Data Center Technician, Global Server Operations

Product area

Behind everything our users see online is the architecture built by the Technical Infrastructure team to keep it running. From developing and maintaining our data centers to building the next generation of Google platforms, we make Google's product portfolio possible. We're proud to be our engineers' engineers and love voiding warranties by taking things apart so we can rebuild them. We keep our networks up and running, ensuring our users have the best and fastest experience possible.

Google isn't just a software company. The Hardware Operations team is responsible for monitoring the state-of-the-art physical infrastructure behind Google's powerful search technology. As an Operations Technician, you'll install, configure, test, troubleshoot and maintain hardware (like servers and its components) and server software (like Google's Linux cluster). You'll also take on the configuration of more complex components such as networks, routers, hubs, bridges, switches and networking protocols.

You'll participate in or lead small project teams on larger installations and develop project contingency plans. A typical day involves manual movement and installation of racks, and while it can sometimes be physically demanding, you are excited to work with infrastructure that is at the cutting-edge of computer technology.

• Deploy and operate new data center infrastructure across projects or functions.
• Report issues and follow data center procedures to troubleshoot and diagnose issues with equipment or infrastructure as they arise, and apply the resources needed to resolve identified issues.
• Maintain the security and integrity of data, track various forms of media to check for standard data security issues (e.g., data was not properly erased) handled in accordance with Google security standards.
• Disassemble specific equipment that has reached its end-of-life via part replacement or maintenance, in a team setting.
• Repair, fix, and perform preventative maintenance on equipment, servers, machines, or infrastructure based on identified issues with defined solutions and limited guidance.

• Experience with assembly of mechanical or electrical systems, or performing component-level repairs and troubleshooting on technical equipment.
• Experience diagnosing and troubleshooting one of the following: operating systems, computer/server hardware, or networking protocols.
• Ability to lift/move 50lb (23kg) of equipment and ability to exert yourself physically over extended periods of time, including frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, pushing/pulling and lifting.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 2 years of experience diagnosing and troubleshooting one of the following: operating systems and computer/server hardware or networking protocols.
• Experience in Linux professional institute certificate or equivalent working with Linux (Red Hat, Slackware, Fedora, SUSE, Ubuntu, Debian, Gentoo) or Unix (Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, BSD) or another similar operating system.
• Experience with performing component-level repairs and troubleshooting on IT equipment or in a similar role (e.g., systems administration, network deployment engineer, help desk technician, etc).
• Experience in project leadership and management.
• Experience working within a data center or network operation center environment.