Data Center Engineer/IT Lab Technician - 3 months contract (renewable) - Banking - 370£/d inside IR35 - Wakefield - Onsite (5 days)

Our client is looking for an experienced Data Center Engineer/IT Lab Technician to support configuring, testing, and troubleshooting the newly established test lab infrastructure. The project entails setting up a new IT lab testing environment and migrating the VMware virtual lab infrastructure to this new setup. The Lab Technician will collaborate with a Network SME and take charge of all non-network aspects of the migration while also assisting in troubleshooting related issues. Additionally, the Lab Technician will be responsible for documenting all VMware and Windows configurations, which will be included in the run book documentation owned by the Network SME. All tasks, except documentation, will be conducted in person on-site in Wakefield, UK.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Manage the migration and validation of testing projects.
• 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.
• Verify hostname labeling.
• Erase all configuration data from devices on the demise list.

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Maintain a focus on strategic priorities and allocate resources accordingly.
• Demonstrate professional maturity and presence.
• Possess strong technical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Be capable of working independently.

Experience Requirements:

Must Haves:

• Experience with VMware (VMware-certified VCP at a minimum).
• A good understanding of key networking services, primarily Windows-based.
• Proficiency in VMware networking.
• 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.

Desirable/Nice to Have:

• Project management experience.
• Familiarity with best practices in lab testing.
• Experience with automation tools.

Data Center Engineer/IT Lab Technician - 3 months contract (renewable) - Banking - 370£/d inside IR35 - Wakefield - Onsite (5 days)