Senior Virtualization Architect (VMware vSphere)

Zadentech; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Zaden Technologies in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Senior Virtualization Architect to own the architecture and operation of a VMware vSphere estate with 2,000+ VMs across two enclaves for a DoD program. You will lead consolidation, modernization, and automation efforts, working with platform engineers and cyber team.

Must have 10+ years VMware experience, VCP-DCV or higher, DoD 8140, and US citizenship. Strong Terraform/Ansible/PowerCLI automation and security readiness required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years designing and operating VMware vSphere environments (1,000+ VMs)
• Professional-level VMware certification (VCP-DCV or higher) or equivalent
• Experience leading host consolidation, hardware refresh or data center migration
• Hands-on automation with Terraform, Ansible or PowerCLI
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain DHA privileged access investigations
• DoD 8140 qualification for privileged infrastructure role or ability to earn it within six months

Responsibilities

• Lead design and operation of vSphere 8 clusters, vCenter, vSAN and NSX across two enclaves
• Plan and run a consolidation and right-sizing program: dormant VM disposition, memory and CPU right-sizing, and fewer active hosts
• Plan the path from vSphere 8 to VMware Cloud Foundation 9
• Automate VM builds and configuration with Terraform, Packer and Ansible in GitLab CI
• Keep hosts and VMs patched and STIG-compliant, and support RMF evidence for authorizations
• Lead infrastructure change control and serve as technical lead for the operations team

Skills

VMware vSphere

vCenter

vSAN

NSX

Terraform

Ansible

PowerCLI

Automation

Tools

Terraform

Packer

Ansible

GitLab CI

Job description

Senior Virtualization Architect (VMware vSphere)

Join Zaden Technologies on our mission to simplify the delivery and improve the utility of software products for our customers. At Zaden, we believe that our employees are our greatest assets. We hire the right candidates with the right skill sets who fit our culture of customer obsession, innovation, and continuous learning. We are our customer’s biggest advocate and we are looking for like-minded individuals who encompass these same ideals. It is important to us to offer you competitive pay and comprehensive benefits with opportunities that match your life and propel your career!

This position supports a new Defense Health Agency program, and the start date will align with the program start.

You'll own the architecture and day-to-day health of a VMware vSphere estate of more than 2,000 virtual machines across two disconnected DoD enclaves in Chantilly, VA. You'll lead a host consolidation and refresh that moves the environment onto fewer, denser hosts in a smaller footprint, without disrupting the test events the program depends on. You'll work alongside platform engineers who build environments as code and a cyber team that keeps every system authorized.

What you'll do:

• Lead design and operation of vSphere 8 clusters, vCenter, vSAN and NSX across two enclaves
• Plan and run a consolidation and right-sizing program: dormant VM disposition, memory and CPU right-sizing, and fewer active hosts
• Plan the path from vSphere 8 to VMware Cloud Foundation 9
• Automate VM builds and configuration with Terraform, Packer and Ansible in GitLab CI
• Keep hosts and VMs patched and STIG-compliant, and support RMF evidence for authorizations
• Lead infrastructure change control and serve as technical lead for the operations team

Must have:

• 10 or more years designing and operating VMware vSphere, including environments of 1,000 or more VMs
• A professional-level VMware certification (VCP-DCV or higher) or equivalent experience
• Experience leading a host consolidation, hardware refresh or data center migration
• Hands-on automation with Terraform, Ansible or PowerCLI
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain the investigation DHA designates for privileged access
• DoD 8140 qualification for a privileged infrastructure role, or the ability to earn it within six months

Nice to have:

• An active Secret clearance or higher
• VCAP, VCDX or VMware Cloud Foundation experience
• Air-gapped or classified environment experience
• Experience supporting health IT or test-lab environments