Data Center Engineer

Sharp Brains; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Brains is seeking a Data Centre Hands and Feet Engineer to provide on-site technical support for enterprise data center operations. You will perform hardware installations, rack and stack activities, structured cabling, equipment troubleshooting, and Hands/Smart Hands for remote engineering teams.

Ideal candidates have data center experience with networking and server infrastructure, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams on enterprise projects.

Qualifications

• Experience with Rack & Stack in data centers.
• Data center hardware installation and deployment.
• Fiber optic and Ethernet cabling.
• Copper and fiber patching.
• Basic TCP/IP networking knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform Rack & Stack installation of servers, switches, routers, firewalls, and storage devices.
• Install, cable, label, and decommission IT equipment in data center racks.
• Perform power, fiber optic, and Ethernet cross-connects.
• Install and replace transceivers and patch cables.
• Support networking equipment installations from vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, HP, Dell).
• Provide Hands & Feet support for remote engineers.
• Connect console cables and assist with device configuration.

Skills

Rack & Stack

Data center hardware

Fiber cabling

Ethernet cabling

Patch cables

TCP/IP networking

Cisco gear

Enterprise hardware

Troubleshooting

Cable management

Structured cabling

Tools

PuTTY

Cable tester

Ladder

Job description

Job Description – Data Centre Hands and Feet Engineer

Position: Data Centre Hands and Feet Engineer

Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Data Centre Hands and Feet Engineer to provide on‑site technical support for enterprise data center operations. The ideal candidate will perform hardware installations, rack and stack activities, structured cabling, equipment troubleshooting, and Smart Hands support for remote engineering teams. This role requires experience working in data center environments with networking and server infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform Rack & Stack installation of servers, network switches, routers, firewalls, and storage devices.
• Install, cable, label, and decommission IT equipment in data center racks.
• Perform power, fiber optic, and Ethernet cross‑connects.
• Install and replace transceivers (SFP/SFP+/QSFP modules) and patch cables.
• Support Cisco, Juniper, Arista, HP, Dell, and other networking equipment installations.
• Provide Hands & Feet (Smart Hands) support for remote infrastructure and network engineers.
• Connect console cables and assist with device configuration during implementation.
• Verify switch port availability, physical connectivity, and cable management.
• Perform hardware replacement including HDDs, SSDs, memory, power supplies, fans, and network cards.
• Assist with server staging, deployment, relocation, and decommissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot basic network and hardware connectivity issues.
• Capture installation photos and provide status updates to project teams.
• Maintain accurate asset records, rack elevations, and cable documentation.
• Follow data center operational procedures, safety standards, and change management processes.

Required Skills

• Experience with Rack & Stack activities.
• Data center hardware installation and deployment.
• Fiber optic and Ethernet cabling.
• Copper and fiber patching.
• Basic TCP/IP networking knowledge.
• Experience with Cisco switches, routers, Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), and enterprise network infrastructure.
• Hardware installation of Dell, HP, Lenovo, Cisco, or similar enterprise equipment.
• Basic troubleshooting of network, server, and hardware issues.
• Knowledge of structured cabling standards and cable management.

Required Tools

• Standard technician toolkit.
• Laptop with PuTTY and terminal emulation software.
• Ethernet patch cables and crossover cables.
• Fiber cleaning kit and patch cords.
• 6-foot ladder.
• Cable tester (preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in a Data Centre or Enterprise IT environment.
• Experience supporting Cisco networking equipment.
• Familiarity with ITIL change management processes.
• Knowledge of data center best practices and structured cabling.
• Ability to work independently and support after-hours maintenance windows.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Certifications

• CompTIA Network+
• Dell, HPE, or Cisco Hardware Certifications (Preferred)
• Rack & Stack
• Smart Hands / Remote Hands
• Network Cabling
• Fiber Optics
• Troubleshooting
• Asset Management
• Cable Management
• Network Deployment

This job description is suitable for sourcing Data Centre Hands and Feet, Smart Hands Engineer, Network Field Engineer, and Data Centre Technician candidates supporting enterprise networking and infrastructure projects.