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- Tasks: Lead Cisco UCS and VMware ESXi upgrades, ensuring system stability and performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic tech firm in the heart of London, driving innovation in IT solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with 3 days on-site and 2 days remote, plus competitive perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team, enhancing your skills while making a real impact in tech.
- Qualifications: Expertise in VMware ESXi and Cisco UCS required; hands-on upgrade experience is essential.
- Other info: This role is inside IR35, ideal for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced consultant specializing in Cisco UCS firmware upgrades and ESX upgrades. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and VMware ESXi, with a strong focus on upgrade execution, troubleshooting, and system optimization. The role is based in City of London and can be carried out in a hybrid model of 3 days on site, 2 days remote. (Inside IR35)
Role Responsibilities
- UCS Firmware Upgrades: Plan, coordinate, and execute UCS firmware upgrades across Fabric Interconnects, blades, and rack servers. Ensure minimal downtime and system stability during upgrades. Troubleshoot any post-upgrade issues and coordinate resolutions with Cisco TAC if necessary.
- ESXi Upgrades & Maintenance: Upgrade VMware ESXi hosts and ensure compatibility with UCS firmware versions. Validate upgrades in staging/UAT environments before deployment to production. Address performance, compatibility, and licensing considerations post-upgrade.
- Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor system performance pre- and post-upgrade to ensure stability. Investigate and resolve any upgrade-related failures or performance degradations. Work with cross-functional teams to address any interoperability issues.
- Capacity Planning & Scalability: Assess current infrastructure to determine upgrade impacts and resource requirements. Plan for future scalability while ensuring UCS and ESXi environments remain optimized.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed records of upgrade procedures, rollback plans, and post-upgrade reports. Provide recommendations for improving upgrade processes and minimizing operational risk.
Experience / Competencies
- Essential:
- VMware ESXi Expertise: Strong understanding of ESXi, vCenter, clustering (HA, DRS, vMotion), and Storage vMotion.
- Cisco UCS Administration: Expertise in Cisco UCS Manager, Fabric Interconnects, service profiles, and hardware configurations.
- Firmware Upgrade Experience: Hands-on experience planning and executing UCS firmware and ESXi upgrades. Knowledge of upgrade dependencies, interoperability considerations, and rollback strategies.
- Performance Tuning & Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve UCS and ESXi performance issues. Experience using VMware and Cisco diagnostic tools for root cause analysis.
- Automation & Scripting: Familiarity with PowerCLI, Ansible, or Python for automating upgrade-related tasks.
- Storage & SAN Connectivity: Understanding of integrating VMware with SAN/NAS storage (Fibre Channel, iSCSI).
- Incident Management & Support: Experience handling P1/P2 incidents and working with Cisco TAC/VMware Support.
- Infrastructure Documentation: Ability to create detailed upgrade runbooks and troubleshooting guides.
- Experience with UCS Central for multi-site UCS management.
- Familiarity with VMware vSAN and NSX.
- Knowledge of hybrid cloud deployments (AWS/Azure VMware solutions).
- Understanding of ITIL change management processes.
Senior Cisco UCS and Virtualisation Engineer in City of London employer: Telefonica Tech UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Telefonica Tech UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cisco UCS and Virtualisation Engineer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Cisco and VMware communities. Attend local meetups or online forums to connect with others who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the latest trends and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience by discussing specific projects where you've successfully executed UCS firmware and ESXi upgrades. Be prepared to share challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest Cisco and VMware documentation and best practices. Being well-versed in current guidelines will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you're proactive about staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for technical interviews by practising common troubleshooting scenarios related to UCS and ESXi environments. This will help you articulate your thought process clearly and demonstrate your expertise during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cisco UCS and Virtualisation Engineer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Cisco UCS and VMware ESXi. Focus on specific projects where you've executed firmware upgrades, troubleshooting, and system optimisation. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what the company is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Discuss your hands-on experience with UCS Fabric Interconnects and ESXi upgrades. Mention any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully resolved upgrade-related issues in the past. Highlight your ability to work with cross-functional teams and your experience with incident management, especially in high-pressure situations.
Highlight Automation Experience: If you have experience with automation tools like PowerCLI, Ansible, or Python, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss how you've used these tools to streamline upgrade processes or improve system performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Telefonica Tech UK Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with Cisco UCS and VMware ESXi in detail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully executed firmware upgrades, troubleshooting, and system optimisation. This will demonstrate your deep technical knowledge and practical skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. For instance, be ready to explain how you would handle a post-upgrade issue or ensure minimal downtime during an upgrade. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach.
✨Understand the Company’s Infrastructure Needs
Research the company’s current infrastructure and any recent developments in their technology stack. This will allow you to tailor your responses to their specific needs and show that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Documentation Skills
Since documentation is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss how you maintain detailed records of upgrade procedures and troubleshooting guides. Share examples of how your documentation has improved processes or reduced operational risks in previous roles.
