HCI & Cloud Infra Architect

Role Summary

This role is responsible for leading the technical assessment, solution options analysis, and migration for AltaLink’s existing VxRail E560 environment. The engagement is not a straightforward like for like hardware or VMware replacement.

The Technical SME will evaluate and propose multiple infrastructure and virtualization platform options, assess how each option fits within the existing environment, and support AltaLink in making informed decisions based on risk, cost, scalability, and future cloud alignment. The role will also provide hands on technical leadership during implementation and migration phases.

Key Responsibilities

1. Current-State Assessment (Non Apple-to-Apple)

• Assess the existing VxRail E560 hardware, VMware virtualization stack, storage, backup, networking, and security integrations
• Identify technical limitations of the current platform, upgrade constraints and compatibility risks, and opportunities for modernization beyond simple replacement
• Clearly document why a straight replacement may not be optimal, including technical and commercial trade-offs

2. Solution Options & Recommendations (Critical Requirement)

• Develop and present multiple solution options, including newer VxRail platforms, alternative HCI solutions, different virtualization platform options (VMware and VMware-adjacent or alternative approaches)
• For each option, provide architectural fit with the existing environment, impact on operations, security, and compliance, cost and licensing considerations, migration complexity and risks, alignment with AltaLink’s future cloud strategy
• Guide AltaLink through decision-making, highlighting pros, cons, and recommendations rather than executing a pre-selected solution

3. VMware & Virtualization Strategy

• Evaluate VMware upgrade and transformation paths, including version upgrades, licensing changes, long-term supportability
• Recommend virtualization strategies that balance stability and reliability, cost optimization, hybrid-cloud readiness
• Ensure interoperability with existing systems and operational tools

4. Migration Planning & Execution

• Define end-to-end migration strategies, including workload classification and migration waves, downtime and rollback planning, data integrity, backup, and recovery validation
• Support VM migrations from the legacy platform to the selected new environment
• Work closely with implementation vendors and AltaLink teams during execution

5. Testing, Validation & Decommissioning

• Validate system performance, resiliency, and reliability post-migration
• Ensure security and compliance controls are maintained or improved
• Oversee structured decommissioning of legacy VxRail E560 systems
• Ensure secure data handling and disposal practices are followed

6. Future Roadmap & Cloud Alignment (2026–2027 Scope)

• Contribute to developing a five-year infrastructure and data centre roadmap, including on-prem vs cloud vs hybrid options, network readiness for cloud migration, co-location feasibility assessments
• Provide technical inputs supporting RFx activities and vendor evaluations
• Align platform recommendations with long-term scalability and modernization goals

7. Transition to Operations (TTO)

• Support creation of Transition-to-Operations plans
• Update operational documentation, SOPs, and runbooks
• Ensure knowledge transfer to AltaLink operations teams
• Provide early-life support post-implementation

Required Skills & Experience

Mandatory

• Strong experience designing and modernizing HCI and virtualization platforms, not just operating them
• Deep hands-on expertise with Dell EMC VxRail and VMware environments
• Proven experience evaluating multiple platform options and presenting recommendations to customers
• Experience leading complex infrastructure migration projects in enterprise environments

Desired

• Experience assessing or implementing non-lockstep VMware alternatives or hybrid strategies
• Exposure to cloud readiness assessments and hybrid-cloud architectures
• Experience in regulated or utility-sector environments
• RFx and vendor technical evaluation experience

Critical Behavioural Expectation

• Must demonstrate ability to challenge the default “replace what exists” mindset
• Comfortable presenting alternative designs and trade-offs to senior stakeholders
• Capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on technical leadership
• Strong documentation and presentation skills