Network Architect – VMware Broadcom vSAN Infrastructure

About This Opportunity CTI Staffing is partnering with a well-established manufacturing organization to find a Network Architect - VMware vSAN Infrastructure for their infrastructure team based in Durham, NC (hybrid, onsite 3+ days/week). This team is leading a major virtualization modernization effort, standardizing infrastructure across dozens of sites nationwide. The role owns the architecture and hands-on execution of that rollout, from design through migration. What You'll Do - Lead end-to-end design and implementation of enterprise vSAN solutions across a large multi-site environment - Develop Infrastructure-as-Code solutions using Terraform for on-premises and cloud environments - Perform site readiness assessments covering power, cooling, network connectivity, and deployment prerequisites - Oversee hardware deployment including racking, stacking, cabling, and inventory validation - Configure and standardize server BIOS, firmware, ESXi hosts, vCenter, and vSAN clusters - Develop and execute migration strategies from legacy virtualization platforms to new infrastructure - Lead VM migration, cutover, and stabilization activities while minimizing business disruption - Produce architecture documentation, build guides, and operational runbooks ### Requirements What You Bring Must-Have: - 10+ years of enterprise infrastructure and virtualization architecture experience - 5+ years hands-on with VMware vSphere, vCenter, and vSAN environments - Advanced expertise in enterprise server platforms and vSAN Ready Node style deployments - Demonstrated experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform) for on-prem and cloud - Strong knowledge of legacy virtualization platforms for migration planning - Expert-level understanding of storage architecture and data protection strategies - Proficiency in network configuration (VLANs, MTU, distributed switches, VMkernel networking) - Experience with multi-site infrastructure coordination and standardization Nice-to-Have: - VMware NSX networking and security experience - Backup and disaster recovery solutions knowledge - Monitoring and observability tools familiarity - Experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects - VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) or VMware Certified Professional (VCP) Technical Environment: - VMware vSphere, vCenter, vSAN - Terraform / Infrastructure-as-Code - Enterprise server hardware platforms - Distributed switches, VLANs, VMkernel networking What Success Looks Like: - Standardized, repeatable deployment model proven across the first wave of sites - Clean migration cutover with minimal business disruption - Documentation and runbooks in place for ongoing operational support Note: This role requires regular physical activity including lifting up to 75 lbs, working in data center environments, and travel (30-40%).