Sr. Virtualization & Storage Engineer - 176023

Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Senior Virtualization & Storage Engineer to support NIWC Pacific within a classified environment based in San Diego, CA. This position is a full-time role that will be 100% onsite. As a Senior Virtualization & Storage Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, optimizing, and sustaining enterprise virtualization and storage infrastructure that supports mission-critical Department of Defense systems and classified workloads.

Key Responsibilities

Virtualization Engineering

• Engineer, administer, and optimize VMware vSphere/ESXi environments.
• Manage clusters, resource pools, distributed virtual switches, and high-availability configurations.
• Perform host lifecycle management, patching, upgrades, and system maintenance.
• Troubleshoot performance issues across compute, memory, storage, and network virtualization layers.
• Design and maintain resilient virtualization architectures supporting classified environments.
• Support VM provisioning automation and integration with DevSecOps workflows.
• Administer and maintain VMware vCenter environments.
• Support and participate in virtualization migrations, including VMware-to-Xen initiatives.

Storage Engineering

• Engineer and administer Dell enterprise storage platforms including PowerStore, Unity, PowerMax, or equivalent technologies.
• Configure and manage SAN and NAS environments.
• Implement and maintain LUN provisioning, storage tiering, replication, and snapshot strategies.
• Optimize storage performance and support capacity planning initiatives.
• Ensure backup integrity, disaster recovery readiness, and business continuity capabilities.
• Troubleshoot storage connectivity and performance issues across iSCSI, Fibre Channel, NFS, and related protocols.

Mission & DevSecOps Integration

• Support both containerized and traditional VM-based workloads.
• Integrate virtualization platforms into secure CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure automation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with DISA STIGs, RMF controls, and DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Collaborate with network, cloud, Windows, and cybersecurity teams to maintain secure and resilient infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain automation solutions using PowerShell, PowerCLI, Python, or related scripting languages.
• Create and maintain architecture documentation, operational procedures, and technical runbooks.
• Support mission-focused customers operating within highly secure, classified environments.

Requirements

Certifications:

Must possess an active DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification, including one of the following:

• CompTIA Security+
• CySA+
• SSCP
• GSEC
• GICSP
• CCNA Security

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in enterprise virtualization and storage environments.
• Extensive experience with VMware vSphere and ESXi administration.
• Strong expertise with VMware vCenter administration.
• Experience with Xen virtualization platforms.
• Experience administering Dell enterprise storage solutions.
• Experience supporting DoD, classified, or highly regulated environments.
• Working knowledge of RMF, DISA STIGs, and DoD cybersecurity compliance requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across compute, storage, networking, and virtualization layers.
• Experience with scripting and infrastructure automation tools.

Compensation:

Salary Range: $160,000 - $170,000 depending on experience

Full Benefits Include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Leave (where required by law)

This job opens for applications on October 8, 2026. Applications for this position will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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Keywords:VMware, vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, Xen, Dell PowerStore, Dell Unity, Dell PowerMax, Virtualization Engineering, Storage Engineering, SAN, NAS, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, NFS, DevSecOps, Infrastructure Automation, PowerShell, PowerCLI, Python, RMF, DISA STIG, DoD Cybersecurity, Secret Clearance, Enterprise Storage, High Availability, Disaster Recovery, Backup Solutions, Capacity Planning, Classified Environments, NIWC Pacific, VMware Migration, Containerization, SWAN Environment, Systems Engineering, Infrastructure Architecture.