Sr. Data Center Operations (DCO) Engineer-Federal

Zscaler; Texas; Remote; USD 91,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Time off plans for vacation and sick

Parental leave options

Retirement options

Education reimbursement

In-office perks, and more!

Job summary

Zscaler is seeking a Sr. Data Center Operations Engineer to join the Cloud Operations team.

This remote-facing role in Houston, TX reports to the Director of Network Infrastructure and will deploy, maintain, and scale critical data center infrastructure across global environments. You will drive hardware, networking, and cabling deployments, work with cross-functional teams, and travel up to 50% to support production centers worldwide.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in production data center environments with a track record directing remote data center vendors.
• Experience leveraging AI tools, automation, or scripting to streamline data center workflows and diagnostics.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to customer assignments.
• Proficient with Linux/Unix CLI, BIOS configurations and out-of-band management tools (iLO/iDRAC/IPMI).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly to support deployments.

Responsibilities

• Execute physical rack-and-stack deployments in production data centers.
• Triage, troubleshoot, and remediate hardware and network faults.
• Manage and resolve operational ticket queues and maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with engineering, system owners, and Remote Hands technicians on installations.
• Maintain asset tracking and travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

Skills

AI tools

Vendor management

Linux CLI

BIOS config

IPMI

Data center experience

U.S. citizenship

Tools

iLO

iDRAC

IPMI

Job description

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 200+ public data centers globally and thousands of private sites at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world’s hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.

Role

We are looking for a Sr. Data Center Operations (DCO) Engineer to join our Cloud Operations team. This is a remote role in Houston, TX, reporting to the Director of Network Infrastructure in the Network Infrastructure department. In this role, you will be instrumental in deploying, maintaining, and scaling the critical physical server, network, and cabling infrastructure powering our global production data center environments.

What You’ll Do (Role Expectations)

• Execute physical rack-and-stack deployments, structured cabling, and infrastructure lifecycle management across production data centers
• Triage, troubleshoot, and remediate hardware and network faults while repairing or replacing failing components
• Manage and resolve operational ticket queues, driving scheduled corrective maintenance and break/fix activities
• Coordinate and partner with engineering teams, system owners, and third-party Remote Hands technicians to validate installations
• Maintain comprehensive asset tracking documentation and support up to 50% domestic and international travel

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• You are a disciplined infrastructure specialist committed to maintaining pristine, highly available production data center environments.
• You are an adept problem-solver who excels at diagnosing and resolving complex physical hardware and network connectivity issues.
• You are a proactive collaborator skilled at directing third-party remote hands and cross-functional engineering partners.
• You are detail-oriented and take pride in precise documentation, structured cable plants, and operational rigor.
• You are adaptable and energized by hands-on technical fieldwork, balancing travel requirements with dynamic operational demands.

What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications)

• Experience leveraging modern AI tools, automation, or scripting to streamline data center operational workflows and diagnostics
• 5 or more years of experience working within production data center environments, with a proven track record engaging and directing remote data center vendors
• U.S. citizenship, required due to the nature of the customers assigned to this role
• Deep technical understanding of diverse server platforms, network hardware, optics, fiber plants, and copper cabling
• Proficient with Linux/Unix command-line interfaces, BIOS configurations, and out-of-band management tools such as iLO, iDRAC, and IPMI
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly and regularly in support of physical infrastructure deployments

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience applying AI-assisted engineering tools and workflows to system diagnostics, infrastructure automation, documentation, or operational reliability
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%

Zscaler’s salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations and could be higher or lower based on a multitude of factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Base Pay Range

$91,200—$114,000 USD

At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure.

Benefits

• Various health plans
• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• Education reimbursement
• In-office perks, and more!

Learn more about Zscaler's hybrid working model and benefits here.

By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines.

Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link.

Pay Transparency

Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules.

Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support.