Data Center Operations Engineer

Milestone Technologies, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 102,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Milestone Technologies, Inc. invites an experienced Senior Data Center Operations Engineer to lead hands-on work during the build-out and long-term operation of a high-performance data center environment.

Expect deep involvement with server hardware troubleshooting, Linux systems, and core data center operations from deployment through steady-state. The role emphasizes reliability, collaboration with engineering and infrastructure teams, and a strong operator mindset, delivering stability in

Qualifications

• 5+ years in data center operations or related infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with server hardware troubleshooting and repair.
• 2+ years Linux experience in production.
• Experience with ticketing systems and ITSM workflows.
• Familiarity with data center build-outs and deployments.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware failures across server platforms.
• Perform component-level repairs and replacements on servers.
• Execute break/fix processes with a focus on minimizing downtime and SLAs.
• Conduct RCA of hardware failures and recommend actions.
• Identify recurring failure trends and contribute to tooling improvements.
• Document repairs, changes, and configurations in ITSM/DCIM systems.
• Act as technical escalation point for complex infrastructure issues.
• Participate in on-call rotation for 24x7 operations.
• Provide guidance and training to technicians on hardware troubleshooting.

Skills

Server hardware troubleshooting

Linux systems

Networking fundamentals

Documentation & SOPs

English communication

Education

CompTIA A+/Server+/Linux+

Tools

ServiceNow

Jira

Job description

Company Overview

Milestone Technologies is a global IT managed services firm that partners with organizations to scale their technology, infrastructure and services to drive specific business outcomes such as digital transformation, innovation, and operational agility. Milestone is focused on building an employee‑first, performance-based culture and for over 25 years, we have a demonstrated history of supporting category‑defining enterprise clients that are growing ahead of the market. The company specializes in providing solutions across Application Services and Consulting, Digital Product Engineering, Digital Workplace Services, Private Cloud Services, AI/Automation, and ServiceNow. Milestone culture is built to provide a collaborative, inclusive environment that supports employees and empowers them to reach their full potential.

Milestone Technologies is a global IT managed services firm that partners with organizations to scale their technology, infrastructure and services to drive specific business outcomes such as digital transformation, innovation, and operational agility. Milestone is focused on building an employee‑first, performance-based culture and for over 25 years, we have a demonstrated history of supporting category‑defining enterprise clients that are growing ahead of the market. The company specializes in providing solutions across Application Services and Consulting, Digital Product Engineering, Digital Workplace Services, Private Cloud Services, AI/Automation, and ServiceNow. Milestone culture is built to provide a collaborative, inclusive environment that supports employees and empowers them to reach their full potential. Our seasoned professionals deliver services based on Milestone’s best practices and service delivery framework. By leveraging our vast knowledge base to execute initiatives, we deliver both short‑term and long‑term value to our clients and apply continuous service improvement to deliver transformational benefits to IT. With Intelligent Automation, Milestone helps businesses further accelerate their IT transformation. The result is a sharper focus on business objectives and a dramatic improvement in employee productivity. Through our key technology partnerships and our people‑first approach, Milestone continues to deliver industry‑leading innovation to our clients. With more than 3,000 employees serving over 200 companies worldwide, we are following our mission of revolutionizing the way IT is deployed.

Job Overview

The Senior Data Center Operations Engineer plays a critical, hands‑on role in supporting the build‑out and long‑term operation of a high‑performance, enterprise‑scale data center environment. This position is designed for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in server hardware troubleshooting, Linux systems, and data center operations. You will contribute during the initial build and deployment phase, supporting infrastructure bring‑up, validation, and hardware readiness. As the environment transitions into steady‑state operations, you will take ownership of ongoing reliability, advanced troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires a strong operator mindset—someone who thrives in high‑availability environments and takes pride in resolving complex issues at their root. You will serve as a technical escalation point, working closely with engineering and infrastructure teams to maintain system stability and performance. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, making clear and professional communication in English (written and verbal) essential for success in this role. This role offers continuity across both deployment and operational phases, providing a strong foundation for long‑term technical growth within a critical infrastructure program.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Hardware Troubleshooting & Repair

• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware failures across server platforms (motherboards, CPUs, memory, storage)
• Perform component‑level repairs and replacements on servers and data center hardware
• Execute break/fix processes with a focus on minimizing downtime and meeting SLAs
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) of hardware failures and recommend preventative actions
• Identify recurring failure trends and contribute to tooling and process improvements
• Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably be assigned from time to

Linux Systems & Platform Support

• Utilize Linux command‑line tools for system monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting
• Support provisioning and deployment of servers across various Linux distributions (RHEL, Ubuntu, etc.)
• Troubleshoot boot‑level and OS‑level issues in production environments
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve complex issues involving hardware/software interaction

Data Center Operations

• Support hardware installation, structured cabling, and infrastructure validation
• Maintain accurate inventory of spare parts, assets, and retired equipment
• Document all repairs, changes, and configurations in ITSM/DCIM systems
• Ensure adherence to data center safety, security, and operational protocols
• Act as a technical escalation point for complex infrastructure issues
• Participate in on‑call rotation supporting 24x7 operations

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Provide guidance and training to technicians on hardware troubleshooting best practices
• Collaborate with network, storage, and infrastructure teams to resolve cross‑functional issues
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, documentation, and operational excellence initiatives

Required Skills

• Strong English communication skills (written and verbal) are required for coordination with cross‑functional teams
• Expert‑level knowledge of server hardware architecture and component‑level troubleshooting
• Strong proficiency with Linux systems and command‑line diagnostics
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals and hardware (switches, routers, firewalls)
• Experience working within structured operational environments (SOPs, SLAs, ticketing systems)
• Familiarity with ITSM/DCIM tools (ServiceNow, Jira, or similar)
• Experience with structured cabling and fiber optic connectivity
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to operate effectively in high‑pressure, high‑availability environments
• Strong organizational and documentation skills

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in data center operations or similar infrastructure environments
• Significant hands‑on experience with server hardware troubleshooting and repair
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with Linux operating systems in production environments
• Experience supporting enterprise server platforms and infrastructure environments
• Demonstrated experience performing root cause analysis and resolving complex hardware issues
• Experience working within ticketing systems and operational workflows
• Exposure to data center build‑outs, deployments, or infrastructure upgrades (preferred)

Preferred Certifications

• CompTIA A+, Server+, or Linux+
• LPI certification or equivalent
• Vendor‑specific hardware certifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in a temperature‑controlled environment with moderate noise levels
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods

Compensation

Estimated Pay Range: $49.00 - $75.00 USD We also offer comprehensive benefits options which vary depending on role, location, and employment type. The Talent Acquisition Partner can share more details about compensation or benefits for the role during the interview process.