Lead Systems Engineer

Kforce is working with a client in search of a Lead Systems Engineer to join their team! This position is full time, direct hire and on-site 4 days a week near Maplewood, NJ. Responsibilities:

• Contribute to infrastructure architecture design that bridges on-prem and cloud environments-supporting a transition to hybrid infrastructure centered around AWS, with potential use of Azure or Google Cloud
• Configure, manage, and monitor SAN storage arrays; support provisioning, performance tuning, and capacity planning
• Administer Linux and Windows systems in a hybrid environment (Debian, Photon OS, Windows Server)
• Apply infrastructure-as-code methodologies using tools like PowerShell, Ansible, and Terraform to automate builds and configuration
• Architect, deploy, and manage VMware infrastructure including ESXi hosts, vSphere clusters, and vCenter across production data centers and integrated cloud environments
• Lead support and development of the Horizon VDI environment, including gold image creation, performance tuning, and operational stability
• Build and cable physical hypervisor servers, ensuring proper integration with network, power, and storage infrastructure
• Collaborate closely with the Networking team to align switching, VLANs, and virtual networking within the VMware ecosystem
• Monitor and upgrade VMware infrastructure with awareness of evolving licensing and platform changes resulting from the Broadcom acquisition
• Partner with the Director of Systems on infrastructure roadmaps and long-term cloud strategy, leading hybrid initiatives that transition appropriate workloads to AWS, while maintaining critical on-premise operations
• Support DevOps workflows by providing infrastructure support for tools like Nomad, Consul, and Vault within the VMware ecosystem
• Evaluate cloud-based tools and services (e.g., Azure AD, Exchange Online, GCP workloads) to enhance reliability, scalability, or collaboration for internal teams
• 8+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, including 5+ years hands-on with VMware
• Deep technical expertise in VMware vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and Horizon (VDI)
• Demonstrated experience architecting and supporting high-availability virtual environments
• Strong knowledge of SAN storage configuration, data center power/cooling, and rack-and-stack practices
• Experience with Linux (Debian, Photon OS) and Windows Server administration
• Automation and scripting using PowerShell, Bash
• Comfortable working in or migrating to AWS, with awareness of Microsoft 365/Azure for core IT services

• Familiarity with HashiCorp Nomad (container orchestration), Vault (secrets management), and Consul (service discovery).
• Experience with Kubernetes
• Use of IaC tools (Terraform, Ansible)
• Awareness of VMware licensing changes and product strategy post-Broadcom acquisition.
• Exposure to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Azure in addition to AWS.
• Relevant certifications: VMware VCP/VCAP, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, HashiCorp Terraform Associate.
• Understanding of ITIL, service management, and compliance standards like SOC 2.