Sr. Systems Engineer-Virtualization

At CloudFirst, we are building a high-performing, people-first organization focused on delivering secure, scalable, and resilient cloud solutions to our clients. We are seeking driven, collaborative professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are motivated to make a meaningful impact as we continue to grow. CloudFirst offers a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. Team members are eligible for a Flex Time Off plan, 11 paid holidays, and incentives for achieving new certifications. In addition, we provide a 401(k) plan with a 4% company contribution that is immediately vested, along with a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Additional offerings include flexible spending and health savings accounts, as well as accident and illness protection and other supplemental benefits. OverviewThe objective of this role is to design, build, and operate next generation x86 virtualization platforms. This role is critical to our strategy to deliver enterprise-grade alternatives to VMware using open and modern technologies. You will lead architecture decisions, guide platform standards, and work hands-on with production environments supporting client-facing services. Key Responsibilities Architect and manage x86 virtualization platforms positioned as Secure, Resilient, VMware alternatives Design and operate environments using Proxmox, KVM, Hyper-V, and OpenShift Lead platform standardization, performance tuning, and capacity planning Support containerized workloads and Kubernetes-based platforms Collaborate with security, networking, and automation teams Troubleshoot complex virtualization and infrastructure issues Document architecture, standards, and operational procedures Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership Required Skills and Experience 7+ years of systems engineering experience in enterprise environments Strong hands-on experience with x86 virtualization platforms Deep knowledge of Proxmox, RHEL, KVM, Hyper-V, and OpenShift Experience architecting virtualization platforms at scale Strong Linux and Windows systems administration skills Understanding of storage, networking, and high availability concepts Experience positioning or migrating away from VMware is strongly preferred Education Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field required Preferred Qualifications Experience with automation and infrastructure-as-code tools Exposure to enterprise storage platforms and SDN Experience supporting managed services or cloud service providers Why CloudFirst Work on real-world platforms that compete with market incumbents High-impact role with architectural ownership Stable, growing company focused on enterprise reliability Collaborative engineering culture with clear technical direction Alignment with CloudFirst Values: At CloudFirst, how we work is just as important as what we deliver. Team members are expected to align their approach to work with CloudFirst’s core values, including: Customer Focus: We are customer-centric in everything we do. Placing our clients at the heart of every decision. Will-Do Attitude: We embody a Will-Do Attitude. Approaching every challenge as an opportunity to show value to our clients. Collaboration: Collaboration defines how we work. We are team players committed to working together with responsiveness, support, and a shared purpose. Salary:  $115,000-$125,000 Location Requirement:  This role is hybrid based in our Melville, NY office. Remote candidates in the tri-state area are open to apply as on-site presence is required.