HCI & Cloud Infra Architect

Role - HCI & Cloud Infra Architect Location- Calgary Skills: Enterprise Platform & Solutions: Device Management Experience Required: 6-8

Role Summary
This role is responsible for leading the technical assessment, solution options analysis, and migration for AltaLink's existing VxRail E560 environment. The engagement is not a straightforward like for like hardware or VMware replacement.
The Technical SME will evaluate and propose multiple infrastructure and virtualization platform options, assess how each option fits within the existing environment, and support AltaLink in making informed decisions based on risk, cost, scalability, and future cloud alignment. The role will also provide hands on technical leadership during implementation and migration phases.

Key Responsibilities
1. Current-State Assessment (Non Apple-to-Apple)
Assess the existing:
o VxRail E560 hardware
o VMware virtualization stack
o Storage, backup, networking, and security integrations
Identify:
o Technical limitations of the current platform
o Upgrade constraints and compatibility risks
o Opportunities for modernization beyond simple replacement
Clearly document why a straight replacement may not be optimal, including technical and commercial trade-offs
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2. Solution Options & Recommendations (Critical Requirement)
Develop and present multiple solution options, including but not limited to:
o Newer VxRail platforms
o Alternative HCI solutions
o Different virtualization platform options (VMware and VMware-adjacent or alternative approaches)
For each option, provide:
o Architectural fit with the existing environment
o Impact on operations, security, and compliance
o Cost and licensing considerations
o Migration complexity and risks
o Alignment with AltaLink's future cloud strategy
Guide AltaLink through decision-making, highlighting pros, cons, and recommendations rather than executing a pre-selected solution
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3. VMware & Virtualization Strategy
Evaluate VMware upgrade and transformation paths, including:
o Version upgrades
o Licensing changes
o Long-term supportability
Recommend virtualization strategies that balance:
o Stability and reliability
o Cost optimization
o Hybrid-cloud readiness
Ensure interoperability with existing systems and operational tools
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4. Migration Planning & Execution
Define end-to-end migration strategies, including:
o Workload classification and migration waves
o Downtime and rollback planning
o Data integrity, backup, and recovery validation
Support VM migrations from the legacy platform to the selected new environment
Work closely with implementation vendors and AltaLink teams during execution
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5. Testing, Validation & Decommissioning
Validate system performance, resiliency, and reliability post-migration
Ensure security and compliance controls are maintained or improved
Oversee structured decommissioning of legacy VxRail E560 systems
Ensure secure data handling and disposal practices are followed
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6. Future Roadmap & Cloud Alignment (2026 2027 Scope)
Contribute to developing a five-year infrastructure and data centre roadmap, including:
o On-prem vs cloud vs hybrid options
o Network readiness for cloud migration
o Co-location feasibility assessments
Provide technical inputs supporting RFx activities and vendor evaluations
Align platform recommendations with long-term scalability and modernization goals
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7. Transition to Operations (TTO)
Support creation of Transition-to-Operations plans
Update operational documentation, SOPs, and runbooks
Ensure knowledge transfer to AltaLink operations teams
Provide early-life support post-implementation
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Required Skills & Experience
Mandatory
Strong experience designing and modernizing HCI and virtualization platforms, not just operating them
Deep hands-on expertise with Dell EMC VxRail and VMware environments
Proven experience evaluating multiple platform options and presenting recommendations to customers
Experience leading complex infrastructure migration projects in enterprise environments
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Desired
Experience assessing or implementing non-lockstep VMware alternatives or hybrid strategies
Exposure to cloud readiness assessments and hybrid-cloud architectures
Experience in regulated or utility-sector environments
RFx and vendor technical evaluation experience
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Critical Behavioural Expectation (Make This Very Clear)
Must demonstrate ability to challenge the default "replace what exists" mindset
Comfortable presenting alternative designs and trade-offs to senior stakeholders
Capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on technical leadership
Strong documentation and presentation skills