Data Center Logistics Technician

CBRE; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Directline in Houston is seeking a Logistics Associate to support data center operations. You will manage storage layout, receiving, RMA, shipping, and inventory control under senior supervision.

Key duties include verifying inbound deliveries, updating the Crusoe system, coordinating with carriers, and maintaining accurate records. The role requires 2+ years in warehousing, strong Excel/Sheets skills, and reliable, independent work ethic.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in warehouse, receiving, inventory control, shipping, or logistics.
• Proficient with Excel and Google Sheets; able to use Google Docs and email effectively.
• Able to read packing slips, purchase orders and RMA paperwork with accuracy.
• Reliable, organized, and able to work independently from written procedures.
• Authorized to work in the United States and pass background screening.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain site storage layout and ensure traceability of items.
• Receive inbound deliveries, verify against packing slip, and document exceptions the same day.
• Coordinate RMA processes, shipments, and tracking in Crusoe system.
• Maintain inventory records, perform cycle counts, and report variances.
• Deliver weekly logistics summaries and file related documents.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Written and spoken communication

Independent work ethic

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Google Docs

Email

Job description

CBRE DIRECTLINE, a CBRE Data Center Solutions business, is a leading technology infrastructure services provider enabling mission critical data center infrastructure for the world’s technology leaders. Catering to a broad spectrum of technology and client requirements, 1200+ skilled technicians deliver over 1000 projects annually across data center markets in the US and APAC. DL has proven success in the deployment of next-generation infrastructure technologies across the data center lifecycle; from design & planning, install & build through Day 2 maintenance, technology upgrades & retrofits, including delivering the latest wave of AI/ML platforms.

Position- Logistics Associate

About The Role

The Logistics Technician reportsto Senior Manager, Data Center Operations. Day to day directionand task prioritization come from the site leads. Work is assigned throughchannels including, but not limited to, the Crusoe ticketing system, email,Slack, and direct instruction. The technician follows Crusoe written procedures(SOPs) for receiving, RMA, and inventory control.

What You’ll Do

Storage and space organization

• Design, implement, and maintain the physical layout ofthe site storage and staging areas, predominantly at IAH13: shelving, bins,labeled locations, and a location map.
• Keep every stored item labeled, located, and traceableto its inventory record. Keep aisles, dock areas, and staging areas clear andsafe.
• Manage packaging material, pallets, and cardboardremoval in line with the site recycling and waste arrangements with DigitalRealty.
• Perform a daily loading dock and storage area walk;correct or report anything out of place.

Receiving

• Receive inbound deliveries at the loading dock. Verifycontents against the packing slip and purchase order, count, inspect fordamage, and photograph and document any exceptions the same day.
• Enter received items into the Crusoe system of recordthe same business day. Capture quantities, part numbers, and serial numbers fortracked items.
• Stage received hardware and parts for deployment andbreak-fix work; coordinate handoff with the onsite technicians and projectmanagers.
• Coordinate delivery scheduling with carriers, CrusoeStrategic Sourcing, and the Digital Realty dock. Escort or meet carriers at thedock as required.
• Reconcile receipts against open purchase orders andreport short, over, damaged, or unexpected shipments.

Shipping and RMA

• Prepare RMA returns: pull the failed unit, verifyserial number against the RMA authorization, package to manufacturerrequirements including ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection, label,complete shipping documentation, and hand off to the carrier.
• Track every RMA from failure through return shipment,replacement receipt, and closure in the Crusoe ticketing system or theapplicable record. Attach tracking numbers and proof of delivery.
• Participate with Crusoe staff in the follow up withmanufacturers, resellers, and carriers on open RMAs and inbound replacements.Keep RMA records current and report aging items weekly.
• Prepare and document outbound shipments to other Crusoesites, vendors, or repair depots, including any transfer paperwork Crusoerequires.
• Maintain a stock of packaging material and shippingsupplies sized to expected RMA volume.

Inventory control

• Maintain accurate inventory records for the site:quantities, storage locations, part numbers, and serial numbers for trackedhardware and spares.
• Perform cycle counts on the schedule set by Crusoe.Reconcile physical count to records, document discrepancies, and correctrecords with site manager approval.
• Monitor consumption of spares and consumables. Flag lowstock and recommend reorder quantities to the site manager.
• Support Finance-led physical inventory counts andaudits: prepare count sheets, locate items, and resolve variances.
• Apply the Crusoe classification between trackedinventory and consumables when recording items.

Reporting and documentation

• Deliver a short weekly logistics summary to the sitemanager: receipts, shipments, open RMAs with age, inventory exceptions, and lowstock items.
• Keep receiving, RMA, and inventory records current andaudit ready. File packing slips, RMA authorizations, and shipping documents inthe location Crusoe specifies.
• Follow Crusoe SOPs and propose improvements toreceiving, RMA, and storage procedures based on what is observed onsite.

Out of Scope

• Break-fix, racking, cabling, or any work on powered orproduction equipment.
• Work inside live racks or data halls beyond escorteddelivery and staging of material.
• Administration of Crusoe systems beyond data entry andrecord keeping in the tools provided.
• Facilities work owned by Digital Realty (power,cooling, building maintenance).

Deliverables and Acceptance Criteria

• Every inbound receipt logged in the system of recordthe same business day it arrives.
• RMA units packaged and ready to ship by the nextbusiness day after the RMA authorization and shipping documents are received,with tracking recorded once shipped.
• Cycle count results reconciled and documented withintwo business days of each count. Inventory record accuracy meets the toleranceCrusoe sets at the start of the engagement.
• Storage and staging areas maintained to the agreedlayout, verified by a monthly walk with the site manager.
• Weekly logistics summary delivered every Friday.

Acceptance: the Crusoe sitemanager reviews the weekly summary and site condition.

What You’ll Need

• Two or more years in warehouse, receiving, inventory control, shipping, or logistics. Experience with IT or data center hardware is strongly preferred.
• Confident with Excel and Google Sheets (sorting, filters, lookups, basic formulas), Google Docs, and email. Accurate and fast data entry.
• Able to read and act on packing slips, purchase orders, and RMA paperwork. Careful with serial numbers and part numbers.
• Reliable, organized, works independently from written procedures, and communicates clearly in writing and in person.
• Eligible to work in the United States and able to pass the background screening required for access to a secure data center facility.

Preferred

• Experience with Jira or a similar ticketing system; logging RMAs or work orders as tickets.
• Familiarity with server, GPU, storage, or network hardware handling, including ESD practices.
• Prior work in a colocation data center or other secure, access-controlled facility.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift 50 lb., stand and walk for extended periods, operate a pallet jack, and work in a data hall environment (noise, controlled temperature).

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

Our Values in Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

Disclaimers

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future

Relocation assistance and sign-on bonuses may be available on select positions only, for qualified candidates based on role requirements and experience

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Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).