Diagnostics Specialist of Returned Parts and Systems

AHEAD; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Job summary

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business and seeks a Hardware Diagnostics Technician to troubleshoot and repair computer systems and related hardware across data centers and client sites. You will document steps, manage inventory, and generate repair orders as part of a collaborative engineering and support team.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years in hardware diagnostics, strong server hardware knowledge, and familiarity with Windows and Linux, plus networking basics and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 3–5 years in computer hardware diagnostics.
• Certifications in hardware technologies (e.g., CompTIA, Dell EMC, HP, IBM) preferred.
• Familiarity with inventory management processes and order entry systems.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and diagnose defective hardware in computer systems.
• Follow reset instructions for edge/accessory hardware (POS, switches, tablets).
• Document detailed notes of troubleshooting steps and resolutions.
• Manage and adjust inventory for returned components and replacement parts.
• Generate repair orders including shipping and stocking.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality and support teams on resolutions.

Skills

Server hardware

Windows OS

Linux OS

Networking basics

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

3–5 years hardware diagnostics experience

Tools

Order entry systems

Inventory management software

Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.

Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair individual computer system components, completed computer systems, network equipment, and other non-compute hardware. To follow the desired outcome of the server, components, or other hardware by setting up repair orders to carry out the required actions and capturing information with high detail.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and diagnose defective hardware in computer systems.
• Follow reset instructions for edge/accessory hardware (i.e. POS systems, network switches, tablets).
• Document detailed notes of troubleshooting steps and resolutions.
• Manage and adjust inventory for returned components and/or replacement parts.
• Generate repair orders to carry out the requested outcomes for systems or components, including shipping and stocking.
• Perform inventory transactions for stocking or corrective action reasoning.
• Report defects identified by end users or shipping carriers on systems or components returned to AHEAD.
• Assist in preventative/corrective processes and their evolution.
• Provide the manufacturing teams with system diagnoses and fully functional systems when needed, unless otherwise noted.
• Provide information to the documentation team on any relevant updates for returned systems.
• Assist the support team in testing and reviewing returned systems and components.
• Work with the support team on incident disposition and resolution for unknown or unexpected returns.
• Collaborate with the engineering team on troubleshooting resolutions beyond our scope.
• Work with the quality team on recurring issues and/or corrective actions.
• Contribute to the team by accomplishing necessary tasks as needed.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:

• A high school diploma or GED, or an additional three years of related on-the-job experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in a computer hardware diagnostics environment.

Preferred:

• Certifications in relevant hardware technologies (e.g., CompTIA Certifications, Dell EMC, HP, IBM).
• Familiarity with inventory management processes.
• Experience with order entry systems.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong knowledge of server components and architecture.
• Experience working with both Windows and Linux-based operating systems.
• Solid understanding of computer networking principles.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage complex situations.
• Problem resolution skills.
• Demonstrate persistence and patience in problem-solving.

Physical Requirements

• Performance of Essential Functions: Ability to safely and effectively perform all essential job functions listed herein while meeting established productivity and quality standards.
• Attendance: Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance, consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other applicable requirements. Includes ability to safely and reliability travel to and from an office and/or client work site, as required.
• Work Environment: Ability to perform job duties at customer sites or in data center environments which may include:
  • Standing, walking, bending, and lifting or moving equipment weight up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • Working in areas with fluctuating temperatures, including warm and cold environments, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Exposure to production environments that may include higher noise levels, bright lighting, and varying airflow.

The compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings ("OTE") for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Why AHEAD

Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.

We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.

USA Employment Benefits include

• - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• - 401(k)
• - Paid company holidays
• - Paid time off
• - Paid parental and caregiver leave
• - Plus more! See benefits https://www.aheadbenefits.com/ for additional details.

Use of AI

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, assessing responses, or to capture recordings and create transcriptions or summaries during interviews. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.

If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice or contact us at [e-mail].

You may opt-out of the review or analysis of your application and resume by AI tools by using the General Application. Please include the role you wish to apply for in the Additional Information field. You may also choose to opt-out of recording and transcription at any time, including after joining an interview. Candidates will not be penalized for choosing to opt-out.