FactEntry - Senior System Administrator - Virtualization (5-7 yrs)

Job Title : Senior System Administrator

Job Summary :

We are looking for an experienced Senior System Administrator to manage, maintain, and optimize our IT infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in system administration, network security, virtualization, and bare metal server management, along with a strong focus on security compliance and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of our enterprise systems.

Key Responsibilities :

System Administration :

- Manage, maintain, and monitor servers, storage systems, and virtualization platforms including VMware vSphere and ESXi.

- Perform regular system upgrades, patch management, and backups to maintain optimal performance and security posture.

- Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues across physical and virtual environments.

- Manage bare metal servers, specifically HP ProLiant Series, including hardware diagnostics and repair coordination.

Firewall and Network Management :

- Configure, manage, and monitor firewalls such as Fortinet and Sonicwall to safeguard the network perimeter.

- Implement and maintain network security policies, including VPN configurations and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).

- Optimize network performance, ensure high availability, and minimize downtime.

Virtualization and Cloud :

- Administer VMware environments, including vCenter, vMotion, and High Availability (HA) configurations to ensure uninterrupted services.

- Support hybrid cloud environments, integrating on-premise systems with public/private cloud platforms to enable seamless operations and scalability.

Bare Metal Server Management :

- Diagnose and resolve hardware-related issues on HP ProLiant Series bare metal servers.

- Perform firmware updates, RAID configuration, hardware replacements, and routine preventive maintenance.

- Ensure the reliability and high availability of physical infrastructure components.

Security and Compliance :

- Ensure all systems comply with security standards and regulatory requirements such as ISO 27001 and GDPR.

- Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing in collaboration with security teams.

- Develop, implement, and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize risks and downtime.

Collaboration and Support :

- Work closely with cross-functional teams including network, security, and application teams to support overall infrastructure needs.

- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior system administrators and IT support staff.

- Document system configurations, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides to ensure knowledge retention and compliance.

Required Skills & Experience :

- Minimum 5+ years of experience in system administration within enterprise environments.

- Proven expertise with VMware vSphere, ESXi, and associated management tools (vCenter, vMotion, HA).

- Strong hands-on experience managing HP ProLiant Series servers and related hardware troubleshooting.

- Deep knowledge of firewall technologies, especially Fortinet and Sonicwall, including VPN and IDS/IPS configurations.

- Solid understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching) and network security best practices.

- Experience working with hybrid cloud infrastructures and cloud integration strategies.

- Familiarity with backup and recovery tools and disaster recovery planning.

- Strong knowledge of security standards and compliance requirements (ISO 27001, GDPR).

- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

- Experience mentoring junior team members and documenting technical procedures.

Preferred Qualifications :

- Certifications such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP), Fortinet NSE, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or CompTIA Security+.

- Experience with automation and scripting tools (PowerShell, Bash, Python).

- Familiarity with monitoring tools like Nagios, Zabbix, or SolarWinds.

- Exposure to containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud-native technologies.