Cloud & Virtualization Infrastructure Architect

We are looking for a Cloud & Virtualization Infrastructure Architect!

Job Title: Cloud & Virtualization Infrastructure Architect

Job Location: Mississauga

Job Type: Full -Time/Contract

This is a Hybrid role based in Mississauga requiring you ton work from office 3 days a week.

Responsibilities:

• Creates and architects solutions for cloud and virtualization infrastructure, utilizing technologies like VMware, Azure, and others, to align with the organization's needs for performance, scalability, security, and availability.
• Guides the implementation and deployment of cloud and virtualization solutions, which include the configuration, provisioning, and automation of virtual machines, containers, storage, networking, and additional components.
• Ensures adherence to best practices, security protocols, and organizational policies. - Monitors, assesses, and optimizes the performance, utilization, and capacity of cloud and virtualization environments
• Identifies and addresses performance or scalability challenges and proactively suggests enhancements to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Works alongside security teams to guarantee the security of infrastructure and compliance with both organizational and industry regulations. Implements and upholds controls for encryption, access, and data protection.
• Applies Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) methodologies using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation to facilitate consistent, repeatable, and automated deployments.
• Manages capacity, availability, and lifecycle planning for virtualized and cloud infrastructure.
• Offers Level 3 technical expertise and troubleshooting for incidents and problems related to cloud and virtualization; diagnoses complex issues, formulates and implements solutions, and records findings.
• Develops and maintains documentation, such as architecture diagrams, as-built documents, configuration guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and knowledge base articles. Conducts knowledge transfer and training for senior, intermediate, and junior staff.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs) across various IT disciplines to create integrated solutions that meet or surpass design and business objectives.
• Works in partnership with cloud, network, security, and application teams to align infrastructure designs with enterprise architecture standards and the goals of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Knowledge

- A University Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Information Technology or a related field or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

- Open Group TOGAF Certification or equivalent required.

- One or more of the following certifications in the virtualization field or equivalent required:

a. VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX).

b. Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

c. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional.

Required Skills:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining data center virtualization and technologies, including high availability, disaster recovery, security, and automated failover configurations.
• Seven (7) years or more of advanced experience with virtualization technologies, such as VMware vSphere/ESXi, vCenter, Hyper-V, Nutanix, or OpenShift.
• Seven (7) years or more of strong working experience with the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, including infrastructure design, deployment, and management.
• Five (5) years or more of experience working with the following systems, tools, and technologies:

a. Automation and scripting proficiency in PowerShell, Python, Terraform, and Ansible.

b. Deep understanding of core infrastructure component: servers, storage, networking, security, and backup systems.

c. Administration of Windows and Linux operating systems.

d. Experience with databases, particularly Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL).

• Proven experience implementing and managing Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and PowerShell.
• Strong knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs.
• Solid understanding of security principles and best practices in both cloud and virtualization environments.
• In-depth understanding of various storage technologies (e.g., SAN, iSCSI, NFS, HCI, Object Storage) and their application within data center and cloud environments.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and managing backup and recovery solutions for virtualized workloads.
• Demonstrated experience in migrating VMware workloads to Azure Cloud or other virtualization platforms.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience in designing, building, implementing, and supporting SD-WAN solutions (preferably VMware-based) is an asset.
• Experience in configuring and managing Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) infrastructure is an asset.
• Working knowledge of data center electrical power distribution systems is an asset.
• Experience in vendor management for virtualization and Azure Cloud technologies is preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills with a proactive and structured approach.
• Defines and maintains the technology roadmap, guiding the design and evolution of new and existing infrastructure solutions.
• Develops and validates disaster recovery and business continuity plans in coordination with other IT teams to ensure resiliency and data protection.
• Supports procurement activities, including preparing and reconciling documentation for goods and services, and participating in budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Stays current with emerging technologies and industry trends related to cloud and virtualization to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Mentors and coaches senior, intermediate, and junior staff to enhance team capability and technical proficiency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional technical and business teams

If you are a skilled Cloud & Virtualization Infrastructure Architect looking for an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via LinkedIN or share your profiles at [email protected].