Storage Consultant

Description
A seasoned Storage and Infrastructure Consultant is needed to troubleshoot and enhance an OpenStack (2024.1) private cloud integrated with PowerStore (v4.1.1) cluster using NVMe over TCP connectivity. The consultant will diagnose and resolve critical NVMe/TCP multipathing issues causing VM storage disconnects and lead a comprehensive NVMe/TCP build-out, ensuring high performance and reliable multi-path connectivity. Responsibilities include: multipathing configuration and troubleshooting, PowerStore array optimization in a multi-appliance cluster, OpenStack Cinder integration with NVMe/TCP, network collaboration to optimize storage networking (25GbE, VLANs, etc.), and implementing best practices to eliminate single-workload performance bottlenecks. The ideal candidate has expert-level PowerStore experience, deep NVMe-oF (TCP) knowledge, OpenStack Cinder expertise, and strong consulting skills (documentation, knowledge transfer, and cross-team communication). Certification or hands-on experience with EMC storage and OpenStack is highly preferred. The consultant will deliver environment stabilization, a best-practices playbook, and knowledge transfer by project's end.
Key Qualifications and Skills:
Enterprise Storage & Multipathing: 8+ years in enterprise block storage architecture and administration, with proven experience in NVMe over Fabrics (particularly NVMe/TCP), multi-path I/O configuration, and troubleshooting of storage connectivity issues (e.g. iSCSI, Fibre Channel, NVMe-oF). Expertise in configuring and using Linux DM-Multipath and/or native NVMe multipathing features, including diagnosing path failures, path failover behaviors, and performance tuning in multi-path environments.
Dell PowerStore 4.x Expertise: Extensive hands-on experience with Dell EMC PowerStore arrays, ideally including PowerStore OS 4.x and PowerStore 4.1.1. Knowledge of PowerStore cluster architecture (multiple PowerStore appliances in a cluster), PowerStore Manager interface, PowerStore CLI, and design/operational best practices for PowerStore T models and clustered deployments.
NVMe/TCP Implementation: Demonstrated ability to implement and optimize NVMe/TCP connectivity in real-world environments, including configuration of NVMe/TCP host initiators and target (array) setup. Understanding of the differences between iSCSI and NVMe/TCP networking (including recommended network link speeds, e.g., 25GbE+, and protocols).
OpenStack Cinder Integration: Deep familiarity with OpenStack (2023+ releases, ideally 2024.1 "Antelope" or later). Experience configuring Cinder block storage services with external storage drivers, especially Dell EMC PowerStore Cinder drivers (enablement of NVMe-oF via powerstore_nvme = True in cinder.conf) and OpenStack Nova/Cinder volume attach mechanisms. Capable of diagnosing VM volume attachment / detachment issues within an OpenStack environment and troubleshooting Cinder logs, os-brick (OpenStack's volume connector library), and OpenStack configuration related to NVMe/TCP.
OpenShift / Container Storage (Preferred): Familiarity with containerization and Kubernetes (e.g., Red Hat OpenShift) and container storage integration is a plus. Knowledge of Container Storage Interfaces (CSI) and Dell Container Storage Modules (CSM) or other container-focused storage tools would be beneficial, as the resource may interface with OpenShift tools or assist cross-functionally with container orchestration storage considerations.
Server & OS Skills: Strong background in Linux server administration (RHEL/CentOS or Ubuntu) and virtualization. Capability to analyze kernel logs (dmesg), NVMe subsystem status (nvme CLI or OS system paths), and adjustments of Linux kernel parameters (e.g., verifying NVMe core multipath settings, DM-Multipath config) is required. Familiarity with Hypervisors (KVM/QEMU for OpenStack, possibly also VMware ESXi knowledge if applicable) and tools for VM I/O performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
Networking Knowledge: Solid understanding of Ethernet storage networking - IP and TCP networking fundamentals, switch configuration for iSCSI/NVMe-oF (e.g. VLANs, Link Aggregation vs. multi-homing, Jumbo frames, flow control), and ability to engage with network engineers to optimize and troubleshoot connectivity across storage, server, and network layers. Should be comfortable advising networking teams on NVMe/TCP requirements (like minimal deterministic latency networks, recommended 25 GbE or higher network infrastructure, avoiding misconfigurations such as mis-tuned LACP hashing).
Troubleshooting & Performance Tuning: Proven track record of rapid root-cause analysis for storage connectivity issues (e.g., analyzing error messages, network traces, and storage alerts) and implementing fixes. Experience conducting performance and I/O analysis on storage systems (tools like Dell SupportAssist analysis, iostat, performance charts) to detect "noisy neighbor" scenarios, ensure performance isolation, and tune system parameters (e.g., adjusting queue depths, enabling flow control, NIC offloading settings, etc.) is highly desired.
Project & Soft Skills: Excellent communication and consulting skills. Ability to document findings and create high-quality technical deliverables (runbooks, design docs, "as-built" guides, best practices guides). Knowledge transfer and training expertise to guide client's teams in understanding the solutions implemented. Adept at working independently in a client environment to minimize burden on client's staff, while collaborating with various teams (network engineers, storage admins, system engineers, etc.) for coordinated solutions.
DESIRED OUTCOMES:
Ideal Outcome:
Issue with VMs losing storage
Establish Best practices
Build out NVMe/TCP for the rest of the environment and future environments
Build documentation
Knowledge Transfer
Additional Skills & Qualifications
I'm looking for a resource that can work with following technologies:
PowerStore 4.1.1
NVME over TCP
Troubleshooting Multi-pathing
Clustered PowerStore
OpenStack 2024.1:
NVMe/TCP with Cinder
Multi-Pathing
Troubleshooting VM creation
Consulting resource
Needs to be a Server and Storage resource
Resource will be asked to use the Storage Tools, OpenShift Tools, and other systems; as well as be able to inform the Network Teams what is required moving forward
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Round Rock, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $100.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.