Job Description

The Data Center Technician III (L3) is a senior technical operations role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting critical data center infrastructure. This position serves as an escalation point for complex hardware, network, and infrastructure issues while ensuring maximum uptime, operational excellence, and adherence to established standards and procedures. The L3 technician mentors junior staff, leads technical projects, and collaborates with engineering, facilities, networking, and program management teams.

Key Responsibilities

Data Center Operations

• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and decommission servers, storage systems, network devices, and related hardware.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and root cause analysis on hardware and infrastructure failures.
• Lead break/fix activities for critical incidents and coordinate resolution efforts with vendors and engineering teams.
• Execute rack-and-stack deployments, cable management, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Perform firmware updates, hardware refreshes, and lifecycle management activities.
• Maintain accurate asset management, inventory, and documentation records.

Infrastructure Support

• Monitor and support data center environmental systems including power, cooling, and physical security.
• Support structured cabling standards for copper and fiber infrastructure.
• Assist with capacity planning, equipment deployment, and site expansion activities.
• Validate power utilization, rack elevations, and hardware placement according to engineering standards.

Incident & Problem Management

• Serve as the technical escalation point for L1 and L2 technicians.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during production-impacting incidents.
• Perform root cause investigations and contribute to post-incident reviews.
• Develop preventive measures to reduce recurring operational issues.

Project Execution

• Lead small to medium-scale deployment, migration, and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate hardware deployments and relocations across multiple data center environments.
• Partner with network, systems, and facilities teams to ensure successful project implementation.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and knowledge base articles.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance and training to junior technicians.
• Assist with onboarding and skills development of new team members.
• Promote safety, compliance, and operational excellence practices.
• Participate in on-call and after-hours support as required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience supporting enterprise or hyperscale data center environments.
• Experience with server hardware from Dell, HPE, Lenovo, Supermicro, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, routing, switching, and cabling standards.
• Experience troubleshooting Linux and Windows server hardware platforms.
• Knowledge of data center power, cooling, rack infrastructure, and operational procedures.
• Experience with asset management systems and ticketing platforms such as ServiceNow.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting GPU clusters and AI/ML infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Cisco, Arista, Juniper, or Mellanox networking equipment.
• Understanding of storage technologies, SAN/NAS environments, and distributed computing platforms.
• Experience with automation, scripting, or infrastructure management tools.
• Industry certifications such as: CompTIA Server+ Network+ CCNA Dell EMC, HPE, or equivalent vendor certifications

Technical Skills

• Advanced server hardware troubleshooting
• Rack and stack deployments
• Fiber and copper cabling
• Inventory and asset management
• Hardware diagnostics and repair
• Network troubleshooting
• Linux and Windows server support
• Incident management
• Documentation and process improvement

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced operational environment
• Team-oriented mindset with leadership capability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in data center environments for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in raised floor and overhead cabling environments.
• Availability for on-call, weekend, and after-hours support as needed.