Data Center Operations Specialist, Senior Principal

Data Center Operations Technician Type of Requisition: Regular Job Description Data Center Operations Technician is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and decommissioning of data center infrastructure, including bare-metal servers, storage systems, and network switches. This role ensures the reliability, availability, and operational readiness of critical infrastructure while providing technical expertise, proactive problem‑solving, and clear communication to internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate combines strong hands‑on technical skills with the ability to identify risks, remove roadblocks, recommend solutions, and act as a trusted advisor for infrastructure‑related initiatives. Key Responsibilities Infrastructure Deployment & Installation: Rack, stack, cable, and deploy servers, storage arrays, network switches, and supporting infrastructure. Install and configure bare‑metal systems, perform hardware validation, burn‑in testing, deployment verification, and configure network connectivity, VLAN assignments, IP addressing, and port mappings. Maintain accurate asset inventory and rack elevation documentation. Hardware Lifecycle Management: Execute hardware refreshes, upgrades, migrations, and decommissioning activities. Ensure proper sanitization, removal, disposal, or return of retired equipment per policy; track asset movement and maintain accurate records. Troubleshooting & Incident Response: Diagnose and resolve server, storage, networking, and cable issues; perform root cause analysis; replace failed components; and participate in incident response to minimize service disruption. Operation Excellence: Follow and improve SOPs, installation guides, and runbooks. Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and change management processes; identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and documentation accuracy. Support capacity planning, hardware audits, and optimization initiatives. Technical Advisory & Continuous Improvement: Serve as subject‑matter expert; provide recommendations on design, deployment methodologies, hardware standards, and processes; advise leadership and engineering teams on risks, dependencies, and readiness; communicate project status and mitigation plans. Qualifications & Experience 8+ years of related experience in data center operations or equivalent. Technical skills: Installation, configuration, and decommissioning of bare‑metal servers, storage systems, and network devices; understanding of data center cabling standards and rack layout; TCP/IP networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing fundamentals, and switch connectivity. In possession of or able to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance. US citizenship required. Certifications: Security+ required; CDCMP, CCNA, ITIL preferred. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs. Ability to work in raised‑floor data center environments, install equipment in racks, and perform cable management. Ability to stand, bend, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces for extended periods. Benefits & Compensation Salary range: $142,792 – $184,000 (based on experience, location, and contractual requirements). Scheduled weekly hours: 40. Travel required: Less than 10%. Telecommuting options: Onsite work required. Location: USA, VA Newington (additional work locations available). Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, holidays, parental, military, bereavement, jury duty). Equal Opportunity Statement Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr General Dynamics Information Technology