Lead Infrastructure Innovation & Automation Engineer
12 days ago
Chicago
Job DescriptionLead Infrastructure Innovation & Automation Engineer Location: Chicago, IL — Hybrid (3 days onsite per week) Salary Target: Up to $165,000 base Benefits: Full-time role, eligible for benefits Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Infrastructure & Automation Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and support of hybrid infrastructure solutions across both on-premise and AWS environments. This role is ideal for an engineer with deep, hands-on experience in Windows Server, VMware, automation frameworks, infrastructure-as-code, and CI/CD methodologies. The position emphasizes innovation, automation, and operational excellence—requiring strong technical leadership and the ability to collaborate across engineering, DevOps, and security teams. What You’ll Do • Administer, support, and optimize Windows Server environments (2016/2019/2022) across on-prem and AWS., • Design, build, and maintain automated CI/CD pipelines for server builds and AMIs using Jenkins, Terraform, Ansible, and Packer., • Manage and support hybrid infrastructure including VMware virtualization technologies (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter) and AWS workloads., • Troubleshoot complex OS, system, and application issues; partner with cross-functional teams and vendors for resolution., • Automate infrastructure provisioning, patching, image creation, and operational activities to increase efficiency and reliability., • Participate in system hardening, security patching, and vulnerability remediation efforts., • Ensure all infrastructure aligns with organizational compliance, audit, and change-management standards., • Contribute to modernization initiatives including container platforms; exposure to Kubernetes is highly valuable., • Participate in after-hours maintenance or support as needed.Supervisory Responsibilities, • No direct reports, but expected to mentor peers, provide technical guidance, conduct knowledge sharing, and influence engineering standards.QualificationsProfessional Experience, • 7+ years of Windows Server engineering and enterprise infrastructure support., • 2–3+ years supporting hybrid environments (on-prem + AWS)., • Must have originated from a true infrastructure background—not purely DevOps-focused roles.Platform & Solution Expertise, • Strong experience with:, • Windows Server administration, • VMware virtualization technologies, • AWS (EC2, networking, hybrid integrations), • Proven ability to build automated, reliable, and secure infrastructure solutions using IaC and CI/CD pipelines., • Experience with Kubernetes or container ecosystems considered a plus.Technical Skills, • Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 administration (advanced level)., • Infrastructure-as-Code & automation tools:, • Terraform, • Ansible, • Jenkins, • Packer / AMI image management, • VMware (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter), • AWS compute, networking, and hybrid cloud services, • PowerShell scripting; Python or Bash scripting preferred, • Active Directory / Group Policy, • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, load balancers), • Vulnerability remediation and patch management experience, • Kubernetes or container experience (preferred)Education, • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field preferred, • Equivalent experience acceptedCertifications (Preferred), • Microsoft: Windows Server or Azure certifications, • VMware: VCP-DCV or comparable, • AWS: Solutions Architect – Associate or similar, • Terraform, Ansible, or other automation-focused certificationsAdditional Profile Notes, • Ideal candidates have 8–10 years of hands-on infrastructure engineering experience., • Must be strong across at least two or three key domains such as Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, Kubernetes, and AWS., • Expected to lead automation and innovation initiatives across Windows, VMware, storage, and broader infrastructure areas., • Must be able to design solutions, build automation, and then hand off stable, documented work to ongoing operations teams.