VMware Migration Lead

Job Title: VMware Migration - Migration Lead

Locations: Fort Mill, SC , New York

We are seeking a VMware-to-AWS Migration Lead to plan and execute large-scale migrations from on-prem VMware environments to AWS. This role will own end-to-end migration delivery— discovery, portfolio segmentation, migration factory execution, cutover, and stabilization —while driving cost optimization, risk reduction, and platform modernization (where applicable).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end VMware → AWS migration programs , including strategy, planning, execution, and production stabilization.
• Conduct application and infrastructure discovery : dependency mapping, sizing, performance baselines, and migration readiness.
• Define migration approach by workload (e.g., rehost, replatform, refactor ) with clear decision criteria.
• Design AWS landing-zone aligned migration patterns: networking, identity, security, logging/monitoring, backup/DR .
• Build and run a “ migration factory ” model: wave planning, runbooks, automation, cutover checklists, and rollback plans.
• Migrate VMware-based workloads using tools and patterns such as:
• VMware Cloud on AWS (VMC) (where relevant)
• AWS Application Migration Service (MGN)
• VM Import/Export , CloudEndure (legacy), third-party tools where needed
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams: infrastructure, security, networking, app owners, database, SRE/operations.
• Ensure security and compliance alignment: IAM , KMS, security groups, NACLs, vulnerability management, encryption, audits.
• Implement operational readiness: monitoring/observability , patching, incident response, performance tuning.
• Drive cost optimization : right-sizing, Savings Plans/RIs, storage tiering, license strategy, and decommissioning plans.
• Produce executive and technical artifacts: migration roadmap, RAID log, architecture diagrams, wave plans, runbooks .
• Mentor engineers, enforce standards, and improve delivery through templates and automation.

Required Skills & Experience

• 7–12+ years in infrastructure/cloud engineering, with hands-on VMware and AWS migration experience.
• Proven delivery leadership on enterprise-scale VMware migrations (hundreds to thousands of VMs/workloads preferred).
• Strong VMware expertise: vSphere/ESXi, vCenter, networking, storage, clusters, HA/DRS, SRM (nice to have).
• Strong AWS foundation including:
• VPC (subnets, routing, NAT, TGW), EC2, EBS/EFS/FSx, S3
• IAM, KMS, CloudTrail, Config, Security Hub (or equivalent controls)
• CloudWatch, Systems Manager, Backup, Route 53
• Strong knowledge of migration patterns and cutover strategies (blue/green, rolling, big bang, phased).
• Experience with automation and IaC : Terraform and/or CloudFormation; scripting in Python/Bash/PowerShell.
• Familiarity with Windows/Linux administration , AD integration, DNS, certificates, load balancing.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication—able to translate technical issues into business impact.

Nice-to-Have

• VMware Cloud on AWS (VMC) architecture and operations experience.
• AWS MAP / migration funding program experience.
• Experience modernizing post-migration: containerization, managed services, CI/CD improvements.
• Knowledge of tooling like RVTools, Aria (vRealize), Turbonomic, ServiceNow CMDB, Dynatrace/Splunk, etc.
• Prior work in regulated environments (financial services a plus).

Certifications (Preferred)

• AWS Solutions Architect – Associate/Professional
• AWS SysOps Administrator
• VMware VCP-DCV (or equivalent)