Sr. Data Center Operations Engineer

Zscaler, Inc.; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Zscaler is seeking a Sr. Data Center Operations (DCO) Engineer for a remote role based in Houston, TX. You will deploy, maintain, and scale the critical physical server, network, and cabling infrastructure powering our global production data centers, reporting to the Director of Network Infrastructure.

You will triage hardware issues, coordinate with engineering teams and Remote Hands, manage tickets, and ensure asset tracking with up to 50% travel domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in production data center environments.
• Experience leveraging AI tools, automation, or scripting to streamline data center operations.
• U.S. citizenship required due to the customer base.
• Deep technical understanding of servers, network hardware, optics, fiber and copper cabling.
• Proficient with Linux/Unix CLI, BIOS configurations, and out-of-band management tools (iLO, iDRAC, IPMI).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

AI tools

Automation

Scripting

Production data center

Remote data center vendors

Linux/Unix CLI

iLO/iDRAC/IPMI

Physical lifting 50 lb

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 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges 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%

#LI-YC2 #LI-Hybrid

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.

The base salary range listed for this full-time position excludes commission/ bonus/ equity (if applicable) + benefits.

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.

Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including:

• Time off plans for vacation and sick time
• Parental leave options
• Retirement options
• 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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Zscaler’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.