Entry Level Data Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
This position is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and providing enhancements to Denny's IT infrastructure, both on-premises and in cloud deployments. The Infrastructure Engineer is expected to be a knowledgeable, hands-on resource and to contribute meaningfully to Denny's evolving IT needs and requirements. Advanced engineering and architectural work are expected from this role, including the design, planning, validation, and implementation of infrastructure changes across on-premises and cloud.
Based at Denny's Spartanburg, SC headquarters, the Infrastructure Engineer is a central member of the IT team, with direct ownership of the data center and cloud infrastructure that supports Denny's operations. Administrators on the team provide entry-level data center support, and the Infrastructure Engineer collaborates with them through informal knowledge sharing and runbook walk-throughs to cover routine tasks.

Essential Functions (Key Responsibilities)
Provide day-to-day administration of on-premises and cloud infrastructure systems, including configuration changes, availability and performance monitoring, capacity planning, applying updates for functionality, and addressing security concerns.
Administer the on-premises platform, including Nutanix HCI virtualization (AOS, AHV, Prism Central), VMware vSphere, Windows Server (2016 through 2025), Linux servers (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu), bare metal hardware, and data center operations.
Administer SNS, Pure Storage Flash Array, and Brocade Fibre Channel fabric, including volume management, host mappings, snapshot policies, and zoning.
Administer Microsoft Azure IaaS, including virtual machines, storage accounts, and Azure Blob storage, across a multi-subscription environment. Monitor utilization and contribute to cost management and right-sizing efforts.
Administer enterprise identity, including Active Directory, Entra ID, hybrid sync (Entra Connect), Group Policy Objects, and conditional access policies. Maintain Ivanti server patching, OS hardening standards, and platform lifecycle management.
Administer Windows DHCP and DNS services, including Active Directory-integrated DNS for internal namespaces and public-facing DNS hosted in Azure.
Manage SSL/TLS certificates, certificate authorities (CA), and SSH keys, including issuance, renewal, distribution, and revocation. Develop and maintain tooling and automation supporting certificate and key lifecycle management.
Manage Rubrik backup operations, including job and SLA policy management, monitoring of user protection and business continuity platforms, and participation in scheduled disaster recovery tests with validation of system restorations and updates to recovery playbooks based on findings.
Administer Logic Monitor configuration, including dashboards, alert thresholds, and escalation policies. Triage monitoring alerts, tune thresholds to reduce noise, and contribute to instrumenting after-hours alert volume and severity to inform future planning.
Installation of new hardware, software and services while also maintaining and supporting existing IT infrastructure equipment and processes.
Identify and automate complex integrations, repetitive administration tasks, and templated deployments to align with configuration and security standards. Develop and maintain PowerShell, Shell scripting (bash), Python, and Microsoft Graph API automation.
Provide infrastructure support to developers responsible for enterprise scheduling, including the OS, identity, and integration touchpoints required to implement new processes or modify existing workflows.
Serve as an internal infrastructure resource for projects involving other departments within Denny's and for projects involving external technology partners delivering services or products on behalf of Denny's.
Participate in the planning, selection, and validation of new technologies being deployed on-premises and via cloud resources.
Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 support for complex applications and integrations between systems at the OS, identity, and connectivity layers. Application logic, vendor relationships, and business ownership of these applications remain with the application or business owners.
Share knowledge with administrators providing entry-level data center support, using runbooks and informal walk-throughs to bring them up to speed on routine tasks.
Drive maximum value from existing systems while looking for opportunities to automate, simplify, and streamline workflows.
Maintain accurate, current documentation for managed systems, including runbooks, diagrams, and change records. Follow and contribute to change management processes.
Demonstrate working knowledge of critical IT infrastructure products. Obtain and maintain certifications relevant to major infrastructure solutions administered by the team.
Ensure problems are addressed in a timely manner and tracked in the IT service management system with accurate resolution detail. Document resolutions and contribute to the knowledge base.
Provide accurate tracking of time for capital projects when assigned as a resource.
Provide after-hours response to alerts and incidents. After-hours support is an expected part of this role.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required
5+ years of hands-on experience in data center infrastructure or systems engineering roles.
Expert experience in design and engineering of Nutanix (AOS, AHV, Prism Central).
Solid Active Directory and Entra ID administration experience, including hybrid sync.
Proficient in Windows Server administration (2016 through 2025).
Proficient in Linux administration (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu), including server control, file system management, NFS mounting and exports, package management, and routine system administration of production servers.
Demonstrated PowerShell, Shell scripting (bash), and Python scripting.
Hands-on Rubrik experience, including configuration, job and SLA policy management, backup execution, and recovery execution.
Experience with SSL/TLS certificate management, certificate authority (CA) operations, and SSH key management, including lifecycle administration and the development of supporting automation.
Ability to operate independently, prioritize competing demands, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Eligibility to work onsite in Spartanburg, SC Monday through Thursday.
Preferred
Nutanix Certified Professional (NCP) or Nutanix Certified Master (NCM) certification.
LogicMonitor or equivalent observability platform experience.
Ivanti patch management experience.
Azure IaaS and object storage experience in a multi-subscription environment.
Microsoft Graph API automation experience.
Familiarity with Pure Storage and Brocade Fibre Channel fabric.
Experience in a hospitality, retail, or multi-site corporate environment.
Working Environment
This role is a hands-on, central member of the IT team. The team values clear ownership, well-run systems, and predictable operations. Advanced engineering and architectural depth are expected from the Infrastructure Engineer, with direct contribution to design and planning decisions in partnership with leadership. The Infrastructure Engineer is expected to maintain accurate documentation, collaborate effectively across the team, and demonstrate ownership of both immediate operations and the long-term reliability of the infrastructure.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift equipment up to 40 pounds (server, rack, and network gear).
Ability to respond to after-hours alerts and incidents from home or onsite as needed.

The typical pay range for this role is:

Please note that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which the position falls. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee as the actual pay will take into account a range of factors, including location and experience.

Denny's, Inc.is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation,gender identity,disability,genetic information,military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process shouldcontact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.