Lead Associate Principal, Infrastructure Innovation & Automation

To be considered for this position, applications and resumes are accepted only through our careers site by directly applying to the posted job. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or sales solicitations from staffing agencies. Any OCC employee wishing to submit a referral must do so through their Workday account. Any resume submitted outside of an active job posting will not be considered for employment.What You'll Do:The Lead Associate Principal, Infrastructure Innovation & Automation is a senior technical resource responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing enterprise infrastructure solutions with a strong emphasis on automation, platform engineering, operational excellence, and infrastructure modernization. This role requires hands-on expertise across Linux and Windows platforms, cloud technologies, CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), and automation frameworks. The position bridges strategic technical planning with hands-on execution and is expected to independently lead complex initiatives that improve scalability, reliability, security, and operational efficiency across OCC’s technology landscape.Primary Duties and Responsibilities:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.Design, implement, and support scalable infrastructure solutions with a focus on automation, resilience, security, and operational efficiency.Develop and maintain Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using tools such as Ansible and Terraform Enterprise (TFE).Design, implement, and support CI/CD pipelines and automation workflows across AWS, and on-premises infrastructure environments.Drive automation initiatives for server provisioning, application deployment, configuration management, compliance enforcement, and operational processes.Contribute to infrastructure modernization efforts, including Windows and Linux platform automation, cloud adoption, and platform engineering initiatives.Design and implement automation solutions utilizing GitHub Actions, Ansible Automation Platform (AAP), Terraform Enterprise, and related DevOps tooling.Support enterprise endpoint management and patching initiatives, including SCCM redesign, ManageEngine implementation, and Windows platform automation.Collaborate with Infrastructure Engineering, Security, Platform Engineering, Application Development, and Operations teams to identify and implement automation opportunities.Lead proof-of-concept (POC) activities, technical evaluations, and pilot implementations for new technologies and solutions.Act as a technical lead on assigned initiatives, driving projects from requirements gathering through implementation and operational transition.Identify process inefficiencies and proactively recommend automation-driven solutions that improve operational effectiveness.Evaluate infrastructure performance, reliability, and scalability, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.Ensure infrastructure solutions comply with OCC security, regulatory, governance, and operational standards.Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers and project teams.Serve as a technical escalation point for complex infrastructure, automation, and platform-related issues.Supervisory Responsibilities:No direct people management responsibilities, but expected to provide technical leadership, peer mentoring, and project guidance to a small group (2-4) of engineers or specialists.Qualifications:The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.Professional Experience:10+ years of infrastructure engineering, platform engineering, DevOps, automation engineering, or related experience with increasing technical responsibilityPlatform Skills: Strong experience supporting Windows and/or Linux server environments, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise platform technologies.Solution Design: Demonstrated ability to independently design, implement, and operationalize scalable infrastructure and automation solutions.Automation Mindset: Proven track record of identifying automation opportunities and driving measurable operational improvements.Collaboration: Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple technical disciplines and organizational boundaries.Technical Skills:Strong experience with Ansible, Terraform Enterprise (TFE), Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) methodologies.Hands-on experience developing and supporting CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions or similar automation platforms.Experience with AWS cloud services, cloud automation, and infrastructure provisioning.Strong scripting and automation skills using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar languages.Experience with Windows and/or Linux server administration, troubleshooting, and automation.Knowledge of enterprise endpoint management platforms such as SCCM/MECM, ManageEngine, or equivalent technologies.Experience with Kubernetes, OpenShift, and cloud-native technologies.Strong understanding of networking, security, storage, virtualization, and enterprise infrastructure architecture.Familiarity with Artifactory, source control platforms, and DevOps toolchains.Experience working in regulated environments with security, compliance, and governance requirements.Education and/or Experience:Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.Certificates or Licenses:Preferred certifications include:HashiCorp Terraform AssociateAWS Solutions Architect Associate or ProfessionalCertified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)ITIL Foundation CertificationMicrosoft Windows Server or Cloud Infrastructure CertificationsAbout UsThe Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Founded in 1973, OCC is dedicated to promoting stability and market integrity by delivering clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions. As a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU), OCC operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. OCC has more than 100 clearing members and provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms. More information about OCC is available at highly collaborative and supportive environment developed to encourage work-life balance and employee wellness. Some of these components include: A hybrid work environment, up to 2 days per week of remote workTuition Reimbursement to support your continued educationStudent Loan Repayment AssistanceTechnology Stipend allowing you to use the device of your choice to connect to our network while working remotelyGenerous PTO and Parental leave 401k Employer MatchCompetitive health benefits including medical, dental and visionVisit for more information.CompensationThe salary range listed for any given position is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. If hired at OCC, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, experience and/or education. In addition, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer. We typically do not hire at the maximum of the range in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a substantial benefits package as noted on All employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Discretionary bonuses are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, company and individual performance and are not guaranteed.Salary Range$136,500.00 - $189,800.00Incentive Range8% to 15%This position is eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award, for which the target range is listed above (see Incentive Range). The amount of such award, if any, will be based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.Step 1When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please complete the application and attach your resume. Step 2You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application.Step 3If you are called in for an interview, a representative from OCC will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. For more information about OCC, please click here.OCC is an Equal Opportunity EmployerSummaryLocation: Chicago - 125 S FranklinType: Full time