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Virtualization Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

O'Reilly Auto Parts

... specialist media. Skills: Required: * Manages and develops all aspects of enterprise virtualization platforms to ensure high availability, scalability, and performance across the organization.

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O'Reilly Auto Parts

... specialist media. Skills: Required: * Manages and develops all aspects of enterprise virtualization platforms to ensure high availability, scalability, and performance. * Oversees and manages all ...

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Virtualization Specialist information

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$24.5K

$89K

$151K

How much do virtualization specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtualization specialist in the United States is $88,958.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtualization specialist?

Virtualization Specialists are IT professionals who design, implement, and manage virtual environments, typically using technologies like VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM. They are responsible for creating virtual machines, optimizing resource allocation, ensuring system security, and troubleshooting virtualization-related issues. Their expertise helps organizations reduce hardware costs, improve scalability, and increase operational efficiency by running multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtualization specialist?

To thrive as a Virtualization Specialist, you need expertise in server and desktop virtualization technologies, strong knowledge of networking, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with platforms like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix, and relevant certifications (e.g., VCP, MCSE) are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable virtual infrastructure management, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless collaboration with IT teams.

What are some common challenges a virtualization specialist faces when managing a large-scale virtual environment?

Virtualization Specialists often encounter challenges such as ensuring optimal resource allocation, maintaining system performance, and minimizing downtime across numerous virtual machines. Managing compatibility between different hardware, software, and hypervisor updates can also be complex. Additionally, strong security measures must be implemented to protect virtual environments from vulnerabilities, making ongoing monitoring and patch management critical responsibilities. Collaboration with networking, storage, and security teams is essential to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Virtualization Specialist vs Network Administrator?

AspectVirtualization SpecialistNetwork Administrator
CertificationsVMware, Microsoft Certified: Azure, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSA
Work EnvironmentData centers, cloud environments, server roomsOffice networks, data centers, enterprise environments
Primary FocusImplementing and managing virtual environmentsManaging and maintaining network infrastructure
Industry UsageIT, cloud services, data centersIT, telecommunications, enterprise organizations

While both roles work within IT environments, a Virtualization Specialist focuses on creating and managing virtual machines and cloud-based virtual environments, whereas a Network Administrator manages the physical and virtual network infrastructure. Both roles require certifications like Cisco CCNA, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What skills are needed for virtualization specialist?

A virtualization specialist needs strong knowledge of virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM, along with proficiency in server and network administration. Skills in scripting languages like PowerShell or Bash, understanding of storage and networking concepts, and relevant certifications such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect are also important.
More about Virtualization Specialist jobs

What states have the most Virtualization Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Virtualization Specialist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Virtualization Specialist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtualization Specialist jobs are:

Virtualization Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtualization Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,958 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

OpenShift Virtualization SME / Solutions Architect

VIVA USA INC

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Remote (U.S.)
OpenShift Virtualization SME / Solutions Architect/ VMware to OpenShift Virtualization Principal Architect
Position Summary
Seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead virtualization platform migration activities from VMware to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization. The consultant will own the technical migration strategy, develop migration procedures, execute migrations, provide operational readiness guidance, and transfer knowledge to engineering and operations teams. This is a hands-on technical role requiring direct experience performing VMware to OpenShift Virtualization migrations.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the technical SME and primary owner for VMware to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization migration activities.
Design and document migration approaches and Methods of Procedure (MOPs).
Execute and validate migrations in production or production-like environments.
Provide operational readiness support for engineering and support teams.
Develop technical documentation, diagrams, and knowledge transfer materials.
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful migration planning and execution.
Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the migration lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
Proven hands-on experience migrating workloads from VMware to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization.
Strong Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) knowledge.
Experience with KVM/QEMU optimization.
OpenShift networking experience, including vSwitch and Multus CNI/OVN.
Knowledge of DNS and PKI integration.
KubeVirt administration experience.
Experience with CEPH and LVM storage technologies.
Experience with VM conversions (OVA to QCOW) and VM Migration Tools (MTV).
Advanced scripting experience with Ansible, Python, and Bash.
Strong documentation and technical communication skills.
MUST HAVE
VMware - OpenShift Virtualization migrations
MTV/Forklift
KubeVirt administration
OpenShift Virtualization certification preferred
OpenShift Platform Plus
ACM
ArgoCD
GitOps
Multi-site migration programs
Migration automation
Production cutovers
Operational readiness
Knowledge transfer
STRONGLY PREFERRED
Migrated 500+ VMs
Migrated multiple clusters/sites
OCP Virtualization Specialist certification
Red Hat Consulting background
Active RHCA/RHCE
Must Have: Active passport and ability to travel as needed throughout the U.S. and occasionally to Canada.
Travel Requirements:
Travel required within the U.S. Occasional international travel to Vancouver may be required.
Candidates must possess a valid, active passport. Travel is generally expected to be one week at a time and may increase during active migration phases.
Notes:
Remote
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday. No specific U.S. time zone requirement.
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status

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