Data Center Systems Engineer

Insight Global; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 117,096 - 123,984; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking a talented Data Center Systems Engineer in Santa Clara, CA, to support a major tech client. This mid-senior level contract role involves maintaining test environments for developers, collaborating with infrastructure teams, and ensuring the reliability of critical systems. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience, is familiar with various tools, and is proficient in Linux and Windows administration. The role demands hands-on expertise in hardware maintenance and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in data centers or large engineering labs.
• Willingness to work 2pm–11pm and travel across Santa Clara data centers.
• Familiarity with SCMs (Git, Perforce).
• Proficient with Linux and Windows administration.
• Hands-on experience with PCBs, GPUs, and system deployments.

Responsibilities

• Provide and maintain test-beds for developers.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure Engineers; install and maintain platforms.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software for critical systems.
• Deploy test boards that run automated tests.

Skills

Data center management

Linux administration

Windows administration

Scripting (shell, Python, Ansible)

TCP/IP and related protocols

Git/Perforce

Tools

DCIM tools (e.g., Nautobot)

SQL/MySQL

Job description

This range is provided by Insight Global. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$85.00/hr - $90.00/hr

Duration: 6 month contract

Pay: $85-$90/hr.

About the Role

Insight Global is seeking a talented Data Center Systems Engineer to support one of our largest Bay Area tech clients. You’ll help provide a robust test environment for developers across diverse hardware, ensure high system availability, and collaborate closely with infrastructure teams to keep mission‑critical platforms running smoothly.

What You’ll Do

• Provide and maintain test-beds for developers to validate software on various hardware prior to release.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure Engineers; install, maintain, and harden Windows/Linux platforms; apply creative problem solving to complex issues.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software to ensure uninterrupted operation of critical systems.
• Deploy test boards that run automated tests; triage and root‑cause issues related to test setup (non‑HW/SW faults).
• Remove/redeploy boards on a cadence to apply software and/or hardware upgrades from board engineers.

What You’ll Need to Succeed (Required)

• 5+ years in data centers or large engineering labs.
• Willingness and ability to work 2pm–11pm and travel across Santa Clara data centers.
• Familiarity with SCMs (Git, Perforce).
• Proficiency with DCIM tools (e.g., Nautobot) and scripting (shell, Python, Ansible).
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, NFS, SSL, and related protocols/services.
• Proficient with Linux and Windows administration.
• Hands‑on experience with PCBs, GPUs, and system deployments.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of data center infrastructure, especially liquid cooling.
• Experience handling PDUs and power distribution in lab environments.
• System administrator‑level experience (Unix/Windows) and scripting to automate workflows (bash/Python).
• Basic Git/Perforce operations (checkout, edit, check‑in of scripts).
• Ability to write SQL queries against MySQL databases.

Work Environment & Collaboration

You’ll partner closely with infrastructure and board engineering teams, contributing to reliable, scalable test environments and smooth upgrade cycles. The role is hands‑on, fast‑paced, and critical to keeping next‑generation systems ready for release.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Information Technology and Engineering

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

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