Cloud Systems Engineer I

*Candidates must reside within 50 miles of Anchorage, Alaska

GCI's Cloud Systems Engineer I is responsible for the Cloud Systems Engineering function. Works collaboratively with other Cloud Systems Engineers, Cloud Network Engineers, DevOps Engineers, and IT functions to develop, deploy, and maintain the organizations Hybrid/Private Cloud Infrastructure. Strives to achieve improved deployment frequency for faster time to market, shortened lead time between fixes, and quicker recovery time in the event of a new release failure. This is achieved through development of physical compute platforms supporting virtualized workloads, scaling efficient repeatability with Continuous Delivery methodologies, and building out technology providing effective reliability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

Primary Cloud Infrastructure Responsibilities: VMware ESXi, VMware vCenter, Horizon VDI, VMware VCF, Rubrik Backup, Dell SANs, Dell Hyperconverged Servers, and NetApp SANs.

- Administer one or more compute clusters supporting VMWare Horizon series, a VDI platform for multiple business units within GCI.

- Responsible for implementation and operation of the overall platform including hardware installs, ESXi installs and ongoing maintenance of the clusters.

- Responsible for the implementation and operation of the management plane functions including the supporting vSphere stack.

- Support for implemented client technologies and coordination with the network and desktop teams as applicable.

- Forecasts growth and recommends capacity increases and well as providing analysis for impacts to supporting networking infrastructure.

Design, implement, and support large-scale hybrid, Private, and Multi Cloud hosting platforms. Utilize standard engineering concepts of availability, efficiency, redundancy, scalability, and security, including new solutions and continuous improvement of the current platform. Support and manage escalation events and a 24/7 on-call rotation.

Maximize performance using systems/platform monitoring tools, troubleshooting systems/platform outages, scheduling updates, and collaborating with architects on optimization. Build and maintain tools for deployment and testing in stable and scalable production environments.

Maintain professional skillset by participating in on-the-job training, cross training, educational opportunities, technical organizations, reading professional publications, and personal use of technology. Coordinate with project management and engineering teams on a regular basis. Develop and update documentation and support materials. Mentor junior engineers and technicians.

Automate and streamline operations and processes to rapidly release reliable infrastructure faster and more frequently.

COMPETENCIES:

- ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.

- Takes initiative to improve processes, procedures, skills, and technical knowledge.

- Assess and accept risks and learn from mistakes.

- Take ownership and accountability of problems and facilitate finding a solution, involving other groups as necessary.

- BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.

- COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.

- Works as a project team member.

- Provides training to team members on technology.

- Active listening skills with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical staff to resolve issues.

- Builds and maintains effective working relationships with leadership, peers, customers, and vendors working to resolve problem relationships.

- COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.

- Strong verbal communication skills.

- Strong written communication skills with the ability to accurately document functions and changes to new or modified modules and test activities/results.

- COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.

- CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.

- Provide a professional level of service to both external and internal customers.

- RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.

- RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.

- Knowledge of virtualization platforms and associated technologies including (but not limited to) the full VMWare stack (ESXi, vCenter, vSAN, VCF, NSX, and the vRealize Suite).

- Understanding of configuration management and software defined data center (SDDC) infrastructure.

- Ability to deploy new modules, upgrades, and fixes to the production environment.

- Ability to assist in production support.

- Ability to troubleshoot existing IT systems to identify errors or deficiencies and develop solutions.

- Ability to develop/build IT solutions to meet business requirements.

- Ability to install and configure solutions.

- Strong knowledge of agile methodology and continuous integration and delivery.

- Ability to translate business and technical requirements into test cases, test scenarios, and scripts.

- Ability to develop and/or implement reusable components.

- Ability to perform script maintenance and updates due to changes in requirements or implementations.

- Ability to review modules for quality assurance.

- Ability to administer 24/7 server environments.

- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills.

- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

- SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.

Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an intermediate technical position with an increased skillset in a single technical environment and knowledge of a specific business area. Works on smaller moderately complex tasks in support of projects that require a single area of expertise under moderate supervision. Works independently and in a team support role under deadlines and operating constraints. Assists in the development and implementation of software defined infrastructure, automates tasks, and performs the following additional duties:

- Make modules production-ready by moving libraries, completing forms, following procedures, completing version control, etc.

- Assist with the identification, creation, and maintenance of test data.

- Perform ongoing routine application maintenance tasks and identify automation opportunities.

Additional Competencies:

- Working knowledge of one virtualization platform.

- Comfort with frequent incremental code, testing, and deployment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis*

- High School diploma or equivalent. - Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field. * - Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in Telecommunications or Computer Sciences/IT field. *

Preferred:

- Dell DCAN DCPPE, and DEA series; VMWare VCP, VCAP, VCAP series certification.

- Telecommunications experience.

Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS :

- This position requires driving a company-owned vehicle, company provided vehicle, or a personal vehicle on behalf of the company. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a satisfactory driving record, and successfully complete Defensive Driving course.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:

- Attendance either in person or online (e.g., Teams) required during business hours.

- Occasional travel for business and training purposes is required.

- Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.

- Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.

- Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.

- Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.

- Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.

- Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.

- Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.

- Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services.

Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer.

EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.