Senior Data Center Operations Engineer

The Senior Data Center Operations Engineer plays a critical, hands-on role in supporting the build-out and long-term operation of a high-performance, enterprise-scale data center environment supporting advanced compute and large-scale infrastructure deployments.

This position is designed for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in server hardware, Linux systems, and data center operations, operating within environments that demand high availability, precision, and performance. You will contribute during the initial deployment phase, supporting infrastructure bring-up, validation, and hardware readiness. As the environment transitions into steady-state operations, you will take ownership of ongoing reliability, advanced troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role requires a strong operator mindset-someone who thrives in complex, production-critical environments and takes pride in resolving issues at their root. You will serve as a primary technical escalation point, working closely with engineering and infrastructure teams to maintain system stability and performance.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, making clear and professional communication in English (written and verbal) essential for success in this role.

This role offers continuity across both deployment and operational phases and provides exposure to large-scale, modern infrastructure environments, with a clear path for progression into advanced technical or engineering roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Hardware Troubleshooting & Repair

• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware failures across server platforms (motherboards, CPUs, memory, storage).

• Perform component-level repairs and replacements on servers and data center hardware.

• Execute break/fix processes with a focus on minimizing downtime and meeting SLAs.

• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) of hardware failures and implement preventative improvements.

• Identify recurring failure trends and contribute to tooling, automation, and process enhancements.

• Linux Systems & Platform Support

• Utilize Linux command-line tools for system monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

• Support provisioning and deployment of servers across Linux distributions (RHEL, Ubuntu, etc.).

• Troubleshoot boot-level and OS-level issues in production environments.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve complex hardware/software interaction issues.

• Data Center Operations

• Support hardware installation, structured cabling, and infrastructure validation.

• Maintain accurate inventory of spare parts, assets, and retired equipment.

• Document repairs, changes, and configurations in ITSM/DCIM systems.

• Ensure adherence to safety, security, and operational protocols.

• Serve as a primary escalation point for complex infrastructure issues.

• Participate in on-call rotation supporting 24x7 operations.

• Collaboration & Mentorship

• Provide guidance and mentorship to technicians on hardware troubleshooting and best practices.

• Collaborate with network, storage, and infrastructure teams to resolve cross-functional issues.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing, documentation, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Support continuous improvement efforts across processes, tooling, and operational workflows.

Required Skills

• Strong English communication skills (written and verbal) are required for coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Expert-level knowledge of server hardware architecture and component-level troubleshooting.
• Strong proficiency with Linux systems and command-line diagnostics.
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals and infrastructure components.
• Experience working within structured operational environments (SOPs, SLAs, ticketing systems).
• Familiarity with ITSM/DCIM tools (ServiceNow, Jira, or similar).
• Experience with structured cabling and fiber optic connectivity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, high-availability environments.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in data center operations or similar infrastructure environments.
• Significant hands-on experience with server hardware troubleshooting and repair.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with Linux operating systems in production environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise server platforms and infrastructure environments.
• Demonstrated experience performing root cause analysis and resolving complex hardware issues.
• Experience working within ticketing systems and operational workflows.
• Exposure to data center build-outs, deployments, or infrastructure upgrades (preferred).

Preferred Certifications

• CompTIA A+, Server+, or Linux+
• LPI certification or equivalent
• Vendor-specific hardware certifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a temperature-controlled environment with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.