We're looking for a highly accomplished and seasoned Enterprise Storage Specialist with extensive, deep expertise in IBM DS8000 series storage systems. This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker responsible for architecting, deploying, optimizing, and securing enterprise-grade DS8K environments to support mission-critical applications and hybrid cloud initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess an unparalleled understanding of complex storage architectures, advanced data protection strategies, and performance engineering, coupled with strong leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
· Strategic Storage Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural design, planning, and implementation of highly available, scalable, and resilient IBM DS8000 storage solutions across the enterprise.
· Advanced Storage Administration & Governance: Define and enforce best practices for the administration, configuration, and lifecycle management of DS8K systems.
· Complex Storage Migrations: Architect and lead large-scale, complex storage migration projects to and from DS8K platforms.
· Performance Engineering & Optimization: Drive advanced performance analysis, tuning, and optimization initiatives for DS8K systems.
· Enterprise Data Protection & Disaster Recovery: Design, implement, and manage comprehensive data protection and disaster recovery strategies utilizing advanced DS8K Copy Services.
· Security & Compliance Leadership: Establish and enforce stringent data security policies, including advanced encryption key management and access controls, within the DS8K ecosystem.
· Hybrid Cloud & Integration Strategy: Define and execute the strategy for integrating DS8K storage with enterprise cloud platforms and other IBM Storage solutions.
· Advanced Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Act as the highest escalation point for complex storage incidents, performing deep-dive root cause analysis.
· Technology Leadership & Mentorship: Provide expert technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to senior engineers and team members.
· Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with IBM product teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders to influence product roadmaps and align storage strategies.
· Total Experience: 15+ years in IT infrastructure, with a significant focus on enterprise storage.
· Relevant Experience: 12+ years of hands-on, expert-level experience specifically with IBM DS8000 series storage systems in large, complex enterprise environments.
· Architect-level understanding and hands-on mastery of DS8000 series architecture, advanced features, and functionality.
· Expert-level comprehension of enterprise storage concepts, including advanced SAN design and multi-tier storage architectures.
· In-depth knowledge of IBM Power Systems servers and their tight integration with DS8000 series; strong understanding of DS8K integration with IBM Z (mainframe) environments.
· Expert proficiency with IBM DS Storage Manager, DS CLI, and DS Open API, including experience with automation scripting.
· Proven track record in designing and implementing enterprise-wide data protection, disaster recovery, and security architectures.
· Exceptional ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve the most complex storage-related issues.
· Advanced skills in storage performance analysis, capacity planning, and proactive workload management.
· Demonstrated ability to think strategically, influence technical direction, lead complex projects, and mentor senior technical staff.
· Superior analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of dissecting highly intricate technical challenges.
· Architectural experience or in-depth knowledge of other IBM Storage Solutions (e.g., IBM Storage FlashSystem, IBM Storage Ceph, IBM StorageScale, IBM Storage Fusion).
· Extensive experience with hybrid cloud storage architectures, including integration with public cloud providers and software-defined storage concepts.
· Certifications such as IBM Certified Architect - Storage Systems, or similar industry-recognized expert-level storage certifications.
· Experience with DevOps principles and tools as applied to storage infrastructure.
· Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.