Data Center Engineer

Data Center Engineer – Houston, Texas – Onsite 5 days in Lab

Drive Nets is looking for a skilled Data Center Engineer to join our Lab team. The role involves 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.

• Data Center Operations
  • Perform 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.

Must‑Have

• 2–5+ years of experience in data center operations or infrastructure engineering.
• 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.

• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• High attention to detail and operational discipline.
• Ability to perform in high‑pressure, mission‑critical environments.

Drive Nets is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.