Datacenter Technician

Job Description: Data Center Technician / Data Center EngineerDepartment: IT Infrastructure / Data Center OperationsExperience: 3+ YearsGrove Village, IL – Onsite Education: Associate Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline preferredWork Environment: Data Center Operations with 24/7 On-Call Support1. Role Summary / Key ObjectivesWe 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 ResponsibilitiesA. Data Center Operations and Infrastructure InstallationInstall, 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 ManagementInstall 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 SupportTroubleshoot 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 ManagementRespond 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 ImprovementMaintain 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 QualificationsTechnical SkillsMinimum 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 SkillsStrong 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 ExperienceAssociate 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 CertificationsThe following certifications are desirable but not mandatory:Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA A+CompTIA Network+6. Language RequirementsEnglish: Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in a professional environment.7. Key Success CriteriaThe 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.