Senior Systems Administrator with VMWare and Linux

Senior Systems Administrator

The Senior Systems Administrator is a senior technical role focused on the successful execution of complex data center projects. This individual will be responsible for understanding client data center environments, working closely with their technical teams, and independently leading projects to successful completion. The ideal candidate will have deep, hands-on expertise in VMware, Windows and Linux server environments, storage systems, and physical data center operations. This role requires a proactive, hands-on technical expert who can collaborate effectively with client stakeholders and internal cloud migration teams to achieve project goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently lead the technical execution of data center infrastructure projects from conception to completion.
• Work closely with client data center teams, including their systems, network, and security administrators, to understand their environments, gather requirements, and ensure project alignment.
• Collaborate with internal cloud migration teams to support hybrid initiatives and data center exit strategies.

VMware Infrastructure Management

Design, implement, and maintain the on-premise VMware vSphere infrastructure, including ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, vSAN, and associated virtualization components. Optimize the virtual environment for performance, high availability, and scalability. Manage and execute vMotion and storage migration tasks within the data center, including hardware refreshes.

Server & Systems Administration

Manage a mixed Windows and Linux server environment, ensuring high levels of availability and security. Administer Windows Server infrastructure, including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP. Perform patching, upgrades, and maintenance for both Windows and Linux operating systems.

Storage and Data Center Operations

Manage storage infrastructure, including SAN, physically attached storage, and object storage, ensuring data integrity and availability for virtualized environments. Work physically within data centers to rack, stack, and cable servers, storage, and networking equipment. Collaborate with vendors for hardware procurement, installation, and migration of physical hardware.

Experience & Technical Skills

Extensive hands-on experience with VMware vSphere, vCenter, vSAN, and ESXi. Proficient in both Windows Server (2012 R2 and newer) and Linux (RHEL/CentOS) administration. Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP. Experience with SAN, NAS, and object storage technologies. Hands-on scripting experience with PowerShell and/or Bash, with Python being a strong plus. Familiarity with managing web servers (IIS, Apache) and databases (MSSQL, Oracle, MySQL).

Additional Desired Skills

Hands-on experience with networking technologies such as Cisco, Meraki, and Palo Alto firewalls is a plus. Experience or familiarity with public cloud environments (AWS, GCP) is a plus. Experience with OpenStack is also highly desirable.

General Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 10+ years of experience in a systems administration role. Proven experience independently leading the technical execution of IT infrastructure projects. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities. Must be willing and able to work in a physical data center environment.