Virtualization Specialist

Description of Work: * Highly experienced Virtualization Specialist to support a large federal agency's enterprise data center virtualization environment. The specialist will engineer, configure, maintain, and enhance VMware, VCF, Horizon, and Microsoft Hyper V virtualization infrastructures. This role includes supporting server platforms, virtual desktops, cloud foundation components, disaster recovery systems, backup processes, automation workflows, and system hardening aligned with federal cybersecurity standards. * Configure, administer, and support VMware ESXi 7+, vCenter, VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), Aria Operations, Aria Automation, vReplicator, Lifecycle Manager, Log Insight, and SSO architecture. * Support and administer Omnissa Horizon (formerly VMware View) virtual desktop infrastructure. * Configure, implement, and support Microsoft Windows Server 2022/2025 Hyper V virtualization environments. * Deploy, configure, and manage virtual machines, LUNs/datastores, SAN/NAS storage, virtual networking, and performance monitoring tools. * Configure and support Dell hardware platforms including rack-mounted servers, modular infrastructure (blades/chassis/interconnects), iDRAC, and Dell Open Manage Enterprise (DOME). * Analyze performance and utilization metrics using tools such as Virtual Center, Aria Operations, PerfMon, MECM, and DOME. * Implement and maintain disaster recovery and failover strategies for virtual workloads, servers, and desktops. * Support backup and restoration processes for virtualized data and environments. * Automate administrative tasks using PowerShell and/or JavaScript. * Provide troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for incident and problem records. * Work with internal teams, contractors, and vendors on complex system changes, upgrades, and architecture enhancements. * Follow SDLC, SUS patch management processes, and test updates in lab environments prior to production rollout. * Apply federal cybersecurity requirements, including STIGs, NIST controls, certificate management, and FISMA-aligned hardening of virtualization platforms. * Participate in ServiceNow change and incident management activities; maintain thorough documentation and diagrams. * Develop and maintain configuration documentation, procedures, and knowledge articles. Basic Qualifications: Minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed. * Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. * Minimum 7+ years of hands-on IT experience supporting enterprise virtualization environments. * Advanced VMware administration experience (ESXi, vCenter, VCF, Horizon). * Strong experience with Windows Server virtualization and Hyper V. * Proficient in PowerShell scripting; familiarity with JavaScript automation is a plus. * Extensive knowledge of SAN/NAS storage, EMC enterprise storage, and virtual networking (VLANS, subnets, load balancing, port aggregation). * Experience working with enterprise hardware (Dell rack servers, blades, chassis switches). * Understanding of disaster recovery, replication, backup tooling, and recovery methodologies. * Experience with cybersecurity hardening for virtualization platforms (STIGs, NIST). Preferred Qualifications: Candidates with these skills will be given preferential consideration. * Experience supporting federal customers and compliance-driven environments. * Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and performance optimization skills. * Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. * Experience with ServiceNow incident/change processes. * Familiarity with MECM and enterprise monitoring/reporting tools.