Logistics Associate

CBRE Group, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. through its DIRECTLINE team is seeking a Logistics Associate to join the data center operations support group in Houston. The role focuses on storage, receiving, shipping, and inventory control within a fast-paced data center environment.

You will follow SOPs, manage on-site storage layouts, verify inbound and outbound shipments, log RMAs, and maintain accurate records. Strong Excel/Sheets skills and the ability to read packing slips are essential.

Qualifications

• Two or more years in warehouse, receiving, inventory control, shipping, or logistics.
• Experience with IT or data center hardware preferred.
• Able to read packing slips, purchase orders, and RMA paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain the site storage layout and organization.
• Receive inbound deliveries, verify contents, and document exceptions the same day.
• Coordinate delivery scheduling with carriers and onsite teams.
• Process RMAs: verify serials, package per requirements, and hand off to carriers.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and perform cycle counts as scheduled.
• Deliver weekly logistics summaries to the site manager.

Skills

Inventory management

Receiving

Shipping

Logistics coordination

Data center hardware familiarity

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Crusoe system

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 reports to Senior Manager, Data Center Operations. Day to day direction and task prioritization come from the site leads. Work is assigned through channels 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 of the site storage and staging areas, predominantly at IAH13: shelving, bins, labeled locations, and a location map.
• Keep every stored item labeled, located, and traceable to its inventory record. Keep aisles, dock areas, and staging areas clear and safe.
• Manage packaging material, pallets, and cardboard removal in line with the site recycling and waste arrangements with Digital Realty.
• Perform a daily loading dock and storage area walk; correct or report anything out of place.

Receiving

• Receive inbound deliveries at the loading dock. Verify contents against the packing slip and purchase order, count, inspect for damage, and photograph and document any exceptions the same day.
• Enter received items into the Crusoe system of record the same business day. Capture quantities, part numbers, and serial numbers for tracked items.
• Stage received hardware and parts for deployment and break-fix work; coordinate handoff with the onsite technicians and project managers.
• Coordinate delivery scheduling with carriers, Crusoe Strategic Sourcing, and the Digital Realty dock. Escort or meet carriers at the dock as required.
• Reconcile receipts against open purchase orders and report short, over, damaged, or unexpected shipments.

Shipping and RMA

• Prepare RMA returns: pull the failed unit, verify serial number against the RMA authorization, package to manufacturer requirements 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 the applicable record. Attach tracking numbers and proof of delivery.
• Participate with Crusoe staff in the follow up with manufacturers, 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 Crusoe sites, vendors, or repair depots, including any transfer paperwork Crusoe requires.
• Maintain a stock of packaging material and shipping supplies sized to expected RMA volume.

Inventory control

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

Reporting and documentation

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

Out of Scope

• Break-fix, racking, cabling, or any work on powered or production equipment.
• Work inside live racks or data halls beyond escorted delivery and staging of material.
• Administration of Crusoe systems beyond data entry and record 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 record the same business day it arrives.
• RMA units packaged and ready to ship by the next business day after the RMA authorization and shipping documents are received, with tracking recorded once shipped.
• Cycle count results reconciled and documented within two business days of each count. Inventory record accuracy meets the tolerance Crusoe sets at the start of the engagement.
• Storage and staging areas maintained to the agreed layout, verified by a monthly walk with the site manager.
• Weekly logistics summary delivered every Friday.
• Acceptance: the Crusoe site manager 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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