Datacenter Technician

Job Description: Data Center Technician / Data Center Engineer

Department: IT Infrastructure / Data Center Operations

Experience: 3+ Years

Grove Village, IL – Onsite

Education: Associate Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline preferred

Work Environment: Data Center Operations with 24/7 On-Call Support

1. Role Summary / Key Objectives

We are seeking a skilled Data Center Technician / Data Center Engineer to support the continuous operation, availability, and performance of its data centers.

The role is responsible for inventory and parts readiness, day-to-day support of server, network, and storage infrastructure, and hardware installation, replacement, troubleshooting , and maintenance . Responsibilities include chassis, module, and power supply replacements during incidents, project implementations, RMA returns, and scheduled maintenance activities.

The successful candidate will ensure high-quality service delivery through timely incident response, effective troubleshooting, adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs), and participation in crisis management and infrastructure improvement initiatives.

The role requires participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation to respond to high-impact incidents and critical infrastructure issues.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Data Center Operations and Infrastructure Installation

• Install, rack, and deploy physical IT infrastructure, including network, telecommunications, server, and storage equipment.
• Perform hardware installations in data center cabinets and ensure compliance with established standards.
• Develop a working understanding of our network and Storage Area Network (SAN) architecture to support successful infrastructure deployments.
• Participate in project implementation calls, deployment activities, releases, and scheduled maintenance.
• Ensure all changes follow established change management policies and procedures.
• Submit change requests, manage problem tickets, and coordinate repairs and maintenance schedules.
• Provide on-site support during incidents, Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) activities, projects, and maintenance windows.
• Provide Tier II support for data center network, server, and storage infrastructure.
• Assist in voice and data network troubleshooting and problem determination.
• Perform basic operating system configuration required to hand over equipment for remote support.

B. Cabling and Connectivity Management

• Install Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet fiber-optic cabling for server and network infrastructure projects.
• Route, label, and organize copper and fiber-optic cables in accordance with data center cabling standards.
• Follow pre-prepared cabling request sheets, installation checklists, and vendor instructions.
• Coordinate and oversee cabling contractors during large-scale cabling projects.
• Validate connectivity and verify newly installed hardware before production acceptance.
• Maintain adequate inventory of fiber-optic and copper jumper cables to support timely installations.
• Troubleshoot defective cables and replace components as necessary.
• Diagnose fiber connectivity issues and perform repairs, including fiber sparing within trunks where required.

C. Diagnosis, Repair, and Technical Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve physical infrastructure issues affecting servers, network devices, and storage systems.
• Replace faulty hardware components, including chassis, modules, power supplies, fans, and other replaceable parts.
• Provide remote-hands and on-site technical support for LAN and SAN troubleshooting, hardware installation, and break/fix activities.
• Deliver advanced physical hardware support for issues escalated by operations teams.
• Support the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and retirement of physical infrastructure.
• Coordinate with remote engineering and operations teams to resolve infrastructure incidents.
• Manage vendor involvement for hardware repairs, replacements, and maintenance activities.
• Maintain parts readiness and support RMA processing and equipment replacement workflows.

D. Incident, Change, and Vendor Management

• Respond to infrastructure incidents and participate in crisis management activities.
• Coordinate repair schedules, maintenance windows, vendor visits, and hardware replacement activities.
• Arrange security clearances and site access for visitors and third-party vendors.
• Ensure compliance with change control processes, operational procedures, and service-level agreements.
• Provide planning and vendor oversight for server, network, and storage changes.
• Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support critical infrastructure incidents.

E. Documentation, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate data center inventory, cabling records, and infrastructure documentation.
• Learn and use Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) systems to document equipment and infrastructure changes.
• Prepare periodic performance reports for management review.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and infrastructure reliability.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for installations, repairs, incidents, and maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure timely and effective service delivery.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in data center operations, infrastructure support, or enterprise network management.
• Experience supporting enterprise-level server, network, and storage infrastructure.
• Understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 network architectures and protocols.
• Exposure to Storage Area Network (SAN) environments and Fibre Channel technology.
• Knowledge of data center hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and component replacement.
• Strong understanding of data center cabling principles, including Ethernet, copper, and fiber-optic cabling.
• Familiarity with network and infrastructure equipment from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, F5, Riverbed, and Ariba, as applicable.
• Knowledge of packet capture and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark and tcpdump.
• Basic understanding of Python programming.
• Basic hands-on experience with Linux and Windows operating systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with MS Office applications.
• Willingness to learn and use DCIM tools for infrastructure inventory and documentation.

Operational and Soft Skills

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to collaborate with technical teams, management, contractors, and vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting operational deadlines and SLAs.
• Willingness to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation.
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.

4. Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in data center operations, infrastructure network management, or a related technical role.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience may be considered.

5. Preferred Certifications

The following certifications are desirable but not mandatory:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+

6. Language Requirements

• English: Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in a professional environment.

7. Key Success Criteria

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Maintain reliable day-to-day data center operations.
• Install and replace server, network, and storage hardware efficiently.
• Troubleshoot physical connectivity and infrastructure issues.
• Follow change management, security, documentation, and cabling standards.
• Coordinate effectively with remote technical teams and third-party vendors.
• Respond promptly to incidents and meet established SLAs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in data center service quality and reliability.