Job Description:
- Location: Eagan, MN or Raleigh, NC (on premise)
- 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 US Government Clients on best practices for server virtualization 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.
- Responsible for the architectural design, development, and deployment of the enterprise's overall systems.
- Defines system solutions based on user/client needs, cost, and required integration with existing applications, systems, or platforms. Researches, identifies, selects, and tests technology products required for solution delivery.
- Establishes, implements, and documents the technology integration or migration strategies.
- The position requires staying on top of the industry trend and new technologies for the system architecture. Ideally requires a bachelor's degree or demonstrated architectural experience in the area of specialization.
- Experience communicating with key executives in a concise yet analytical manner.
- Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Works autonomously.
- Goals are generally communicated in solution or project goal terms.
- May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Minimum of 13-20 years’ experience, in supporting virtualization technologies preferred
- Develop and design virtualization solutions, including virtual data centers, servers, and desktops
- Serve as subject matter expert on virtualization technologies
- 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 the assigned unit. Develops, plans, and manages project tasks.
- Provides training to less experienced team members of the IS department.
- Will make registry edits.
- Typically performs all functional duties independently.
Preferred:
- 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 PowerFlex
- 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, 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 needed to expand on-premise capabilities.
- Containers: Develop and implement containerization strategies using platforms like Docker, Kubernetes, and Rancher
- Required Certifications
- VMware Certifications (VCP) , Nutanix (NCP), or similar server virtualization certs
Educational Requirements:
- 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.