What You'll Do :
The Lead Associate Principal is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting hybrid infrastructure solutions across both on-premises and AWS environments, with a strong emphasis on automation, CI / CD, and operational excellence. This role requires hands-on expertise in Windows Server administration, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible), image management (Packer / AMI), and virtualization (VMware). Experience with Kubernetes and containerized workloads is a plus. The ideal candidate will blend deep technical skills with a strong focus on automation and collaboration to ensure resilient, scalable, and secure infrastructure.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities :
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.
Administer, support, and optimize Windows Server environments (2016, 2019, 2022) across on-prem and AWS.
Design and maintain automated CI / CD pipelines for server builds and AMIs using Jenkins, Terraform, Ansible, and Packer.
Manage hybrid infrastructure including VMware-based virtualization (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter) and AWS cloud workloads.
Troubleshoot complex system, OS, and application issues; collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams for resolution.
Automate infrastructure provisioning, patching, and operational tasks to reduce manual effort and increase reliability.
Participate in security patching, hardening, and vulnerability remediation.
Ensure infrastructure aligns with OCC's compliance, audit, and change management standards.
Provide input on infrastructure modernization initiatives, including container platforms (Kubernetes as a plus).
Support on after-hours maintenance as needed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
No direct people management responsibilities, but expected to provide peer mentoring, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing with junior engineers.
Qualifications
The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.
Professional Experience : 7+ years of Windows Server engineering and infrastructure support in enterprise environments, with at least 2-3 years in hybrid (on-prem + AWS) environments.
Platform Skills : Strong Windows Server expertise; experience with VMware, AWS, and hybrid infrastructure. Exposure to Kubernetes / container platforms is a plus.
Solution Design : Proven ability to build automated, reliable, and secure infrastructure solutions leveraging IaC and CI / CD pipelines.
Collaboration : Strong teamwork, communication, and ability to partner with application, DevOps, and security teams.
Technical Skills
Advanced administration of Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022.
Hands-on experience with CI / CD pipelines and automation (Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, Packer).
Experience building and maintaining custom AMIs and golden images.
VMware administration (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter) and virtualization concepts.
AWS experience with EC2, networking, and hybrid integrations.
PowerShell scripting; experience with Python or Bash scripting is a plus.
Active Directory and Group Policy administration.
Networking fundamentals (TCP / IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, load balancers).
Vulnerability remediation and patch management experience.
Kubernetes / container platform experience a plus.
Education and / or Experience
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field preferred.
Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Certificates or Licenses
Relevant certifications preferred :
Microsoft (Windows Server, Azure Administrator)
VMware (VCP-DCV or similar)
AWS (Solutions Architect - Associate or equivalent)
Terraform / Ansible or other automation-related certifications
About Us
The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Founded in 1973, OCC is dedicated to promoting stability and market integrity by delivering clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions. As a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU), OCC operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. OCC has more than 100 clearing members and provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms. More information about OCC is available at www.theocc.com.
Benefits
A highly collaborative and supportive environment developed to encourage work-life balance and employee wellness. Some of these components include :
Visit https : / / www.theocc.com / careers / thriving-together for more information.
Compensation
Salary Range
$133,800.00 - $187,100.00
Incentive Range
8% to 15%
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award, for which the target range is listed above (see Incentive Range ). The amount of such award, if any, will be based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.
Step 1
When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please complete the application andattach your resume.
Step 2
You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application.
Step 3
If you are called in for an interview, a representative from OCC will contact you to set up a date, time, and location.
For more information about OCC , please click here .
OCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Principal Innovation • Chicago, IL, United States