Data Center Engineer / IT Lab Technician
Job Description
Contract: IT Infrastructure Lab Engineer
Duration: 3 months (extendable)
Rate: £300-380 a day (Deemed inside IR35)
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Wakefield area 5 days a week for initial 3 months then 1 day a week on site.
Reference: 16805
Contract to work for a Global IT company on a client project. Looking for a Data Center IT Lab Engineer who has experience of working in an IT Lab environment with an understanding of Cloud.
The project entails setting up a new IT lab testing environment and migrating the VMware virtual lab infrastructure to this new setup.
Opportunity for a skilled and motivated Data Center Lab Engineer to join and provide essential support within a global bank’s test lab environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth operation of our testing infrastructure and contribute to the development of cutting-edge financial solutions.
Please note this is an onsite role 5 days a week for the first 3 months near Wakefield. This will then move to a hybrid role.
Responsibilities:
- Set up, configure, and maintain hardware, software, and networking components in the test lab environment. Ensure that all systems are up-to-date, properly configured, and available for testing purposes.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues promptly to minimize downtime. Coordinate with vendors for repair and replacement as needed, ensuring minimal disruption to testing activities.
- Assist in setting up and maintaining network connectivity within the lab environment. Troubleshoot network-related problems and optimize network performance for seamless testing operations.
- Collaborate with software developers, quality assurance teams, and other stakeholders to support testing efforts. Provide technical assistance during test setup, execution, and analysis phases.
- Adhere to security protocols and best practices to safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, tool enhancement, and system upgrades to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the test lab environment.
- Provide timely technical support to team members for lab-related issues, troubleshooting, and inquiries.
- 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.
- 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.
Skills required:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, CCNA) are a plus.
- Experience with VMware (VMware-certified VCP at a minimum). (Hyper-V and Cloud)
- A good understanding of key networking services, primarily Windows-based.
- 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.
- Proven experience in managing and supporting lab environments, preferably in a financial or banking setting.
- Strong understanding of IT hardware, software, and networking components.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Networking People (UK) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
