Cloud and Datacenter Engineer

THOUGHT BYTE; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

THOUGHT BYTE is seeking a Cloud and Datacenter Engineer for a long-term contract in Walnut Creek, CA. The role requires 8–10 years of experience spanning on-prem datacenter and AWS cloud environments, with hands-on VMware administration, Linux/Windows, and strong networking skills.

The engineer will design and operate hybrid cloud solutions, implement IaC with Terraform and CloudFormation, and manage EC2/VPC/S3/IAM/RDS/ECS/EKS/Lambda across regions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with both data center and AWS cloud environments.
• Hands-on experience with VMware vSphere/vSAN, ESXi, vCenter, Windows Server and Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu).
• Strong IaC experience with Terraform and CloudFormation; CI/CD automation.
• Strong networking fundamentals and hybrid security controls.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate one on-prem datacenter with AWS cloud services to deliver a unified hybrid environment.
• Architect, build, and operate AWS environments across multiple accounts and regions.
• Engineer solutions using EC2, VPC, S3, IAM, RDS, ECS/EKS, and Lambda.
• Operate containerized workloads with ECS/EKS including cluster config and scaling.
• Document, present, and communicate complex infrastructure designs.

Skills

AWS Cloud

VMware vSphere/vSAN

Terraform

CloudFormation

EC2/VPC

ECS/EKS

Linux administration

CI/CD

Networking fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/IS (preferred)

Tools

AWS IAM

RHEL/Ubuntu

Windows Server administration

Azure (preferred)

Job description

Job Title: Cloud and Datacenter Engineer

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days in Office) at Walnut Creek, CA

Experience: 8-10 Years

Duration: Long Term Contract

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's or master's degree (preferred) in computer science, information systems, or other discipline.
• 8+ years of experience with both Data center and AWS cloud environments.
• Hands ‘on experience with VMware vSphere/vSAN, ESXi, vCenter, Windows Server administration, Linux systems administration (RHEL/Ubuntu preferred), enterprise compute/storage, and backup solutions,
• Cloud Architecture, Engineering & Operations (AWS)
• Design and integrate one prem datacenter with AWS cloud services to deliver a unified, secure hybrid environment.
• Architect, build, and operate AWS environments across multiple accounts and regions.
• Engineer solutions using EC2, VPC, S3, IAM, RDS, ECS/EKS, and Lambda.
• Design and operate containerized workloads using Amazon ECS/EKS, including cluster configuration, image lifecycle, scaling, and workload integration.
• Deep AWS expertise: EC2, VPC, IAM, S3, RDS, ECS/EKS, Lambda.
• Strong Infrastructure as a Code experience (Terraform, CloudFormation) and CI/CD automation.
• Strong networking fundamentals (DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, firewalls) and hybrid security controls.
• Experience with monitoring and observability tools for VDI/EUC environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross functionally.
• Ability to independently manage cloud or datacenter domain end to end.
• Proven ability to document, present, and communicate complex infrastructure designs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in hybrid environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: AWS Solutions Architect, VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA, RHCE, Nutanix NCP.
• Experience with Azure Infrastructure, VDI, identity (SSO/ MFA), and other security tools.
• Understanding of cybersecurity, infrastructure, SDLC, and change management control.
• Experience with ITIL, monitoring/logging tools, and DR architectures.
• Prior experience in regulated industries, ideally Logistics, Shipping, Transportation, or Finance.
• Hands ‘on maritime industry experience working directly in vessel, cruise, port, or terminal operational environments is highly preferred and considered a strong differentiator.