Senior Drupal 7/8 Engineer - Legacy Maintenance + Migration Path to Next.js/Payload

Senior Drupal 7/8 Engineer - Legacy Maintenance + Migration Path to Next.js/Payload Senior Drupal 7/8 Engineer - Legacy Maintenance + Migration Path to Next.js/Payload Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. We operate a high-traffic, legacy Drupal 7 site (plus some Drupal 8) with custom modules and integrations. We’re actively moving toward a headless Next.js + Payload CMS stack. We need a seasoned Drupal/PHP engineer who can stabilize and ship on legacy work and help outline/bridge the migration path. What you’ll do (first 4–8 weeks) Repair cron/sitemap indexing and related SEO tasks Address tag manager container setup on specific sites Investigate/rollback a payments/renewals regression in D7 Harden the platform: ensure TLS 1.2+ compatibility; assist with PHP/Apache image updates; plan for MySQL 8.0 migration impacts on Drupal. Update the app layer: bring Drupal 7 core, Drush, and custom modules current where feasible; document risks and sequencing. Data export & security: produce encrypted database exports (PGP/public-key) and non-code content exports for migration analysis. Migration planning: partner with our team to inventory content types/fields (focus on last-12-months usage), propose a D7→Payload content model mapping, and outline a low-risk cutover plan. (Optional/Interim) Build a D7 module to integrate an external OAuth layer while we finish the move off Drupal. Must-have experience 5–8+ years Drupal (strong D7 required; D8/9/10 a plus) and PHP Deep knowledge of Drush, Views/Blocks/Entities/Field API, cron/queues/caching, and custom module development Comfortable with LAMP hardening (TLS/cipher suites), Composer/packaging, and reading Apache/PHP container logs Solid SQL skills and experience migrating to MySQL 8 Able to write clear technical docs and follow Jira workflows How we work Remote, async-friendly; daily Slack check-ins and weekly video sync We use Jira for tickets; PRs with reviews; staged rollouts 20–30 hrs/week to start (flexible), with potential to extend/expand What to include in your proposal Two examples of D7 maintenance or migrations you led (links or code snippets welcome) A short note on how you would fix a broken D7 cron/sitemap and how you’d inventory content/fields for a headless migration Availability (timezone, weekly hours) and hourly rate Any module code showing custom blocks, auth integrations, or complex field work Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Contract Job function Job function Information Technology Industries Technology, Information and Internet Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Avagate by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Senior” roles. Senior Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Tampa, FL $185,000.00-$195,000.00 2 months ago Tampa, FL $210,000.00-$225,000.00 4 days ago Senior Accounting Manager of Franchise Accounting Tampa, FL $130,000.00-$150,000.00 1 week ago Senior Director, Operations - Personal Injury - Florida Tampa, FL $120,000.00-$140,000.00 1 month ago Senior Medical Director for UnitedHealthcare Payment Integrity - Remote Tampa, FL $278,000.00-$417,500.00 5 days ago Senior Training and Performance Excellence Manager- Contact Center Tampa, FL $80,000.00-$90,000.00 1 week ago Account Executive Senior-Imaging Supplies Tampa, FL $39,975.00-$92,520.00 3 days ago Tampa, FL $133,000.00-$200,000.00 3 months ago Senior Engineering Manager, Scientific Injection Molding Development and Training St. Petersburg, FL $135,700.00-$244,300.00 2 months ago Senior Design Manager - Multi-disciplinary Projects - Remote USA Tampa, FL $94,944.00-$161,405.00 2 days ago Client Development Director (Remote - Georgia or Florida) St. Petersburg, FL $110,000.00-$150,000.00 2 months ago Tampa, FL $70,000.00-$190,000.00 1 month ago Tampa, FL $135,000.00-$175,000.00 1 month ago MGR Revenue Cycle Quality - Certified Public Accountant Tampa, FL $98,000.00-$125,000.00 2 months ago Senior Manager, Industry Marketing (Payments) We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr