Job Description

Datacenter SME

Location: Suffolk, VA - This role is 100% onsite.

Contract to hire opportunity

Pay: $80-90/hr - weekly pay on W2

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Expertise & Leadership
• Design, implement, and optimize complex virtualization environments (VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, etc.)
• Architect and support enterprise-grade SAN/NAS solutions (e.g., NetApp, Dell EMC, Pure Storage, etc.)
• Lead the migration and consolidation of legacy workloads into virtual or hyperconverged platforms
• Provide Tier 3 support and root cause analysis for complex virtualization and storage incidents

• Systems Integration & Architecture
• Bridge technical silos by analyzing and integrating infrastructure across datacenter compute, network, storage, and cloud
• Support hybrid architectures involving on-prem, edge, and public/private cloud (AWS, Azure, etc.)
• Design HA/DR strategies incorporating virtualization, storage replication, and backup systems
• Participate in the full system lifecycle: concept, design, integration, test, implementation, and O&M
• Operational Oversight
• Develop automation strategies using PowerCLI, Ansible, or similar tools to streamline provisioning and maintenance
• Monitor system performance and implement capacity planning across storage and compute
• Ensure compliance with security and configuration baselines (e.g., DISA STIGs, CIS Benchmarks)
• Strategic Influence
• Advise on long-term data center modernization, virtualization roadmap, and cloud readiness
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies in software-defined infrastructure and AI-driven operations
• Interface with cybersecurity, DevOps, and application teams to ensure alignment and performance across layers

Requirements:

• Clearance Level: Secret
• Certifications (IAT Level III)
• CISA
• GSE
• SCNCA
• CISSP (or Associate)
• GCIH
• Functional area certification (required prior to start date)
• 12+ years of experience supporting enterprise IT systems, with a strong emphasis on virtualization and storage
• Expert-level proficiency with VMware vSphere/vCenter, ESXi, vSAN, and/or NSX
• Deep hands-on experience with enterprise storage platforms (block/file/object)
• Familiarity with hyperconverged infrastructure (e.g., Nutanix, VxRail)
• Proficiency in infrastructure scripting/automation (PowerShell, PowerCLI, etc.)
• Understanding of network and security principles (firewalls, VLANs, zero trust models)
• Strong documentation and presentation skills for technical and executive audiences
• Ability to lead technical teams and collaborate across IT domains

Apex Benefits Overview

Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a retirement plan (401k or local country equivalent) program. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

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