Solutions Architect

JOB TITLE: SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
RATE RANGE: 75.00-80.00 PER HOUR
LOCATION: EAGAN, MN/RALEIGH, NC
JOB#: 46236-1

REQUIRED SKILLS:
PUBLIC TRUST
• 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

JOB DESCRIPTION:

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 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.
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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 bachelors 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 Include but not limited to:
• 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 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 need 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

* While an hourly range is posted for this position, an eventual hourly rate is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis which considers multiple factors including but not limited to: job-related knowledge, skills and qualifications, education and experience as compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work, if applicable, and market and business considerations. Benefits offered include medical, dental and vision benefits; dependent care flexible spending account; 401(k) plan; voluntary life/short term disability/whole life/term life/accident and critical illness coverage; employee assistance program; sick leave in accordance with regulation. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.