and maintenance window processes.
· Strong technical documentation skills, including upgrade procedures and validation reporting.
· Experience working with enterprise backup solutions such as Veeam or Azure Backup.
Preferred
· Experience supporting large-scale enterprise server upgrade initiatives.
· Familiarity with security baseline validation and post-upgrade configuration compliance.
· Experience in Industrial Energy Services.
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