Principal Consulting Engineer - VMware Cloud Foundation Operations

CDW; United States; Remote; USD 164,000 - 241,000; Full time

Job summary

CDW is seeking a senior infrastructure architect to lead virtualization and VCF 9.0 deployment efforts. You will collaborate with the technical architect on training strategies, develop standards, and provide governance to delivery teams across customer projects.

The role requires deep expertise in private cloud, virtualization, and cost-conscious architecture decisions. Senior professionals with 10+ years in IT Infrastructure, including enterprise consulting, will find opportunities to shape

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or computer science or equivalent.
• 10 years of IT Infrastructure experience, including at least 3 years in large enterprise consulting, OR 14 years total IT experience with 10 years in infrastructure.
• 7+ years in enterprise virtualization/private cloud architecture.
• Hands-on with VCF 9.0 Automation deployments.
• Deep proficiency deploying VCF 9 Operations components: standalone/HA configs, dashboards, alerts, costing models, licensing, sizing.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the technical architect on training plans and approaches.
• Develop standards, best practices and training with the architect and lead.
• Define project strategies balancing customer goals and budgets.
• Provide governance and mentorship to delivery teams.
• Interface with customer executives and project leadership.
• Escalate and communicate alternatives with risks to executives.

Skills

VCF 9.0

Automation

Python

Ansible

Terraform

VCDX/VCP-VCF

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or computer science or equivalent

Tools

Python

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

What you will do

Collaborate with the technical architect on training plans and approaches to best equip staff for successful implementations.

Develop standards, best practices and training for team members along with technical architect and technical lead in their area of expertise.

Define project strategies or technical options to balance customer project goals and financial constraints.

Provide leadership and expert advice/counsel on technical subject matters and architecture design to Customers, the Infrastructure Solutions Team, and other Extended Sirius Teams.

Escalate and communicate alternatives with associated risks with executives and stakeholders.

Ensure procedures are being followed and assist in resolving complex problems which require professional level input.

Regularly interface with customer’s technical and business executive level and project leadership through sales presentations and/or client project solutions in communicating complex ideas, anticipating potential objections and leading discussions to align expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Size, design, and deploy VCF Ops deployments.
• Define and enforce cloud operating model standards including RBAC, tagging taxonomy, and capacity management.
• Develop VCF Ops components such as dashboards, groups, alerts, costing models, actions, etc.
• Produce HLD/LLD documentation, runbooks, and architectural decision records (ADRs).
• Provide technical governance and mentorship to delivery teams.

What we expect of you

The ideal candidate for this position should have a Bachelor’s degree in business or computer science or an equivalent field, 10 years of IT Infrastructure experience, including at least 3 years in large enterprise consulting, OR 14 years total Information Technology experience, to include 10 years of IT Infrastructure experience, including at least 3 years in large enterprise consulting.

7+ years in enterprise virtualization/private cloud architecture

Hands‑on expertise with VCF 9.0 Automation deployments

Deep proficiency deploying VCF 9 Operations components such as: Deployment in standalone and HA configurations Dashboards, Alerts, custom groupings, alerts, and Costing and costing models Licensing and sizing Experience with SDDC Manager BOM management and async patch workflows

They should be able to maintain client relationships as a trusted advisor and mentor engineers for project design and coordination. Excellent communication skills are required, with experience in making technology recommendations. The candidate should have a history of constructive relationships at all organizational levels and the ability to research complex technology solutions and present them to clients. They should remain calm and productive in situations of change, ambiguity, and risk. The ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment is essential. The candidate should anticipate future trends and create strategies that add value.

A willingness to work beyond the regular shift, on weekends, and overtime as needed is expected. The candidate should also be willing to travel to other CDW locations or client sites. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) or VCP-VCF certification
• Automation experience (Python, Ansible, Terraform, etc.)
• Background in regulated industries (financial services, healthcare, federal)

Pay range

Pay range: $164,000.00 - $240,800.00 depending on experience and skill set

Annual bonus

Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan

Benefits overview

Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/

Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

Culture & Values

CDW is committed to being an AI‑fluent organization. We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever‑evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replace—human creativity and decision‑making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work. Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.