Data Center Technician Level 1

Cognizant; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 79,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Data Center Technician, Level 1, to support data center operations at the Sparks, NV client site. The role includes rack & stack, cable management, hardware installation and decommissioning, and L1 incident handling.

Candidates must be US-authorized and prepared for rotational shifts. Responsibilities include inventory management, shipping verification, asset tagging, RMA coordination, and updating tickets with troubleshooting steps.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of networking fundamentals (IP, switching, patching) and server hardware components.
• Familiarity with ticketing tools (ServiceNow or similar) and basic console tools (SSH, Putty).
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• Ability to manage physical inventory and logistics tasks.
• Comfortable working in a rotational shift environment.
• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Data Center Operation: perform rack & stack of servers, network devices, and storage equipment; manage cabling and hardware relocation/decommissioning.
• Hardware & Inventory Management: receive shipments, inspect equipment, maintain inventory records, manage spares, coordinate returns and logistics.
• Incident & Request Handling: provide L1 support via ticketing tools and perform basic troubleshooting; escalate with proper logs.
• Remote Hands Support: assist remote engineers with cable reseating, power cycling, console access, and basic hardware replacement.
• Monitoring & Reporting: monitor DC tool alerts, update tickets with steps and status, maintain documentation and audit records.
• Compliance & Safety: follow data center security, ESd, PPE standards and assist audits.

Skills

Networking basics

Server hardware

Fiber & Ethernet cabling

Ticketing tools

SSH/Putty

Coordination

Communication

Inventory management

Shift work

Documentation accuracy

Tools

ServiceNow

Job description

We are seeking a Data Center Technician, Level 1 support for a full-time opportunity working out of our client office in Sparks, NV. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US. Cognizant will not be able to offer visa sponsorship now or anytime in the future

About Cognizant’s CIS Practice

Cognizant’s CIS (Cognizant Infrastructure Services) Practice is a global leader in providing IT infrastructure services. We deliver innovative solutions to optimize and transform IT infrastructure, ensuring business agility and operational efficiency. Our services include cloud computing, data center management, network services, and cybersecurity. We focus on understanding client needs and delivering customized solutions to drive business success.

In This Role, You Will

Data Center Operation

• Perform rack & stack of servers, network devices, and storage equipment
• Handle cabling (fiber & copper) including labeling and cable management
• Support installation, relocation, and decommissioning of hardware

Hardware & Inventory Management

• Receive and verify hardware shipments against purchase orders / delivery notes
• Perform physical inspection of equipment for damages upon arrival
• Maintain accurate inventory records (asset tagging, tracking, updates)
• Manage spares inventory and ensure availability of critical components
• Coordinate hardware returns (RMA), dispatch, and logistics tracking
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and documentation of all assets

Incident & Request Handling

• Provide L1 support for incidents and service requests via ticketing tools (e.g., ServiceNow)
• Perform basic troubleshooting (L1 triage) for Server hardware issues, Network connectivity (Layer 1 checks) and escalate issues to L2/L3 teams with proper logs and updates

Remote Hands Support

• Act as hands & eyes support for remote engineers
• Execute tasks such as Cable reseating, Power cycling devices, Console access setup and basic hardware replacement (as guided)

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor alerts from DC tools / dashboards
• Update tickets with accurate troubleshooting steps and status
• Maintain documentation, asset inventory, and audit records

Compliance & Safety

• Follow data center security and access protocols
• Adhere to ESD, safety, and PPE standards
• Ensure readiness for audits and compliance checks

What You’ll Need To Succeed (required Skills)

• Basic understanding of€ Networking fundamentals (IP, switching, patching), server hardware components, fiber & Ethernet cabling
• Familiarity with€ Ticketing tools (ServiceNow or similar), basic console tools (SSH, Putty)
• Strong coordination and communication skills
• Ability to manage physical inventory and logistics tasks
• Comfortable working in a rotational shift environment.
• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

The salary range for this role is between $79,000 and $92,000 depending on skills and qualifications of the candidate. Applications will be accepted till 6/19/2026.