Data Center Engineer

Selby Jennings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings partners with a technology-driven firm seeking a hands-on Data Center Engineer to support and maintain critical infrastructure powering a highly available, performance-sensitive environment.

This role suits someone who enjoys hardware work, troubleshooting systems, and solving infrastructure challenges in a fast-paced data center setting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on data center or infrastructure ops experience.
• Experience with servers, storage, and networking gear.
• Familiar with hardware installation, cabling and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals and connectivity issues.
• Experience in production or mission-critical environments.
• Python or shell scripting is a plus.
• Strong communication and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain server and network hardware.
• Rack, stack, cable, and commission new equipment.
• Perform hardware break/fix, upgrades, and replacements.
• Troubleshoot Linux-based systems and infrastructure issues.
• Support network connectivity and physical layer troubleshooting.
• Execute remote maintenance and operational activities across multiple sites.
• Assist with testing, validation, and deployment of new technologies.
• Document changes and contribute to operational process improvements.

Skills

Data center operations

Server hardware

Networking hardware

Cabling & install

Networking fundamentals

Scripting (Python/ Shell)

Communication skills

Job description

We're partnering with a leading technology-driven firm seeking a hands-on Data Center Engineer to support and maintain critical infrastructure powering a highly available, performance-sensitive environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with hardware, troubleshooting systems, and solving infrastructure challenges in a fast-paced data center setting.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Install, configure, and maintain server and network hardware
• Rack, stack, cable, and commission new equipment
• Perform hardware break/fix, upgrades, and replacements
• Troubleshoot Linux-based systems and infrastructure issues
• Support network connectivity and physical layer troubleshooting
• Execute remote maintenance and operational activities across multiple sites
• Assist with testing, validation, and deployment of new technologies
• Document changes and contribute to operational process improvements

What We're Looking For:

• 2+ years of hands-on data center or infrastructure operations experience
• Experience working with servers, storage, and networking equipment
• Familiarity with hardware installation, cabling, and troubleshooting
• Understanding of networking fundamentals and connectivity troubleshooting
• Experience working in a production or mission-critical environment
• Python or shell scripting experience is a plus
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Nice to Have:

• Colocation, enterprise, or large-scale infrastructure experience
• Experience with remote hands support
• Exposure to automation or infrastructure tooling
• Passion for technology, homelabs, PC building, or hardware projects