Server Virtualization Platform Operations Engineer

Eli Lilly and Company

. Maintain and manage enterprise VMware ESX-based Infrastructure-as-a-Service capabilities on-premises and in Microsoft Azure .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeIndianapolis • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $66,000 - $154,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing VMware ESX-based Infrastructure-as-a-Service capabilities, leveraging AI automation tools for operational efficiency, and ensuring high availability and reliability of critical infrastructure. Proven ability to mentor teams and lead the deployment of enterprise-grade solutions across global locations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

VMware ESX / Platform EngineeringAI-Enabled Automation ToolsInfrastructure Availability and ResiliencyCloud Infrastructure ManagementNetworking Concepts (VLANs, Trunking)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

VMware vSphereLinuxWindowsCloud Infrastructure as CodeAI Ops AutomationStorage ReplicationZertoVMware HCXPythonJSON

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem SolvingCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationMentorship

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft AzureDell SAN StorageEvent-Driven AutomationObservability ToolsDistributed Switches (vDS)

Certifications & Qualifications

Cloud CertificationsVMware Certifications

Industry Keywords

Infrastructure-as-a-ServiceMulti-Datacenter OperationsEnterprise-Grade InfrastructureAgile MethodologiesOperational Excellence

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AzureCloudEC2LinuxPythonVMware

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain and manage enterprise VMware ESX-based Infrastructure-as-a-Service capabilities on-premises and in Microsoft Azure
Maintain system stability and ensure high availability for critical workloads
Leverage modern AI automation tools to improve efficiency and streamline engineering workflows
Maintain critical infrastructure components and support multi-datacenter operations
Implement solutions that improve availability and reliability
Support infrastructure for Lilly manufacturing and research sites in multi-datacenter stretch clusters
Develop repeatable patterns and new architectural designs
Improve observability to help prevent outages
Provide mentorship and direction to global Lilly operations SMEs and platform infrastructure operations SMEs
Drive adoption of AI Ops, event-driven automation, and robust observability
Accelerate infrastructure AI Ops automation, cloud IaaS management, and cloud infrastructure as code initiatives
Transform operations processes using proactive, predictive, and automated AI and observability capabilities
Identify technology opportunities and accelerate Lilly's AI Ops journey
Lead deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions at multiple global locations
Work scheduled shifts Monday to Friday or Thursday to Monday, 11:30 am–8:30 pm EST / 12:30–9:30 pm EDT
Travel less than 5%

Requirements

What you’ll need

High School Diploma/GED (or equivalent) with 6+ years of experience system administration
4+ years of experience as a VMware ESX / Platform Engineer
Demonstrated experience or exposure to AI-enabled automation tools (e.g., Claude Code, Codex, or similar), with the ability to apply them in engineering or operational contexts
Technical expertise and leadership to turn ideas and concepts into solutions
Strong hands-on experience with automated infrastructure availability and resiliency (VMWare/vSphere/Storage replication) at enterprise scale along with virtualized Windows or Linux OS platforms
Experience leveraging AI-driven automation tools to streamline engineering workflows, improve efficiency, or support infrastructure operations
Ability to optimize, configure, and maintain private cloud infrastructure capabilities
Consistent track record of high quality, agile focused, team-based solution delivery
Excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills, working across global and diverse teams
Deep understanding of networking concepts like VLANs and trunking
Prior experience configuring and leading VMware networking components, including Distributed Switches (vDS)
Experience leading operations of a global large-scale ESX infrastructure service
Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas
Linux, Windows, VMware vSphere, Dell SAN storage or Cloud certifications are a bonus, or we are willing to help you develop
Knowledge and experience with modern VMware ESX, Azure VMware Service, IaaS cloud services (EC2, Azure Compute), or Python, JSON, YAML, ARM, Git is a bonus
Experience with Zerto and VMware HCX technologies is a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending, in part, on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Certain time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities