Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a talented Senior Configuration Analyst
Location: Remote
Department: Veterans Affairs (VA)
Type: Full Time
Min. Experience: Experienced
Security Clearance Level: Public Trust (MBI)
Salary Range: $74,325 – $82,500
If you have previously applied to Syms Strategic Group (SSG), there is no need to reapply. Applications are still under review.
Military Veterans are highly encouraged to apply!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Support VA applications and spearhead the migration to the cloud
- Develop and maintain software configuration management (CM) tools to support configuration identification, control, reporting, and delivery of both internally developed software and externally purchased commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software products
- Perform CM and release engineering tasks to ensure new software product opening parameters are documented, comply with standard hardware configurations, and are logistically sustainable
- Design, develop, automate, and maintain productivity tools using programming, database, or scripting languages to improve software modeling and development
- Design and implement build procedures that are used to support software product development and use
- Develop software configuration standards for company-wide use
- Train software developers in the use of CM tools and the implementation of software quality standards
- Provide technical guidance and solutions to complex problems
- Operate autonomously and make sound decisions
- Ensure compliant, repeatable build and deployment processes across projects
- Collaborate frequently with internal and external stakeholders
- Lead and train junior analysts/engineers in CM best practices
Required Skills and Experience
- A proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex software builds and releases across multiple environments
- Experience working within large, regulated enterprises or federal environments
- Deep expertise in software configuration management and release engineering
- A broad knowledge of development, Quality Assurance (QA), systems engineering, and DevOps
- Experience with CM practices (identification, baselining, change control, status accounting)
- Experience with source control systems (Git, GitLab, GitHub, Azure DevOps Repos, Subversion) and branching/merging strategies
- Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, Azure DevOps Pipelines, GitHub Actions) and artifact repositories (Nexus, Artifactory)
- Experience with scripting for automation (Bash, PowerShell, and Python)
- Experience managing COTS software, vendor patches, and version control
- Experience with Infrastructure as code and environment management (Ansible and Terraform)
- A knowledge of software quality standards, governance frameworks, and training developers on CM tools and quality practices
- Proficiency with work management tools (JIRA, Azure Boards, Trello) and documentation tools (Confluence, Visio, Lucidchart)
- An understanding of database concepts, dependency management, and build reproducibility
- Strong analytical skills for investigating build failures, dependency conflicts, and deployment issues
- Excellent communication skills
- An ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
- Effective collaboration and mentoring
- An ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in fast-paced environments and meet deadlines
- A commitment to continuous improvement and staying current with industry trends and emerging DevOps technologies
Professional CertificationsNone required, but ITIL Foundation, CMII, or equivalent CM certifications are a plusYears of Professional Experiencen/aDesired experienceElectronic Data Interchange X.12 (EDI) Medical Claims
- X.12, Medical Claims (837, 835, 277CA, etc), Health Level (HL7), Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)
Formal EducationBachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 10+ years’ relevant experience; eight (8) or more years of relevant experience may be substituted for educationCitizenship RequirementU.S. Citizenship required for this specific opportunitySecurity Clearance RequirementsMust possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI)CRITICAL NOTES:
- SSG will not make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Your answers to the mandatory screening questions must be supported by the information on your resume. Applications with inconsistencies will not be considered.
- Recruiters or Third parties will not be considered.
- This is a 100% U.S. based remote position. However, candidates from CA, CO, IL, MN, NJ, NY, OR, or WA will not be considered.
- This is a W-2 position
- All interviews will be conducted on Microsoft Teams with your camera on; there will be no exceptions
- As part of our screening process, you will be requested to provide a link to your LinkedIn profile
U.S Citizenship is required for this specific opportunity. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to a background investigation including, but not limited to criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.
Syms Strategic Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or genetic information.
Career Guide for Senior Configuration Analyst at Syms Strategic Group (SSG)
Job Overview
The Senior Configuration Analyst will play a vital role in supporting the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) by managing software configuration processes and aiding in the
migration of applications to the cloud. This position involves ensuring the quality and
efficiency of software delivery while leading teams and mentoring junior staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Support VA applications and assist in cloud migration.
- Develop and maintain configuration management tools.
- Perform release engineering tasks to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Design and automate productivity tools using programming and scripting languages.
- Implement build procedures to support software development.
- Train developers on configuration management tools and standards.
- Provide technical guidance for complex problems.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders on software projects.
Required Skills and Knowledge
Technical Skills
- Expertise in software configuration management and release engineering.
- Familiarity with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, Azure DevOps).
- Proficient in scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Python).
- Understanding of infrastructure as code (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).
- Knowledge of software quality standards and governance frameworks.
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication abilities for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong collaboration and mentoring skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Tools and Technologies
- Source control systems (Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps).
- Work management tools (JIRA, Azure Boards).
- Documentation tools (Confluence, Visio).
Certifications or Training
- ITIL Foundation or CMII certification is a plus.
Interview Preparation
Common Interview Questions
- Can you describe your experience with configuration management?
- What tools have you used for continuous integration and delivery?
- How do you handle conflicting priorities on projects?
- Can you provide an example of a complex problem you solved?
- What is your experience with cloud migration?
- How do you ensure software quality in your builds?
- Describe a time you mentored a junior team member.
- What strategies do you use for effective stakeholder collaboration?
- How would you explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
- What trends in DevOps are you currently following?
Advice on How to Answer Them
- Utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured responses.
- Be concise but thorough in your explanations.
- Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Important Topics to Review
- Software configuration management best practices.
- Latest trends in DevOps, CI/CD processes, and cloud technologies.
- High-level understanding of the VA’s mission and objectives.
How to Increase Your Hiring Chances
CV Improvement
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
- Use action verbs to showcase your achievements.
- Include specific metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
LinkedIn Profile Optimization
- Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
- Use keywords that align with the job requirements.
- Engage with relevant content to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry.
Portfolio or Project Ideas
- Showcase any projects involving cloud migrations or configuration management.
- Share automation scripts or tools you’ve developed.
- Include documentation or case studies of past work experiences.
Learning Recommendations
- Consider completing courses on DevOps practices or cloud technologies.
- Stay updated on industry trends through webinars and community forums.
Career Growth
The Senior Configuration Analyst role can lead to advanced positions such as
Configuration Manager, Release Manager, or even higher roles within IT management
or project management in various industries. Continuous learning and obtaining
related certifications will further enhance career growth opportunities.
How to Apply
Apply for this position through the original job source: