Deployment Consultant (Expert) – Server Builds / VMware

Apex Systems; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems is seeking an expert-level Deployment Consultant to support hands-on infrastructure builds and platform deployments within classified data center environments.

This role focuses on standing up HPE platforms from the hardware up, requiring deep Linux and VMware ESXi expertise, and the ability to travel extensively to customer sites. 50% travel, 50% remote across the U.S.; active DoD clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance required.
• 5+ years hands-on experience.
• Expert Linux experience (5+ years strongly preferred).
• Strong VMware background, ESXi as primary virtualization platform.
• Experience deploying and building virtual machines.
• Familiarity with STIG processes.
• Experience with Kubernetes or other container platforms.

Responsibilities

• Travel with hardware to customer locations to perform connectivity, installation and platform setup.
• Install, patch, and configure virtualization and software stacks on HPE hardware.
• Deploy and build virtual machines using VMware ESXi.
• Support OS image lifecycle management, including build, configuration and updates.
• Implement and remediate STIGs in secure environments.
• Work with container platforms such as Kubernetes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues during system stand-up.

Skills

DoD clearance

Linux

VMware ESXi

Kubernetes

5+ years

STIGs

Tools

HPE hardware

Job description

Job#: 3020123

Job Description:

Team: A&PS Build Team

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizen

Clearance Requirement: Secret or higher (Top Secret clearance is preferred, especially due to work on NIPR and SIPR environments)

Location: 50% Travel / 50% Remote (U.S.-based; any home location).

Start: August 2026

Openings: 2

Interview Process: 1 virtual round

We are seeking an expert-level Deployment Consultant to support hands-on infrastructure builds and platform deployments within classified data center environments. This role focuses on standing up HPE platforms from the hardware up, requiring deep Linux and VMware expertise, comfort working directly on systems, and the ability to travel extensively to customer sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel with hardware to customer locations to perform connectivity, installation, and platform setup
• Install, patch, and configure virtualization and software stacks on HPE hardware
• Deploy and build virtual machines using VMware ESXi
• Support OS image lifecycle management, including build, configuration, and updates
• Implement and remediate STIGs in secure environments
• Work with container platforms such as Kubernetes
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues during system stand-up

Candidate Profile

• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance required
• 5+ years of hands-on, keyboard-level experience
• Expert Linux experience (5+ years strongly preferred)
• Strong VMware background, with ESXi as the primary virtualization platform
• Experience deploying and building virtual machines
• Familiarity with STIG processes
• Experience with Kubernetes or other container platforms

Travel & Engagement Details

• There are approximately 18 super site locations involved in the deployment effort.
• Due to sensitivity, specific site locations and geographies are not disclosed.
• General guidance shared:
  • Some sites are easy and quick to access
  • Others are more travel-intensive or hard to reach
• For more challenging locations:
  • Typical expectation is 1-2 weeks on-site for initial stand-up
  • After initial deployment, work is expected to become primarily remote
  • In some cases, extended on-site presence may replace repeated back-and-forth travel
• Travel will vary by assignment, but efforts will be made to minimize unnecessary trips once environments are stood up.
• Onsite travel includes 1-2 week stays to fully stand up systems
• All travel-related costs covered by HPE

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or you require an accommodation, contact employer at [email protected] or 844-463-6178.