Systems Administrator & Virtualization Engineer III

Our client is urgently seeking a skilled and certified Systems Administrator & Virtualization Engineer (Virtualization Engineer III) to support critical infrastructure operations for the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) within NIH. This part-time role (20 hours/week) is focused on ensuring high-performance virtualization, storage, backup, and disaster recovery systems using Nutanix HCI, and NetApp technologies. The position supports a mission-critical environment with high availability and security standards.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Nutanix clusters, NetApp storage administration, and backup technologies, and have experience working within federal IT environments. Candidates must hold relevant technical certifications and have a strong track record of successful infrastructure support and modernization.

Key Responsibilities:

Systems Administration & Data Center Operations

• Administer and maintain Nutanix HCI and NetApp FAS systems in support of mission-critical operations across multiple sites (Bethesda, MD and Phoenix, AZ)
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot servers, NAS storage, backup appliances, and virtualization environments
• Manage Active Directory accounts, IAM/ADM tools, and GFE devices
• Perform patch management, server security updates, and vulnerability remediation
• Manage Veeam Backup & Replication, Quantum DXi disk-based storage, SnapVault, and SnapMirror

Nutanix Administration

• Deploy, configure, and manage Nutanix clusters and Prism Central
• Configure AHV hypervisors, virtual switches, and Layer 2 networking
• Implement Nutanix Leap Disaster Recovery, including recovery domain creation, failover/failback testing, and DR runbooks
• Execute Lifecycle Management (LCM) upgrades, firmware updates, and system patching

NetApp Storage Administration

• Oversee NetApp FAS storage systems, including FlexVol provisioning, SVM-DR, SnapMirror/SnapVault, and Active IQ Unified Manager
• Execute storage disaster recovery planning, testing, and documentation
• Administer NetApp Data ONTAP environments and integration with virtualized infrastructure

Compliance & Security

• Ensure IT systems meet all NIH, FISMA, and HHS cybersecurity and compliance standards
• Review logs and system alerts to remediate vulnerabilities and maintain data integrity, confidentiality, and availability

• Support system documentation, SOP development, and weekly reporting in alignment with contract deliverables

Work Environment & Expectations:

• Hybrid work model with occasional site visits in Maryland and Arizona
• Participation in biweekly server group meetings
• Compliance with federal IT security and privacy standards, including training and background investigation protocols

Deliverables include:

• Weekly task reports to project Manager (Due Friday)
• Change Control Board approval for any changes to IT Systems/Applications
• Attend server group meetings (Every 2nd Week)
• Create and maintain SOPs
• Maintenance Server Room visits during planned events

• Certifications:

• Nutanix Certified Professional (NCP). Nutanix Certified Advanced Professional (NCAP) and Nutanix Platform Expert (NPX) preferred

• NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer – SAN (NCIE-SAN)
• NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA)

• Demonstrated experience with:
• Nutanix AHV, Prism Central, Leap DR
• NetApp ONTAP 9.x, SnapVault, SnapMirror
• Windows Server (2016–2022), Veeam Backup
• Quantum DXi storage, HP ProLiant Servers
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and reporting skills
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required
• Ability to obtain and maintain NIH Public Trust Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior federal agency or NIH IT experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks: FISMA, NIST SP 800-53, HIPAA, and CUI handling
• Experience supporting geographically distributed infrastructure
• ISO 9001, ISO 20000, and ISO 27001 certified environments

Locations

• Hybrid – NIH Bethesda, MD / Phoenix, AZ / Remote

Competitive part-time compensation ($70 to $85/hour), commensurate with experience and certifications

Flexible work arrangements and hybrid schedule

Supportive, collaborative work environment

Signing bonus negotiable