Lead Systems Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
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, Google Cloud Platform workloads) to enhance reliability, scalability, or collaboration for internal teams

REQUIREMENTS:
* 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

Nice to have:
* 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 (Google Cloud Platform) 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.

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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