Server Engineer SME

Role Summary We are seeking an L2 Server Administrator with strong hands-on experience in VMware virtualization along with Wintel and Linux server administration. The role is responsible for second-level incident resolution, service request fulfillment, operational maintenance, patching support, monitoring, and problem investigation across on-prem and/or private cloud datacenter environments. The engineer will work closely with L1 Service Desk/NOC, L3 Infrastructure/Platform teams, and OEM/vendor support to ensure high availability, performance, and security of server and virtualization platforms. Key Responsibilities (L2 Scope) Incident Management & Service Restoration •Handle L2 escalations for server/virtualization incidents and restore services within SLA/OLA timelines. •Perform structured troubleshooting for Windows Server, Linux (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu as applicable), and VMware vSphere components. •Collect diagnostics (event logs, performance metrics, vmkernel logs), identify root symptoms, and coordinate with L3/OEM for complex issues. •Provide timely stakeholder updates, work notes, and closure summaries in the ITSM tool. VMware Administration (Core) •Operate and support VMware vSphere environment: ESXi hosts, vCenter, clusters, resource pools, and datastores. •Perform VM lifecycle operations: provisioning, templates, snapshots (governance), cloning, vMotion, and capacity checks. •Monitor and troubleshoot host/cluster alarms, datastore latency, vNIC/vSwitch issues, and resource contention (CPU/RAM/IO). •Support backup/restore operations for virtual machines in coordination with backup platform team (e.g., Veeam/NetBackup/Commvault). •Assist in patching and upgrades of ESXi/vCenter as per approved change plans; validate pre/post checks and rollback readiness. Wintel Server Administration •Administer Windows Server (2016/2019/2022 or applicable): services, scheduled tasks, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. •Support Active Directory basics (user/group permissions for server access), DNS/DHCP dependencies, GPO impact troubleshooting (server-side). •Manage server hardening baselines, antivirus/EDR status, certificate updates (as applicable), and local security policies. •Perform patching support (WSUS/SCCM or equivalent) with validation and remediation of failed patches. Linux Server Administration •Administer Linux servers: user/group management, file systems, permissions, services (systemd), and package management. •Troubleshoot system performance (CPU, memory, disk I/O), logs (journalctl, /var/log), and network services. •Support patching and vulnerability remediation using yum/dnf/apt repositories and standard hardening baselines. •Execute basic shell scripting to automate repetitive operational tasks and reporting. Monitoring, Operations & Preventive Maintenance •Monitor infrastructure using tools such as vRealize/Aria Operations, SCOM, Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds, or equivalent; respond to alerts and anomalies. •Perform routine checks: capacity utilization, datastore space, snapshot sprawl, service health, and backup job status. •Identify recurring issues and raise Problem Records with corrective/preventive actions to reduce repeat incidents. Change Management & Documentation •Implement standard changes and participate in planned maintenance windows; follow change control, risk assessment, and rollback procedures. •Maintain accurate documentation: build sheets, SOPs/runbooks, CMDB updates, and knowledge articles for L1 enablement. •Ensure audit-ready evidence for incidents, changes, patching, and access controls as per organizational policies. Required Skills & Experience Experience •36 years of experience in server and virtualization operations (L2/L1.5 roles acceptable with strong troubleshooting depth). Hands-on administration experience in VMware vSphere and mixed OS environments (Windows + Linux). Technical Skills (Must Have) •VMware: vCenter, ESXi, clusters, datastores (VMFS/NFS), vSwitch/vDS basics, snapshots governance, vMotion concepts, capacity/performance troubleshooting. •Windows Server: services, event logs, performance monitoring, patching, basic AD/DNS dependencies, RDP access and local security controls. •Linux: user/group, permissions, systemd services, package management (yum/dnf/apt), log analysis, basic networking (ss/netstat, ip, route). •ITSM: ticket lifecycle, incident/problem/change processes; strong documentation and communication skills. Good to Have •Automation: PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible exposure. •Storage/networking basics: SAN/NAS concepts, multipathing, DNS/DHCP, VLAN awareness for server connectivity. •Backup tooling exposure (Veeam/Commvault/NetBackup) and basic DR procedures. •Security operations: vulnerability remediation workflow, baseline hardening (CIS concepts), EDR/AV troubleshooting. Certifications (Preferred) •VMware VCP-DCV (preferred) or equivalent VMware training/certification exposure. •Microsoft certification on Windows Server / Azure fundamentals (nice to have). •Red Hat (RHCSA) or Linux+ (nice to have). •ITIL Foundation (nice to have). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) •MTTR reduction for server/VM incidents; SLA adherence for incidet and request fulfillment. Patching compliance and reduction in repeat incidents through problem fixes. Change success rate with minimal rollbacks and strong pre/post validation. Quality of documentation, knowledge contributions, and audit readiness of evidence. Work Conditions / Shift 24x7 rotational shifts and/or on call support as per operations model. •Participation in planned maintenance windows for patching and upgrades. Education Bachelors degree in Engineering/Computer Science/IT or equivalent practical experience.