Data Center Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a hands-on Data Center Engineer to modernize data center operations, focusing on DCIM enhancements and PSC metrics integration. You will design and implement infrastructure, build data-driven dashboards, and drive automation across facilities.

The role requires on-call rotations and some after-hours work, with collaboration across IT operations, network, and facilities to ensure reliable service and efficient capacity.

Qualifications

• BS in IT / CS / engineering or related field; 5 years in data center or IT infra.
• Ability to participate in on-call rotations and after-hours support.
• Experience with electrical systems, UPS, HVAC, cooling, and power distribution.
• Familiarity with DCIM tools, telemetry ingestion and capacity analytics.
• Experience with dashboards via Grafana, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Automation/scripting using Python or PowerShell.
• Knowledge of ITIL framework and ITSM best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Data Center Operations: install, migrate, decommission hardware per PSC rules.
• Monitor infrastructure reliability and develop preventive maintenance schedules.
• Develop dashboards visualizing PSC metrics, PUE, trends, and alerts.
• Enhance telemetry collection and analytics to improve visibility and observability.
• Collaborate on security, compliance, and business continuity policies.
• Provide technical escalation and guidance to junior staff; collaborate with vendors.

Skills

DCIM telemetry ingestion

Dashboarding & visualization

Automation scripting

ITIL familiarity

Education

BS in IT / CS / engineering or related field

Tools

Grafana

Power BI

Tableau

EPMS

BMS

SCADA

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a hands‑on Data Center Engineer who will contribute to the modernization of our data center operations, especially around DCIM enhancements and PSC (Power, Space, Cooling) metrics integration. You’ll design, implement, and continuously improve the physical and logical infrastructure across our enterprise facilities, and build data-driven visibility through dashboards and automation. You’ll collaborate closely with IT operations, network, and facilities to ensure reliable service, efficient capacity usage, and compliance with ORNL and industry standards. This position requires being available for on-call rotations and occasional after‑hours work as needed. This position resides in the Digital Hosting Services team of the Enterprise Operations group of the Digital Services Infrastructure & Operations division of the Information Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

Data Center Operations

• Coordinate installation, migration, and decommissioning of hardware ensuring compliance with PSC requirements.
• Monitor data center infrastructure reliability.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all data center equipment.
• Identify and resolve problems involving infrastructure telemetry, capacity reporting, DCIM data ingestion, and facility system performance to support enterprise operational integration.
• Assist in managing power, space, cooling, and capacity planning.

DCIM Modernization & PSC Metrics

• Manage data in DCIM platforms including EPMS, BMS, and SCADA integrations.
• Develop dashboards visualizing PSC metrics, PUE, trends, and alerts.
• Standardize DCIM data models, change records, and quality across sites.

Automation, Data Pipelines & Analytics

• Enhance telemetry collection, health monitoring, and reporting to improve infrastructure visibility and observability.
• Use infrastructure data for predictive capacity planning.
• Optimize cooling and power efficiency from analytics.

Security, Compliance & Business Continuity

• Ensure adherence to NFPA, DOE/ORNL, and facility safety policies.
• Implement strong physical security, surveillance, and access controls.
• Support DR readiness including redundancy and failover testing.
• Serve as the Alternate Laboratory Safety Manager (LSM‑Alt), ensuring SBMS safety policies and requirements are implemented and followed within all ITSD data center facilities.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as technical escalation for complex issues.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and coordinate with facilities engineers.
• Collaborate with vendors on upgrades and commissioning.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in information technology, computer science, engineering or a related field, with 5 years of experience in a data center or similar IT infrastructure environment. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Ability to participate in on‑call rotations and occasional after‑hours support.
• Experience with electrical systems, UPS, HVAC, cooling systems, and power distribution in data center environments.
• Familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools including telemetry ingestion and capacity analytics.
• Experience with dashboarding and data visualization tools such as Grafana, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Experience with automation/scripting using Python or PowerShell.
• Knowledge of the ITIL framework and IT service management best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• NFPA 70E (Arc Flash) Electrical Safety certification
• Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP)
• DCIM/BMS/SCADA certifications.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to resolve issues under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality work.

Special Requirements

• Pre‑hire physical: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre‑hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience. Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.