[Hiring] Senior SaltStack Consultant @IS3

Role Description

The Saltstack Senior Consultant will implement automation workflows, build Salt states, and ensure solutions are tested, validated, and operationalized for Day-2 operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy and configure SaltStack Config in VMware Cloud Foundation 9 environments.
• Implement Salt states, formulas, and automation workflows for infrastructure provisioning and compliance.
• Integrate SaltStack with vSphere, NSX, VCF Automation, and related VMware tools.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues during deployment and operational use.
• Document workflows, states, and processes for customer handoff.
• Deliver knowledge transfer sessions to customer operational teams.
• Work closely with the SaltStack Architect to ensure alignment with design and architecture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in VMware or automation delivery roles.
• Hands-on experience implementing and configuring SaltStack Config (SSC).
• Strong scripting ability with Python and YAML.
• Familiarity with VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2; exposure to VCF 9 preferred.
• Customer-facing delivery experience in enterprise environments.
• Experience with other automation/config tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Exposure to DevOps workflows and CI/CD integration.
• Background in security hardening and compliance automation.

Requirements

• Preferred - VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator (2V0-17.25)
• Optional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect (2V0-13.25)

Skills Checklist

• Hands-On Deployment
  • Deploy and configure SaltStack Config (SSC) in VCF 9
  • Install and configure Salt master and minion infrastructure
  • Set up authentication and key management
  • Configure job scheduling and execution environments
  • Perform post-deployment validation and testing
• Salt State Development
  • Write Salt states for infrastructure provisioning
  • Create Salt formulas for reusable configurations
  • Implement pillar data for environment-specific settings
  • Build Jinja templates for dynamic configurations
  • Develop idempotent and testable state files
• Automation Workflow Implementation
  • Implement orchestration workflows (Salt orchestrate)
  • Configure event-driven automation and reactors
  • Build custom execution modules and runners
  • Create job templates and schedules
  • Implement multi-step automation sequences
• Integration Activities
  • Integrate SaltStack with vSphere for VM management
  • Connect to NSX for network automation
  • Integrate with VCF Automation for workflow coordination
  • Configure API connections to external systems
  • Set up version control integration (Git, GitHub, GitLab)
• Compliance & Configuration Management
  • Implement compliance baselines and checks
  • Configure drift detection and remediation
  • Build security hardening states
  • Automate patch management workflows
  • Create configuration validation and testing
• Scripting & Development
  • Python scripting for custom Salt modules
  • YAML authoring for state and pillar files
  • PowerShell integration for Windows automation
  • Jinja templating for dynamic content
  • REST API integration scripting
• Troubleshooting & Optimization
  • Diagnose Salt state execution failures
  • Troubleshoot minion connectivity and configuration issues
  • Optimize state execution performance
  • Analyze logs and debug automation workflows
  • Resolve integration and API issues
• Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
  • Document Salt states, formulas, and workflows
  • Create automation runbooks and playbooks
  • Build operational procedures for Day-2 activities
  • Conduct knowledge transfer sessions with customer teams
  • Provide handoff materials and support documentation
• Collaboration & Delivery
  • Work closely with SaltStack Architect
  • Execute automation builds per design specifications
  • Align with governance and security standards
  • Professional customer-facing communication
  • Coordinate with project manager on deliverables
• Technical Foundations
  • VCF 5.2+ hands-on experience with VCF 9 exposure
  • Strong vSphere and NSX knowledge
  • Configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
  • DevOps workflows and CI/CD practices
  • Security hardening and compliance frameworks