Virtualization Systems Architect (Level IV) SME

Architect; Virtualization Systems (Level IV) - Raleigh, NC/Remote
Job Title: Virtualization Systems Architect (Level IV) SME
The server virtualization resource will be responsible for the design, configuration, deployment, integration, and maintenance and support of server virtualization and server infrastructure solutions. They will be a subject matter expert and consult CLIENT on best practices for server virtualizations solutions and make recommendations. The server virtualization resource specializes in building and managing virtual computing platforms. They will also play a critical role in data migration, virtual machine lifecycle management, troubleshooting, tuning and performance, and monitoring of the environment.
Highly specialized in one or more phases of software systems development, systems integration, or network engineering. Provides technical assistance and advice on complex activities. Formulates / defines specifications, develops / modifies / maintains complex systems and subsystems, using vendor engineering releases and utilities for overall operational systems. Applies analytical techniques when gathering information from users, defining work problems, designing technology solutions, and developing procedures to resolve the problems. Develops complete specifications to enable computer programmers to prepare required programs. Analyzes methods of approach. Reviews task proposal requirements, gathers information, analyzes data, prepares project synopses, compares alternatives, prepares specifications, resolves processing problems, coordinates work with programmers and engineers, and orients users to new systems. Works with considerable freedom to make decisions on the techniques and approaches to be used. Prepares recommendations for system improvement for management and user consideration.

Roles and Responsibilities Include but not limited to:

• Minimum of 13-20 years' experience, in supporting virtualization technologies preferred
• Architect and design server virtualization solutions
• Perform systems administration for Windows Server and UNIX / Linux systems such as RHEL and SLES
• Develop automation through scripting and APIs (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, PowerShell, Python, Bash, Terraform)
• Perform certificate lifecycle management for systems and applications
• Evaluate inefficiencies with server resources and make right-sizing recommendations
• Manage and maintain server virtualization platform on premise as well as cloud e.g. VMware, Nutanix, Harvester, OpenShift, Proxmox, Azure, AWS, GCP
• Play a lead role in meetings relating to specific technical projects or tasks
• The selected individual will work independently with minimal supervision or as part of a team
• May be required to create time sensitive deliverables
• May lead project teams within assigned unit develop, plan and manage project tasks
• Participate in the preparation of materials and oral presentations for customers and management
• Respond promptly to incidents in ServiceNow
• Will be assigned responsibility for advanced technical issues in the environment for problem resolution
• Diagnose and repair system problems working closely with vendor support for all servers, software and other hardware directly or with the team members
• Define, monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot system performance of all server virtualization and other related infrastructure systems

• Basic understanding of data center networking (TCP/IP, switching/routing, ports and protocols, firewall concepts, load-balancing)
• Strong, demonstrable scripting experience in one or more of the following: PowerShell, Ansible, Puppet, Chef, VBScript, C++, Unix Shell, Python, Perl, Ruby, JavaScript, etc.
• Basic understanding of storage protocols (e.g. NFS, SMB, S3, FC, iSCSI, NVMe)
• Good knowledge of Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, Group Policy.
• Knowledge of MS Windows Server operating systems including Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 as well as RHEL and SLES operating systems.
• Knowledge of MS database server SQL Server 2008 R2 and later.
• Knowledge of container technologies including but not limited to Docker, Kubernetes, and Rancher
• Knowledge of IaaS in cloud using MS Azure, AWS, or GCP
• Experience with hardening and improving the security of Windows operating systems and hardware platforms, local area networks, wide area networks, messaging, and client-server applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain IT documentation.
• Independently analyzes and develops innovative resolutions for complex problems involving availability and/or performance at the component level. Works with vendors to resolve problems and implements solutions independently
• Leads project teams within assigned unit. Develops, plans, and manages project tasks.
• Participate in efforts to design and deploy AI solutions
• Provides training to less experienced team members of the IS department.
• Will make registry edits.

Preferred:

• A current VMware, Nutanix, or similar Certification e.g. VCP, NCP, etc.
• Strong background in server virtualization e.g. VMware, Nutanix, OpenShift, Harvester, Proxmox, MS Hyper-V, Citrix, Azure, AWS, etc.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with Terraform or Ansible
• Experience with Dell and HPE server hardware
• Experience working in a large enterprise environment
• Knowledge of storage area networks to include network operating systems, SAN protocols, SAN management, and SAN physical configuration.

List of tasks to be performed:

• System management: Manage and monitor all installed systems and infrastructure to ensure they are running efficiently.
• Virtualization Technologies: Install, configure, and manage virtualization technologies such as VMware (vSphere, ESXi, and vCenter), Nutanix (AHV), Openshift, Harvestor, Kubevirt, Morpheus, etc.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor system performance and ensure high availability of infrastructure.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues related to storage, network, and performance
• Backup and Recovery: Implement and manage backup and disaster recovery solutions, specifically SRM
• Security: Ensure the security of the virtual environment by applying patches and updates
• Compliance: Maintain compliance with SOX and PCI standards
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of the virtual environment, including configurations and procedures
• Collaboration: Work with other IT teams to integrate VMware and other virtual solutions with other systems and applications
• Capacity Planning: Analyze and plan for future capacity needs
• Automation Develop and maintain scripts to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency.
• Cloud: Provision infrastructure and other resources in cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) as need to expand on-premise capabilities.

Containers : Develop and implement containerization strategies using platforms like Docker, Kubernetes, and Rancher
Architect: Develop and design virtualization solutions, including virtual data centers, servers, and desktops
Lead: Serve as subject matter expert on virtualization technologies. Help instruct and lead other virtualization team members
Required Certifications
VMware Certifications (VCP) , Nutanix (NCP), or similar server virtualization certs preferred
(NCP), or similar server virtualization certs preferred
Desired Skills :

• Virtualization experience in one or more of the following: VMware (Specifically VCF), Nutanix, Morpheus, Harvester, OpenStack, OpenShift
• Strong knowledge with container technologies: Kubernetes, Rancher, Tanzu, Docker, Podman, etc.
• Automation Skills: Ansible / AWX, VMware PowerCLI, PowerShell, Packer, Chocolatey, Terraform
• Cloud Knowledge: AWS, GCP, Azure
• Change Management: ServiceNow, Remedy
• Compliance: PCI, SOX
• Artificial Intelligence: Claude, ChatGPT, Machine Learning, AI Agents, MCP, LLMs
• Database Knowledge in one or more of the following: Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cockroach DB, Spanner, PostgreSQL
• Systems design and Architecture
• Hardware: Dell PowerEdge, Dell OME, HPE Servers, HPE OneView, iDRAC, iLO
• Soft Skills: Project Management, Consulting, Vendor management, Collaboration, Leadership (Team Lead)

Educational Requirements :
Minimum of 13-20 years' experience, in supporting virtualization technologies preferred
A degree from an accredited College/University in the applicable field of services is preferred.
NOTE: If resource does not have a relevant college degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required.

Additional Provisions:
• All candidates must be a US Citizen
• Pass a client mandated clearance process to include drug screening, criminal history check and credit check.
• Cannot have more than 6 months travel outside the United States within the last five years. Military Service excluded. (Exception does not include military family members.)
Additional Provisions:
• All candidates must be a US Citizen or permanent status Green Card holder.
• Pass a client mandated clearance process to include drug screening, criminal history check and credit check.
• Cannot have more than 6 months travel outside the United States within the last five years. Military Service excluded. (Exception does not include military family members.)