Data Center Technician (Level 1 / Level 2 Hardware & Network Support)

Data Center Technician (Level 1 / Level 2 Hardware & Network Support)
Full-time position
Location: on-site (West side of Houston)
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Position Summary

The Data Center Technician is responsible for providing Level 1 and Level 2 technical support for data center infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, network equipment, cabling, and related hardware. This role serves as the primary onsite resource for monitoring, troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and operational support activities within the data center environment.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical troubleshooting skills, experience with enterprise hardware and networking technologies, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

Data Center Operations

- Monitor data center systems, equipment, and environmental conditions.
- Perform daily operational checks and document findings.
- Respond to alerts, incidents, and service requests within established SLAs.
- Support data center access control and security procedures.
- Maintain accurate asset inventory and equipment documentation.

Level 1 Technical Support

- Provide first-line troubleshooting for servers, storage devices, network equipment, and infrastructure systems.
- Diagnose hardware failures and connectivity issues.
- Perform basic operating system support and system health checks.
- Escalate complex issues to senior engineers and vendors as required.
- Create and maintain incident tickets and service records.

Level 2 Technical Support

- Troubleshoot and resolve server, storage, and network infrastructure issues.
- Perform hardware diagnostics and component replacement.
- Support firmware upgrades, patching activities, and system maintenance.
- Assist with root cause analysis and incident resolution.
- Coordinate with vendors and support teams to resolve technical issues.

Hardware Support

- Rack, stack, install, configure, and decommission servers and infrastructure equipment.
- Replace failed components including:
- Hard drives
- Power supplies
- Memory modules
- Network interface cards
- RAID controllers
- Server blades

- Perform equipment moves, additions, and changes (MAC activities).
- Support asset lifecycle management activities.

Network Support

- Install, test, and troubleshoot copper and fiber optic cabling.
- Patch network connections according to documented standards.
- Support switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
- Verify network connectivity and assist with VLAN and port configuration activities.
- Perform cable management and labeling according to data center standards.

Documentation & Compliance

- Maintain accurate records of installations, maintenance activities, and incident resolution.
- Update network diagrams, rack elevations, and asset management systems.
- Follow change management and operational procedures.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, security standards, and industry best practices.

Requirements

- Associate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

- 2+ years of experience supporting enterprise data center environments.
- Experience with server hardware from Dell, HPE, Cisco, Lenovo, or similar manufacturers.
- Knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals.
- Experience with structured cabling and fiber optic infrastructure.
- Familiarity with ticketing systems and ITIL service management practices.
- Ability to read technical documentation and follow operational procedures.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- CompTIA A+, Network+, or Server+ certifications.
- Cisco CCNA certification.
- Microsoft, VMware, Nutanix, or Linux certifications.
- Experience supporting cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments.
- Experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere or Hyper-V.
- Familiarity with monitoring tools and remote management platforms.

Technical Skills

Hardware

- Enterprise Servers
- Storage Arrays
- Blade Systems
- RAID Technologies
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
- UPS Systems

Networking

- TCP/IP
- DNS
- DHCP
- VLANs
- Switching and Routing
- Fiber and Copper Cabling

Operating Systems

- Windows Server
- Linux (Red Hat, Ubuntu, CentOS)
- VMware ESXi

Physical Requirements

- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in raised-floor and rack environments.
- Ability to stand, bend, and climb ladders as needed.
- Availability for after-hours maintenance windows and on-call support rotation.

Success Metrics

- SLA compliance and incident response times
- Ticket resolution effectiveness
- Infrastructure uptime and reliability
- Accuracy of documentation and asset management
- Customer and stakeholder satisfaction
- Adherence to operational and security procedures