Data Center Operations Technician

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated IT Infrastructure Engineer to join our team in Santa Clara. In this role, you will be responsible for building, overseeing, and maintaining the infrastructure supporting the Client's global offices and labs. This encompasses two major areas: (1) partnering with our facilities team, IT stakeholders (Network, Audiovisual, and End User Support), and vendors on the IT aspects of construction projects; and (2) maintaining healthy infrastructure with minimum downtime while supporting daily requests and troubleshooting for internal customers and users.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Day-to-Day Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations within offices, NERs (Network Equipment Rooms), and labs, ensuring all hardware and systems are functioning properly.
• Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics for hardware and network-related issues, including physical Layer 1 connectivity.
• Manage the installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, storage devices, and network equipment.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and regular inspections of equipment to minimize downtime.
• Regularly audit IT environments to identify changes, clean up rooms and cabling, and ensure asset accuracy.
• Assist with planning, implementation, and management of system monitoring tools; respond to alerts, escalations, and incidents in a timely manner.
• Coordinate regional Power Shutdown Events with Infra functions and users.
• Facilitate regional meetings independently and lead the team to resolve problems and incidents.

Construction & Low-Voltage Deployment

• Partner with facilities and stakeholders to understand project design and requirements.
• Oversee low-voltage contractors to deploy infrastructure based on design specifications.
• Contribute to ROM/BOM and procure materials for new builds.
• Produce construction documents and specifications for low-voltage cabling contractors.
• Define locations for equipment within network rooms (security/BAS panels, rack positions for network gear, service wall fields).
• Regularly walk construction projects and provide site reports with Client feedback on work in progress.
• Record close-out documentation at project completion and hand over to users.

Network Room Engineering

• Track capacity of available ports, fiber plant, and PDU outlets within network rooms.
• Assist with racking and cabling equipment; configure and connect smart PDU/UPS; monitor power usage at rack and building level.
• Document network rooms and components within asset management systems (Netbox/Nautobot) via mass import or UI.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to hardware configurations, troubleshooting procedures, tribal knowledge, and data center processes.
• Manage vendors and provide working instructions and Statements of Work (SOW).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support various business initiatives and projects.

WHAT WE NEED TO SEE

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, telecommunications consulting, construction project management, or low-voltage cabling installation.
• Deep understanding of infrastructure, including network, compute, storage, power, and cooling systems.
• Experience with server hardware troubleshooting and maintenance (e.g., Dell, HPE, Lenovo, SuperMicro).
• Knowledge of network protocols and concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and firewalls.
• Layer 1 Network Troubleshooting:Proven ability to diagnose and resolve physical-layer network issues, including cable faults, connector integrity, fiber optic testing (OTDR/optical light meters), patch panel verification, port negotiation failures, transceiver compatibility, and signal degradation across copper and fiber media.
• Familiarity with monitoring, automation, and inventory tools (e.g., MAAS, Nautobot/Netbox) and ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira).
• Ability to go onsite multiple days per week; physically install cables and inspect components in network rooms; lift and install rack-mounted equipment with appropriate assistance.
• Ability to work with minimal direction, be proactive, and take initiative in ambiguous situations.
• Strong communication skills including presenting and writing in English; ability to work effectively across different time zones to support global regions.
• Willingness to travel as needed (approximately once every few months).

WAYS TO STAND OUT

• 10+ years of working experience in related areas.
• RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) certification.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, PowerBI/Tableau, and DCIM/CMDB tools.
• Experience with campus networking and enterprise-scale cabling infrastructure.
• Prior experience in a large-scale technology company or hyperscale environment.

Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person