Specialist, Infrastructure Architect

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey•Newark, NJ

1d•$123,000 - $167,895

About The Position

The Specialist, Infrastructure Architect designs, implements, and maintains scalable, secure, and highly available enterprise IT infrastructure. The role serves as a technology subject matter expert, collaborating across departments and business organizations to ensure infrastructure and technologies meet business needs and industry standards. It identifies emerging technologies, develops technology roadmaps, and defines how AI can be adapted in infrastructure and cloud environments. The architect leads long-term infrastructure strategy and technology implementation across cloud and on-premises environments, including end-user devices. The position provides technical leadership and mentorship, ensures compliance with security and regulatory standards, resolves complex infrastructure issues, and works with cross-functional teams to improve services, performance, and cost efficiency. It also participates in third-party service evaluations and vendor selection, partnering with Sourcing on contract reviews. Candidates need at least eight years of experience in IT Engineering or a related field, expert knowledge of IT technologies, protocols, and architecture, and a high school diploma or GED. A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is preferred. The role calls for broad infrastructure expertise across compute, storage, backup, hybrid cloud, networking, high availability and disaster recovery, virtual desktop environments, automation, security, observability, and roadmap development. Preferred certifications include CompTIA Storage Certified, CIS Certification, CITAM, ITIL, AWS, Azure, VMware, and Nutanix certifications. The listed salary range is $123,000–$167,895. Horizon offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Employees must live in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or Delaware.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is preferred.
At least 8 years of experience in IT Engineering or a related field.
Expert experience with IT technologies, protocols, and architecture.
Comprehensive enterprise infrastructure architecture expertise, including compute, storage, backup, Nutanix, VMware, physical servers, SAN/NAS technologies, hybrid cloud platforms, networking, high availability and disaster recovery strategy, virtual desktop environments, roadmap development, architecture governance, and cross-functional technical direction.
Expert understanding of compute systems, including physical servers, VMware, and Nutanix hypervisors; NAS and SAN storage; and cloud storage.
Expert knowledge of storage protocols, including Fibre Channel, iSCSI, NFS, and SMB.
Expert understanding of data management, backup, recovery, and disaster recovery.
Knowledge of AWS and Azure cloud compute and storage solutions.
Advanced understanding of virtualization technologies, including VMware, Nutanix, and Hyper-V.
Expert knowledge of end-user computing, desktops, and virtual desktop environments such as Citrix, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Amazon WorkSpaces/Appstream.
Expert knowledge of distributed computing platforms and IT diagnostic tools.
Expert knowledge of technical analysis, implementation, configuration, and upgrading of system technology.
Expert knowledge of systems management software, remote control, patch management, software distribution, and computer operating systems.
Deep knowledge of security best practices and compliance frameworks; knowledge of CIS strategies and implementations is required.
Ability to design and implement complex infrastructure solutions that meet business requirements and troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues.
Ability to manage, configure, monitor, maintain, and optimize IT infrastructure systems.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
Ability to write scripts and automate storage tasks using PowerShell, Python, or Bash.
Exceptional ability to write and discuss clear procedures regarding technical issues.
Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to interface with all levels of personnel.
Advanced ability to follow and create standard operating procedures for resolving issues.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience).
Understanding of automation and Infrastructure as Code, including Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, and Python.
Understanding of security and governance, including IAM, NIST, and CIS.
Understanding of observability platforms, including Splunk, Elastic, and Dynatrace.
Database and middleware infrastructure expertise is highly preferred.
Experience supporting virtual desktop cloud.
CompTIA Storage Certified.
CIS Certification, CITAM, or ITIL.
AWS cloud certifications.
Azure cloud certifications.
VMware certifications.
Nutanix certifications.

Responsibilities

Identify and assess technologies and develop roadmaps for scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure solutions across cloud and on-premises environments and devices.
Lead implementation and development of long-term IT infrastructure strategies aligned with business goals and industry standards.
Communicate clearly and consistently with technical and non-technical audiences.
Serve as an architectural subject matter expert on cross-organizational IT, Security, and business initiatives, ensuring integration, documented requirements, and compliance with corporate policies and standards.
Identify automation opportunities for infrastructure and end-user device provisioning, monitoring, and maintenance.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members at all levels, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Ensure infrastructure adheres to regulatory and security standards, and stay current on corporate security and compliance policies and their impact on systems.
Apply knowledge of CIS strategies and implementations.
Lead resolution efforts for complex infrastructure issues and perform root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
Collaborate across organizations to identify and implement IT and infrastructure cost-optimization strategies.
Evaluate third-party services and participate in vendor selection; partner with Sourcing to review contracts.
Continuously enhance infrastructure services and performance and stay current with emerging technologies and practices aligned with business goals.
Define the adaptation of AI in infrastructure and cloud.