Data Center Technician

Data Center TechnicianAt Penguin Solutions, we understand the boundless potential of technology and support our customers in turning cutting-edge ideas into outcomes—faster, and at any scale. With over two decades of experience as trusted advisors, Penguin Solutions is an end-to-end technology company solving the industry's most complex challenges in computing, memory, and LED solutions. Penguin designs, builds, deploys, and manages high-performance, high-availability enterprise solutions, allowing customers to achieve their breakthrough innovations.We are looking for an experienced onsite Data Center Professional to apply their specialized expertise and technical judgment in a fast-paced, complex AI/HPC environment. Moving beyond the execution of established procedures, this role requires independent analysis and problem-solving to address complex infrastructure issues. You will take ownership of solutions and recommendations, driving process improvements and operational efficiencies at a large-scale data center. This position involves diagnosing compute issues at scale, evaluating options to determine the best course of action, and providing technical guidance to influence decisions across teams. You will contribute heavily to continuous improvement and operational strategy, ensuring the stability and optimization of cloud-scale compute and storage environments.This position will be onsite in Columbus, Georgia at the customer's data center.ResponsibilitiesAI/HPC-Specific Hardware Management: Apply specialized expertise to evaluate, install, and optimize high-density GPU servers, AI accelerators, and specialized components.Complex Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Exercise technical judgment and decision-making to address complex server and network equipment issues.Process Improvement & Asset Management: Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies for tracking high-value AI/HPC assets (e.g., GPUs, high-end switches) and managing the RMA lifecycle.Network Infrastructure: Provide technical guidance to remediate physical layer outages for HPC cluster networks (InfiniBand, optical cables), evaluating options to determine the best course of action.Risk & Impact Assessment: Identify risks, assess impacts, and recommend corrective actions during Data Center power and cooling events, focusing on high-density HVAC and liquid cooling systems critical for AI/HPC workloads.Solution Ownership: Work within the client ticketing system to analyze root causes, develop recommendations, and own solutions for Systems and Network hardware problems.Operational Strategy & SOPs: Drive continuous improvement by developing, reviewing, and optimizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational strategies, shifting focus from solely day-to-day support to long-term efficiency.Cross-functional Leadership: Provide technical guidance and influence decisions across engineering and infrastructure teams to maintain overall HPC cluster health and optimization.Automation: Contribute to operational efficiencies by applying technical expertise to automate routine diagnostic tasks and streamline workflows.Operations & Security: Ensure compliance with strict safety guidelines and physical security best practices, taking ownership of risk mitigation. Successfully cover 24x7 shift rotations and participate in a weekly on-call rotation to support continuous data center operations.QualificationsDemonstrated experience in independent analysis, problem-solving, and exercising technical judgment in a complex data center or IT infrastructure environment. Proven track record of taking ownership of solutions, driving process improvements, and contributing to overall operational strategy. In-depth, specialized knowledge of data center environments, servers, and network equipment (experience with AI/HPC environments is highly preferred). Ability to provide technical guidance, evaluate complex options, and influence decisions across cross-functional teams. Exceptional ability to assess impacts, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions proactively. NCA-AIIO, CompTIA ServerPlus, CompTIA Network, or CCNP certification is a plus. Excellent English communication skills to clearly articulate technical guidance, risks, and recommendations to team members and clients.Location: Onsite in Columbus, GeorgiaCompensation & Benefits: The base pay range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position in Columbus, Georgia is $60,000 - $75,000; the pay ultimately offered may vary based on business considerations, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and education. The position is bonus-eligible, and there are medical, dental, and vision benefits available. There is a 401k saving plan and other benefits, such as Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, and an Employee Assistance Plan.Inclusion & Belonging Statement: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces differences and fosters belonging for all. Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, national origin, race, ethnicity, creed, gender, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.