Contract: IT Data Center Lab Engineer
Duration: 3 months (extendable)
Rate: £300-380 a day (Deemed inside IR35)
Start Date: Nov/Dec 2023
Location: Wakefield area 2 days a week/3 days remote
Reference: 16805

Contract to work for a Global IT company on a client project. Looking for a Data Center IT Lab Engineer who has experience of working in an IT Lab environment with an understanding of Virtualisation and Cloud.
The project entails setting up a new IT lab testing environment and migrating the VMware virtual lab infrastructure to this new setup.
Opportunity for a skilled and motivated Data Center Lab Engineer to join and provide essential support within a global bank's test lab environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth operation of our testing infrastructure and contribute to the development of cutting-edge financial solutions.

Please note this is a hybrid working role, and you must be able to commit to be onsite in Wakefield at least 2 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Set up, configure, and maintain hardware, software, and networking components in the test lab environment. Ensure that all systems are up-to-date, properly configured, and available for testing purposes.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues promptly to minimize downtime. Coordinate with vendors for repair and replacement as needed, ensuring minimal disruption to testing activities.
• Assist in setting up and maintaining network connectivity within the lab environment. Troubleshoot network-related problems and optimize network performance for seamless testing operations.
• Collaborate with software developers, quality assurance teams, and other stakeholders to support testing efforts. Provide technical assistance during test setup, execution, and analysis phases.
• Adhere to security protocols and best practices to safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, tool enhancement, and system upgrades to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the test lab environment.
• Provide timely technical support to team members for lab-related issues, troubleshooting, and inquiries.
• Install and configure the new VMware environment, including ESXi and vCenter.
• Install antivirus endpoint protection on both server and Workstation systems.
• Conduct failover testing for all new non-network infrastructure components.
• Assist in configuring Windows and VMware-specific network services, such as AD, DC, RDS, DNS, and DHCP, working with the Network SME.
• Configure the RD Web server.
• Create administrative roles for server infrastructure.
• Perform VM migration activities.
• Upgrade Windows 7 RDP endpoints to Windows 10.
• Transfer the existing Wi-Fi setup to the new infrastructure with the assistance of the Network SME.
• Migrate existing network monitoring and automation virtual machines to the new environment.
• Connect laptops to KVM Switches.
• Backup all old devices to a local hard drive/PC before migration.

Skills required:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications (eg, CompTIA A+, Network+, CCNA) are a plus.
• Experience with VMware (VMware-certified VCP at a minimum). (Hyper-V and Cloud)
• A good understanding of key networking services, primarily Windows-based.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Server and desktop infrastructure and associated core enterprise services, including Active Directory, Remote Desktop, DNS, and DHCP.
• Experience in creating run book documentation.
• Proven experience in managing and supporting lab environments, preferably in a financial or banking setting.
• Strong understanding of IT hardware, software, and networking components.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Networking People (UK) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.