Rack Configuration Technician

AHEAD; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; 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 is hiring a Configuration Technician for the 2nd shift to build and configure servers, follow platform documentation, and apply customer-specific specifications. You will work hands-on with NVIDIA, Dell, Cisco, and other OEMs in a fast-paced data center environment.

The role emphasizes basic troubleshooting, operating system installation, and collaboration across departments while maintaining 5S and other standards. Strong attention to detail and effective communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and write English and follow verbal instructions.
• 1–2 years in a fast-paced manufacturing facility.
• Experience with computer hardware and Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Build and configure servers based on data sheets and requirements.
• Troubleshoot hardware defects, logic issues, and system errors.
• Escalate issues via Jira and document steps taken.
• Install and configure operating systems and related software.

Skills

Reading and writing English

Manufacturing experience

Hardware knowledge

Attention to detail

Teamwork and communication

5S/Operational standards

Tools

Jira

Microsoft Office

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.

Join a cutting-edge team supporting the AI and liquid cooling revolution. As a Configuration Technician on our 2nd shift, you will follow platform documentation, processes, and production defaults to apply customer-specific, order‑specific, and hardware‑specific software. You'll work hands‑on with the latest technologies from NVIDIA, Dell, Cisco, and other leading OEMs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Build and configure computer servers based on engineering-provided data sheets and system requirements.
• Perform basic troubleshooting for hardware defects, logical issues, and system errors across a wide range of technologies.
• Escalate issues as needed through Jira.
• Install and configure operating systems and related software.
• Flash BIOS and firmware on various hardware platforms.
• Power on data center racks using PDUs to do testing outlined by engineering.
• Upgrade and test network switches.
• Work independently to resolve technical challenges with minimal documentation.
• Assist in optimizing work instructions and technical documentation.
• Harvest data correctly based on instructions given.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support other departments as needed.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required

• Ability to read and write English, follow verbal instructions and use simple math.
• One to two years of experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing facility
• Experience with computer hardware
• Experience with Microsoft office products

Preferred

• Experience assembling and configuring data center racks.
• Familiarity with liquid cooling systems and high-performance computing environments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and task prioritization.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Proactive problem-solving and issue resolution.
• Commitment to maintaining 5S and other operational standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards

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.