Data Center Engineering Lead

Job Title:

Data Center Engineering Lead

Location:

Houston, Texas

5 days in Lab

About the Company

Drive Nets is a technology leader in disaggregated high‑scale networking solutions for service providers and AI infrastructures. Founded in December 2015, Drive Nets created a radical new way to build networks by adapting the architectural model of the cloud to telco‑grade networking. This solution accelerates network deployment, improves the network’s economic model, and radically simplifies network operations. With customers including Comcast, Orange, and KDDI - over 80% of AT&T’s network traffic now runs through a disaggregated core powered by Drive Nets software.

Drive Nets Network Cloud‑AI solution, based on the same technology, was introduced to the market in 2023, providing the highest‑performance Ethernet‑based AI networking solution, and is already deployed by Hyperscalers, Neo Clouds and Enterprises. Raising over $587 million in three funding rounds, Drive Nets continues to deploy the most innovative network infrastructure and is looking for the most talented people to be part of this journey.

The Role

Drive Nets is looking for a skilled Data Center Engineer to lead a small team in our Houston Lab. The selected candidate will be a hands‑on leader and responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and optimizing our data center environments to ensure high availability, resiliency, and performance. This role involves hands‑on technical work, troubleshooting hardware and network issues, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support mission‑critical systems.

You will report to the Lab Manager.

Key Responsibilities Data Center Operations

• Oversee the team responsible for installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, network equipment, storage systems, and cabling.
• Monitor facility systems, including power, cooling, fire suppression, and physical security.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure environmental and operational stability.
• Manage data center capacity planning (space, power, cooling).

Hardware & Infrastructure Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware failures for servers, routers, switches, and other equipment.
• Coordinate with vendors for RMA processes and hardware lifecycle management.
• Perform firmware upgrades and hardware refresh activities.

Network & Systems Support

• Support deployment and maintenance of network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, routing, switching).
• Assist with installation and configuration of OS and virtualization technologies (Linux, VMware, Hyper‑V, etc.).
• Work with IT/security teams to ensure compliance and secure configuration of data center assets.

Monitoring & Incident Response

• Monitor systems and respond to alerts to ensure uptime and SLA adherence.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, configurations, and procedures.

Process & Documentation

• Follow and improve standard operating procedures.
• Maintain asset inventory, rack diagrams, and documentation.
• Support audits and compliance requirements.

Leadership and Reporting

Lead the build out and provide necessary reporting back to VP and leadership on the state of the data center and the needs to grow and maintain a state‑of‑the‑art facility.

Requirements Qualifications Must‑Have

• Must have led a build‑out of a data center operation as a senior member of the team or lead.
• 2–5+ years of experience in data center operations or infrastructure engineering (adjust depending on level).
• Strong understanding of server hardware, cabling standards, and rack/stack procedures.
• Experience with network fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, routing & switching).
• Ability to lift and move equipment (up to ~25 kg / 50 lbs if required).
• Knowledge of monitoring tools and ticketing systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Nice‑to‑Have

• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM, Hyper‑V).
• Knowledge of Linux/Windows system administration.
• Familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools.
• Experience in cloud or hybrid environments.
• Certifications:
  
  CompTIA Server+, Network+, CCNA, or equivalent.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• High attention…