KVM Virtualization Systems Engineer

Description :

The WAVE Tactical Engineering Team is seeking a skilled Contract Lab Manager to facilitate the transition from HPE hardware to Dell with KVM virtualization, replacing the existing VMWare and vSphere solutions.

The role involves supporting and maintaining the WAVE Tactical infrastructure, closely collaborating with the Unified Communication Data Center and Quality Assurance Team, and reporting to the Test Manager.

Develop solutions for managing Dell PowerEdge servers with KVM.

Update firmware on Cisco and Brocade fiber switches.

Manage DFS on Windows Server and set up GFS2 for KVM hosts.

Oversee Windows Server Update Service and monitor servers with Logic Monitor.

Troubleshoot issues such as storage volumes, pools, firewall configurations.

Document configuration and management procedures.

Document lab configuration and processes within the first 90 to 120 days.

Role supports a KVM-based virtualization initiative tied to accelerated development work for the Secret Service and Distributed File Systems. Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 8 years' experience.

Extensive hands-on experience in lab environments, preferably scaling 50+ systems.

Strong understanding of provisioning and boot processes.

Familiarity with Linux, Windows, Dell server management, and HPE server/SAN management.

Experience in hardware and OS-level debugging, and firmware upgrades.

Understanding of network infrastructure (layer 1, 2, and 3).

Working knowledge of LINUX kernel, modules, and drivers (compiling drivers is a plus).

Ability to work independently under pressure in dynamic environments.

Software Proficiency: Command line in Windows Server and RHEL.

Nice to have experience with HPE Storage, setting up hypervisor labs, Agile methodologies, and Project Management.

Expertise in ITIL certification, Active Directory, virtualization, AWS, Azure, Windows Server.

Senior level experience in providing solutions

Real-world, hands-on experience working with KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is necessary

Direct experience configuring and managing KVM-based virtual machines

Familiarity with libvirt, QEMU, or virt-manager

Experience with virtual networking, storage provisioning, and performance tuning in KVM environments

Exposure to accelerated development environments or high-security projects (e.g., Secret Service, government, or defense-related work)

Understanding of Distributed File Systems is a strong plus

Background Industry:

Government & Defense

Data Center & Infrastructure Providers (manage large-scale virtualized environments and often use KVM for cost-effective VM hosting)

Cloud Service Providers & Hosting Companies (RHEL/KVM, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Linode, Vultr)

High-Performance Computing (HPC) & Research Labs. Examples: National labs (e.g., Oak Ridge, Sandia), university research IT departments

Financial Services & Trading Firms. Examples: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citadel, Bloomberg

Healthcare IT & Medical Research. Examples: Cerner, Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, Mayo Clinic IT

Linux System Integrators & Open Source Consultancies. Examples: Red Hat partners, Canonical (Ubuntu), SUSE, independent Linux consultants

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance : Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.