Job Summary:
The ideal candidate will be responsible for all windows server /desktop operating system Golden Image design, creation, standardization, hardening, patching, and roadmaps.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Drives and implements the windows server/desktop Golden Image initiative
• Participates in the evaluation and testing of all new upcoming windows operating systems versions, to ensure requirements are met for both existing applications and new product services.
• Contributes to architectural discussions, with all stakeholders including security counterparts, to ensure the defined golden image standards are meeting business, operational, and security compliance needs.
• Participates in collaborations with other engineering and operational organizations to understand unmet requirements and challenges and recommend solutions.
• Collaborates with peers to set standards for approved infrastructure deployments and integrations.
• Works with leadership to refine and affect current processes.

Basic/Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering and/or related and/or equivalent work experience
• Strong understanding of Windows patching methodology and tools (WSUS, SCCM, etc)
• Strong understanding of AD (Groups, OUs, structure, best practices, etc)
• Strong understanding of Server OS (Roadmap, versioning, features)
• Strong understanding of Installation licensing methodology
• Strong understanding of OS hardening best practices (RBAC, firewall, security, authentication)
• Strong understanding of Virtualized (ESXi, OSP, KVM), bare metal installs.
• Strong understanding of OS installs best practices (templates, unattended/automated)
• Strong understanding of automation tools (PowerShell)
• Knowledge of bare metal server config standards
• Knowledge of virtualization standards/features
• Knowledge of shared storage standards/features
• Knowledge of networking standards with emphasis on Windows and AD
• Understanding of networking fundamentals

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience administrating, integrating, and designing data center infrastructure solutions including server hardware, virtualization platforms, SAN switching, storage technologies, basic networking, and Cloud Management Platforms.
• Experience designing both physical and virtual solutions for cloud architectures leveraging both blade and rack mount server platforms.
• Minimum two years of experience designing and engineering Software-Defined Data Center solutions for workload optimization and placement.
• Experience with Cisco UCS B-Series infrastructure and UCS Manager.
• Understanding of Workflow Orchestration platforms, and Container technologies including Kubernetes and Docker.
• Proficient with BASH/Shell, Python, Ansible, or similar scripting languages.
• Experience with automated builds of new data center infrastructure deployments leveraging Workflow Automation platforms.

Certifications: 

• MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)
• MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)

Horizontal facilitates valuable and productive conversations between you and potential employers.  We can assist you in growing your career by partnering you with employers that offer challenging assignments.  For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $67 - $77 per hour. This is not a guarantee of compensation, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.