[Hiring] Specialist, DevOps Operations @The SSI Group, LLC.

Role Description

The DevOps Operations Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the deployment, configuration, and operational integrity of SSI’s SaaS application environments. Reporting to the Manager of DevOps Operations, this role is responsible for executing software releases, managing environment configurations, and troubleshooting deployment-related issues. The Specialist serves as a key escalation point for internal teams, providing resolution support for complex, cross-functional issues. This position ensures high-quality deployments through collaboration with Engineering, QA, and IT, while contributing to the stability, performance, and efficiency of the production ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in configuration management, deployment processes, and environment maintenance across SSI’s SaaS platforms.
• Execute and support the full release management lifecycle, including builds, automated tests, deployments, and documentation.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of deployment processes by identifying opportunities for automation, efficiency, and scalability using existing tools and IaC frameworks.
• Maintain and manage environmental configurations in coordination with infrastructure and engineering teams, including updates delivered through Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Participate in planning and execution of application upgrades, patches, and service rollouts in alignment with DevOps Operations objectives.
• Implement and maintain version control and software documentation for all environments to ensure accuracy, auditability, and traceability.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Quality Control (QC), and IT to coordinate and deploy high-quality software releases across development, QA, staging, and production environments.
• Administer and support the on-premise Azure DevOps platform, including user management, pipeline configuration, and permissions.
• Create and configure new application environments, including provisioning of servers, application setup, and verification of system readiness.
• Monitor release activities and escalate issues promptly; participate in post-deployment reviews to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform proactive performance testing and assist with load and stress testing analysis for new releases and system changes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve deployment-related issues including IIS configuration, app pool management, permission settings, and deployment scripts.
• Ensure application consistency and deployment standards across web/app server farms and environments.
• Maintain accurate checklists and inventories of deployed hardware, software, and environment configurations.
• Identify and notify internal teams of outdated software versions that require decommissioning to ensure optimal system performance and security.
• Troubleshooting complex unresolved client-facing problems when multiple support tiers are unable to resolve.
• Track key operational metrics related to deployment cycles, system stability, and release quality; support team reporting and baseline development.
• Document and publish changes to deployment processes and environment configurations as needed.
• Assist with mentoring and onboarding of new team members by providing knowledge transfer and support on tools, processes, and systems.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and leadership as a team contributor and cross-functional partner.
• Adhere to organizational safety procedures, personnel policies, and security standards in all operational duties.
• Mentors and develops the skills of new hires, along with existing team members on new & existing processes.
• Acts as a positive role model in all aspects of professional performance.
• Observes safety procedures and personnel policies.

Qualifications

• Coursework, internships, labs, or personal experience involving scripting, automation, cloud technologies, containers, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), or CI/CD pipelines is highly desirable.
• Foundational understanding of DevOps concepts including CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, and configuration management.
• Basic knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
• Exposure to scripting or automation using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with source control systems and version management concepts (Git, Azure DevOps, etc.).
• Understanding of modern deployment methodologies including automated deployments, pipeline-driven releases, and environment promotion strategies.
• Exposure to cloud and infrastructure concepts including virtual machines, networking, DNS, load balancing, certificates, and secrets management.
• Basic understanding of Linux and Windows operating systems, including log review and service troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability platforms such as Grafana, Splunk, OpenSearch, Prometheus, or similar tools.
• Understanding of troubleshooting methodologies and root cause analysis practices.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in rapidly evolving technical environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an automation-first mindset.
• Ability to communicate technical issues clearly across development, QA, infrastructure, and operational teams.
• Desire to continuously improve processes, reduce manual effort, and increase deployment reliability.
• Familiarity prompting AI chatbots eg. CoPilot.
• Proficient in supporting and troubleshooting post-deployment issues, including IIS configuration, application pool identity settings, host file adjustments, and related infrastructure elements.
• Solid working knowledge of database technologies (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server); able to support deployment-related data operations and connectivity validation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, debug, and resolve complex issues independently and under pressure.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands in a dynamic environment.
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to completing tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams; professional and approachable demeanor in cross-functional settings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document processes, create deployment guides, and present findings.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for communication, documentation, and reporting.
• Effective at managing time, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
• Capable of exercising independent judgment and making sound decisions without direct supervision.
• Able to maintain professionalism when handling challenging individuals or situations.
• Must be able to see clearly with or without corrective lenses and hear clearly with or without aids.
• Must be able to use hands, fingers and wrists, repetitively, using a computer keyboard and other office equipment, regularly.
• Must be able to proficiently speak, read and write in English.

Information Security and Data Protection

• The SSI Security-First Mindset is comprised of five pillars and universally applicable to all employees, regardless of position description, assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Pillar 1: Governance: Develop, implement, and enforce secure operational processes, procedures, and routines.
• Pillar 2: Accountability: Take an active role in protecting company assets and system & data resources.
• Pillar 3: Awareness: Recognize, report, and take action to resolve security risks.
• Pillar 4: Preparedness: Develop, implement, test, and improve backup plans for operational processes, procedures, and routines.
• Pillar 5: Collaboration: Communicate, share, and promote your Security-First Mindset at every opportunity.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Minimum Education Level: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Preferred Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Science, Information Technology or related field preferred.
• Minimum Years of Experience: At least 3 years experience in software development environment.
• 3 years industry knowledge/experience in enterprise systems and product support.
• Experience in installation and support of SSI applications.
• Experience with Microsoft Server Operating Systems and Internet Information Server (IIS).
• Experience with complex web applications.
• Experience working in agile development environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life/AD&D, LTD, vision, 401(k) matching, paid vacation, and tuition reimbursement.