L3 Backup and Storage

Position Summary

The Storage & Backup SME / L3 is a senior technical specialist responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise-level storage and backup environments. This role ensures the integrity, availability, and recoverability of data through robust storage architecture, backup strategies, and disaster recovery planning.

Operating as both a hands-on technical expert and a subject matter authority, this individual works closely with onshore L4 counterparts and clients. They also provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members, contributing to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design and Architecture

• Define architecture for storage and backup environments including SAN, NAS, cloud storage, and tape libraries.

• Evaluate and recommend enterprise-grade storage and backup solutions.

• Align infrastructure design with business continuity and disaster recovery strategies.

2. Implementation and Configuration

• Lead deployments of storage and backup solutions across enterprise systems.

• Ensure configurations align with best practices and customer requirements.

• Act as the escalation point for P1/P2 severity incidents related to Storage & Backup.

3. Monitoring and Maintenance

• Monitor capacity, performance, and backup job success/failure rates.

• Conduct periodic system health checks and preventive maintenance routines.

4. Backup and Recovery

• Define and maintain backup policies, schedules, and retention plans.

• Regularly test and validate recovery processes including full DR tests and file-level restores.

5. Incident and Problem Management

• Serve as the SME for complex storage and backup issues.

• Engage with vendors and cross-functional teams to resolve persistent issues.

• Lead problem management efforts including top polluter identification and RCA reporting.

6. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate documentation of configurations, SOPs, recovery procedures, and policies.

• Provide regular capacity reports and technical summaries to management and clients.

• Facilitate weekly technical catchups with L4 and client stakeholders.

7. Security and Compliance

• Ensure encryption and data protection mechanisms are properly enforced.

• Adhere to internal and regulatory compliance standards related to data protection.

8. Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with infrastructure, security, application, and cloud teams.

• Act as SME and escalation point for complex technical concerns raised by support teams.

• Provide mentorship and day-to-day technical guidance to L1/L2 engineers.

Technical Requirements

Primary Technical Expertise

• Storage & Backup Systems:

  • Backup: CommVault, Veeam, Druva, NetBackup

  • Storage: NetApp (primary focus)

• System Administration:

  • Windows Server (W2K3, W2K8R2, W2K12, W2K12R2)

• IT Frameworks:

  • Strong understanding of ITIL/ITSM processes

Secondary Technical Knowledge

• General understanding of IT hardware and software infrastructure

• Scripting and automation using:

  • PowerShell, Python, CLI

  • Optional: C, C++, C#

Behavioral Competencies

• Self-motivated and driven to continuously improve technical skills

• Strong team player with collaborative mindset

• Highly customer-focused and committed to service excellence

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) — English proficiency required

• Analytical thinker with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues

Technical Environment

• Virtualization: VMware (Enterprise & EnterprisePlus)

• Cloud: Azure, AWS

• Hardware: Dell Servers (XC720, XC730m, R7xx series)

• Operating Systems: Windows Server (2003 to 2012 R2)

• Backup Tools: Commvault, Veeam, Druva, NetBackup

• Storage Solutions: NetApp