SaltStack Architect - PIpeline

This is a pipeline req.The Saltstack Architect will define automation strategies using VMware SaltStack Config (SSC), enabling infrastructure-as-code, compliance, and repeatable deployments for customer environments. This role focuses on automation design, governance, and integration strategy.Key ResponsibilitiesLead workshops with customer teams to define automation and configuration management objectives.Architect SaltStack integration with VCF 9, vSphere, NSX, and VCF Automation.Design Salt state trees, configuration baselines, and orchestration workflows.Define policies for compliance, drift remediation, and security hardening.Collaborate with architects across VCF, VKS, and VCF core to align automation strategies.Provide roadmap and governance guidance for long-term automation adoption.Oversee consultants executing automation builds and validations.Required Skills & Experience8+ years of VMware or enterprise automation experience.Hands-on expertise with SaltStack Config (SSC) in enterprise environments.Familiarity with VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2; exposure to or training in VCF 9.Strong scripting experience (Python, YAML, PowerShell).Proven experience in customer-facing professional services/consulting engagements.Background in at least one configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).Hybrid cloud automation experience (VMware, AWS, Azure, GCP).Familiarity with DevOps toolchains (GitHub, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines).CertificationsVMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Architect (2V0-13.25)Skills ChecklistSaltStack Architecture & DesignVMware SaltStack Config (SSC) architecture and sizingIntegration design with VCF 9, vSphere, NSXMaster/minion topology and scalability designHigh availability and disaster recovery designMulti-site and distributed deployment architectureConfiguration Management StrategyDefine automation and configuration management objectivesDesign Salt state trees and pillar data structuresConfiguration baseline and standardization strategyCompliance and drift remediation frameworksSecurity hardening and patch management policiesAutomation & Orchestration DesignInfrastructure-as-Code (IaC) patterns and standardsOrchestration workflow design (Salt orchestrate, runners)Event-driven automation and reactor designJob scheduling and execution strategiesIdempotent state configuration designIntegration & GovernanceIntegrate SaltStack with VCF Automation (vRA)Connect to VCF Operations for monitoringAPI integration with external systemsRole-based access control (RBAC) and security policiesVersion control and GitOps integration (GitHub, GitLab)Customer Engagement & WorkshopsLead automation discovery and requirements workshopsDefine configuration management and compliance goalsPresent architecture to executives and technical teamsTranslate business requirements into automation strategyFacilitate governance and operational maturity planningScripting & DevelopmentPython scripting for Salt modules and statesYAML authoring for Salt state filesPowerShell integration for Windows managementJinja templating for dynamic configurationsCustom Salt execution modules and runnersCross-Workstream CollaborationAlign with VCF Automation team on integration pointsCoordinate with VCF Core Architect on infrastructure automationWork with VKS team on container configurationEnsure consistency across automation workstreamsOversee consultants executing build and validationArchitecture & DocumentationDevelop SaltStack architecture artifacts and diagramsCreate integration specifications and workflow documentationDocument design decisions and tradeoffsBuild automation standards and best practices guidesCapture functional and non-functional requirementsCompliance & SecurityDesign compliance monitoring and reporting frameworksSecurity baseline enforcement and validationVulnerability remediation automationConfiguration drift detection and correctionAudit logging and compliance reportingOperational ExcellenceDay-2 operations strategy for configuration managementAutomation lifecycle management and versioningDevOps practices and continuous improvementKnowledge transfer and enablement deliveryOperational maturity and adoption roadmapTechnical FoundationsVCF 5.2+ hands-on experience with VCF 9 exposureConfiguration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)Hybrid cloud automation (AWS, Azure, GCP)DevOps toolchains and CI/CD pipelinesEnterprise automation frameworks and patterns