Consultant, Technology Engineer

If you’re passionate about being part of a dynamic organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to drive innovation and adopt new technologies that deliver business results, then Nationwide’s Technology team could be the place for you! Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and this role will work a hybrid schedule coming into the Columbus, Ohio office two days per week on Mondays & Wednesdays. Lead Windows Server Engineer This position will provide technical leadership for the design, build, and lifecycle management of Windows Server images and pipelines across on‑premises, AWS, and Azure. Key Responsibilities Serve as the technical lead for Windows Server image engineering, developing the strategy, design, build, and maintenance of images used on‑premises, in AWS, and in Azure. Lead the design and implementation of CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, Concourse) that build, test, harden, and publish Windows Server images and related artifacts. Define and maintain infrastructure‑as‑code patterns for Windows Server images and deployments using tools such as Packer, JSON/YAML templates, and associated automation frameworks. Establish and maintain technical roadmaps for Windows Server image management and pipelines, partnering closely with architecture and security to improve standardization, security posture, and supportability. Enable and expand self‑service capabilities for internal customers consuming Windows Server images and pipelines (e.g., catalog, templates, workflows, and automation hooks). Provide hands‑on technical guidance and mentoring to other engineers, including pair programming, code reviews, and training sessions on PowerShell, CI/CD practices, and infrastructure automation. Integrate Windows Server automation with RESTful APIs (internal and vendor), enabling orchestration across platforms, tools, and services. Collaborate with peer teams (network, firewall, storage, database, security, identity, cloud operations) to ensure Windows Server builds meet requirements for connectivity, security, compliance, and observability. Partner with operations to ensure images and pipelines support monitoring, patching, vulnerability remediation, and audit requirements, and evolve as standards and controls change (e.g., CIS, PCI, PII, internal policies). Participate in and help lead process design and improvement efforts across teams for technical components and services related to Windows Server and automation. Provide escalation support for complex incidents, production outages, and high‑priority requests related to Windows Server platforms, images, and automation. Participate in on‑call rotation, helping to ensure stability, performance, and reliability for Windows Server environments. Contribute to and help lead a Community of Practice focused on Windows, automation, and infrastructure as code, sharing patterns, standards, and best practices across the organization. Required Skills and Experience Technical Leadership & Windows Platform Extensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Windows Server OS (multiple versions) with a strong emphasis on designing and building enterprise‑scale deployments. Proven experience acting as a technical lead: setting direction, breaking down work, assigning and reviewing tasks, and coaching other engineers. Deep understanding of Windows Server image management (on‑prem and cloud), including image creation, hardening, lifecycle management, and distribution. Strong working knowledge of images, GPOs, secure configuration, and the ability to troubleshoot and support ancillary processes such as patching, vulnerability management, and audit in partnership with peer teams. Automation, Scripting, and CI/CD Extensive hands‑on experience with CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitHub Actions and/or Concourse to build, test, and deploy Windows Server images and configurations. Strong experience with Packer and infrastructure‑as‑code patterns using JSON and YAML for defining server images and infrastructure templates. Extensive PowerShell expertise, including the ability to design and build robust, reusable modules and scripts; automate operational tasks, server builds, and configuration; teach and guide others in PowerShell best practices. Strong knowledge of PowerCLI for automating VMware‑based infrastructures. Extensive experience working with RESTful APIs, including authentication, error handling, and integration into automation workflows and pipelines. Strong knowledge in Python, particularly in the context of automation, tooling, and integration with APIs and platforms. Extensive automation and scripting experience overall; software development experience is an acceptable alternative if it includes significant automation and tooling work. Platform, Networking, and Storage Solid understanding of network and firewall requirements for server builds, including ports, protocols, load balancing, and security zoning. Understanding of physical and virtual storage concepts and how they apply to Windows Server builds (e.g., block, file, and object storage integration, performance considerations, and resilience). Experience designing and supporting high‑availability (HA) solutions for Windows Server, such as clustering and related technologies. Ways of Working and Process Demonstrated use of change management controls and processes in a large enterprise environment. Experience working within teams utilizing Agile and Lean principles, including iterative delivery, backlog management, and continuous improvement. Ability to create and maintain automation for deployments and operational processes as part of standard ways of working (not one‑off scripts). Preferred: Demonstrated knowledge of AWS and Azure in an enterprise Windows context, including support and/or installation of Windows‑based workloads in both clouds; certifications such as AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals; working knowledge of VMware Aria Automation (formerly vRealize Automation) or comparable products; working knowledge of Ansible AWX and/or CloudBolt; experience with HPE ProLiant/Synergy hardware, VMware vSphere, Linux (RHEL), block storage, file storage, object storage, backup platforms; prior experience leading and supporting a Community of Practice or similar practitioner group; demonstrated ability to contribute to PoCs and new technology evaluations; communication and leadership experience; ability to thrive in a growing, changing team environment. Communication and Leadership Expectations Ability to provide executive‑level presence and communication, including clear, concise updates and recommendations for leadership; ability to manage conversations with customers, vendors, and leaders for day‑to‑day activities, projects, major incidents, and production outages; proven experience establishing and contributing to cross‑team processes for technical components and services (e.g., build standards, image lifecycle, automation workflows); seen as a leader in technology with the ability to teach and mentor others, influence use cases, designs, and standards; balance business support needs, regulatory requirements (e.g., PCI, PII), and technical robustness; contribute to and curate technical knowledge management (runbooks, patterns, documentation); thrive in a team environment that is growing and changing quickly as services and platforms evolve. Environment and Scope The role involves working in a large, hybrid enterprise environment that includes support for over 2,500 Windows servers, over 22,000 users across multiple business units, and a hybrid footprint of on‑premises infrastructure plus external cloud offerings (AWS, Azure, and others). Responsibilities include direct support for various business applications, monitoring and observability using tools such as SCOM, participation in an on‑call rotation for Windows Server and related automation services, and day‑to‑day management of walk‑ups, cases, and prioritized work with clear communication. EEO Statement Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected, and engaged. #J-18808-Ljbffr Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company