Support Engineer - Hardware, Backup, and Storage Specialist

We are looking for an experienced Hardware, Backup, and Storage Specialist to join our infrastructure team. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in managing enterprise-grade hardware systems, backup solutions, and storage infrastructure. This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable hardware and storage systems while ensuring data availability, integrity, and security across the organization's infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Management

• Configure, deploy, and maintain enterprise-grade server hardware, including racks, blades, and standalone systems.
• Monitor and troubleshoot hardware performance issues to ensure high availability and reliability.
• Coordinate with vendors for hardware expansions, replacements, and maintenance contracts.

Storage Infrastructure

• Manage SAN, NAS, and DAS storage systems, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.
• Implement storage provisioning, tiering, and capacity planning strategies.
• Perform regular health checks, firmware updates, and performance tuning for storage systems.

Backup and Recovery

• Design and implement backup strategies using enterprise backup solutions.
• Manage full, incremental, and differential backup processes to ensure data integrity.
• Create and test disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime in case of failures.
• Troubleshoot backup failures and implement corrective actions.

Data Security and Compliance

• Implement security measures for hardware and storage systems, including encryption and access controls.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for data storage and backup.

Cloud and Hybrid Storage Solutions

• Integrate on-premises storage with cloud-based solutions such as AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, or Google Cloud Storage.
• Manage hybrid cloud environments and ensure seamless data synchronization between on-premises and cloud platforms.

Automation and Monitoring

• Utilize automation tools (e.g., Ansible, PowerShell, Python) to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
• Monitor hardware, storage, and backup systems using enterprise tools to proactively address issues.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain detailed documentation of hardware configurations, storage policies, and backup strategies.
• Generate regular reports on system health, storage utilization, and backup success rates.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the infrastructure, network, and application teams to align storage and backup strategies with business requirements.
• Coordinate with external vendors for hardware, backup, and storage support and escalations.

Key Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in hardware, storage, and backup management within enterprise infrastructure.
• Technical Expertise:
• Proficiency with storage solutions (e.g., NetApp, Dell EMC, HP Storage, IBM, Pure Storage).
• Deep knowledge of enterprise backup tools (e.g., Veritas NetBackup, Veeam, CommVault, IBM Spectrum Protect).
• Experience with server hardware from major vendors (e.g., HPE, Dell, Cisco UCS, Lenovo).
• Familiarity with RAID configurations, LUN management, and storage replication.
• Backup and Recovery: Expertise in designing and implementing backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Automation Skills: Hands-on experience with scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell, Ansible, or Python.
• Cloud Expertise: Knowledge of cloud storage solutions and hybrid cloud integration.
• Security and Compliance: Familiarity with data security standards and regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in hardware, backup, or storage technologies (e.g., NetApp Certified Data Administrator, Dell EMC Proven Professional, Veritas Backup Certification).
• Experience in virtualization environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and their storage integrations.
• Knowledge of infrastructure monitoring tools such as Nagios, SolarWinds, or Zabbix.