Virtualization and Systems Architect

Ritter Communications•Rogers, AR

About The Position

The Virtualization and Systems Architect is responsible for the design and standardization of virtualization, bare metal infrastructure, and accompanying systems running within the company’s service provider environment. This role requires an expert level understanding of private and public virtualization along with storage and disaster recovery.

Requirements

Deep understanding of virtualization systems on hyper-converged infrastructure including Microsoft Azure Stack HCI and VMware with vSAN
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Proficient working with Microsoft Azure public and private cloud infrastructure
Comprehensive automation and scripting abilities (PowerShell, REST, Python, etc;)
Strong understanding of data protection/business continuity industry standards (Veeam is a +)
Software defined networking experience, including Cisco ACI and Microsoft Windows
Working knowledge of System Center Virtual Machine Manager and VMware vCenter
Project management experience creating and maintaining project plans
Clear understanding of security best practices in multi-tenant environments
Experience working under compliance of industry standards, such as HIPPA, PCI, SOX, SOC2, and ISO 27001
Adept at strategic thinking, time management, and problem-solving
Technical familiarity with Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, identity & related cloud technologies
Able to create & deliver presentations on products and services to internal and external customers
Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record
BA or BS in information security, engineering, or related area or a minimum of 7 years’ Enterprise IT experience in Microsoft Windows Server, including System Center and cloud technologies with at least two of the preferred related certifications

Nice To Haves

VMCE (Veeam Certified Engineer)
VMCA (Veeam Certified Architect)
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Cisco Nexus switches and APIC architecture
Linux/UNIX
High-availability and clustering
Disaster recovery
Palo Alto

Responsibilities

Architecture Design: Architects storage, compute, and networking for all bare metal and virtual systems, while also meeting the company's needs for scalability, performance, and security
Cloud Solutions: Develops strategies for locally hosted cloud storage solutions and virtual environments
Performance Optimization: Monitors and optimizes storage performance, capacity planning, resource utilization, and licensing planning
Data Management: Ensures data integrity, availability, and security across all storage systems and virtual environments
Disaster Recovery: Designs and trains on disaster recovery solutions and backup strategies for cloud environments
Collaboration: Works closely with cross-functional teams, including Architecture, DevOps, Engineering groups, and security professionals, to ensure seamless integration of storage and virtualization solutions
Documentation: Maintains comprehensive documentation of architectures, configurations, and processes
Research and Development: Stays current with industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure our storage and virtualization strategies remain competitive
Support and Training: Provides technical support, training, scripting, and final escalation to operational and sales groups regarding storage and virtualization technologies
Budget Planning: Establishes lifecycles and budgets for all virtual environments and associated equipment
Network fabric: Works with the Architecture and operational groups on software defined cloud scale network fabric
Approves baselines of firmware, antivirus and security patches across all platforms
Leads change control by reviewing changes for technical accuracy and risk analysis
Partners with external vendors on solution architecture and procurement
Establishes and maintains policies, procedures, and technical documentation
Provides escalation for Sales and other engineering groups
Provides leadership to identify, manage, and resolve risks in a team environment
Works independently with little supervision on day-to-day tasks, receiving general instructions on new assignments
Supports systems in a 24x7 data center
Travels to project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required
Performs other duties as required.