Data Centre Infrastructure Specialist

Job Description

The Data Centre Engineer will be responsible for the physical infrastructure within the data centre, including cabling, racking, stacking, and supporting day-to-day operations through Smart Hands services.

Main Responsibilities:

• Install, route, and manage data centre cabling (copper, fibre optic), ensuring all connections are secure, labelled, and meet industry standards.
• Perform server and network equipment installation, including racking and stacking servers, switches, routers, and other IT hardware.
• Troubleshoot and repair cabling and hardware faults, including physical connectivity issues.

Rack and Stack Operations:

• Physically install, configure, and decommission hardware in accordance with best practices.
• Maintain accurate rack elevation and asset management records to reflect the current layout of servers and network equipment.
• Ensure proper airflow, cable management, and power distribution within each rack for optimal performance and safety.

Smart Hands Services:

• Provide remote hands support for clients and internal teams, including troubleshooting hardware, rebooting servers, swapping out equipment, and replacing cables or modules.
• Perform basic software configuration and troubleshooting under the direction of network or server engineers.
• Respond to urgent requests for physical equipment management, such as console access, patching, and equipment upgrades or swaps.

Network and Connectivity Support:

• Assist with the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of network devices and connectivity issues.
• Perform cable patching for data and power connections, ensuring high-quality and secure connections.
• Work with the network team to support VLAN configurations, IP addressing, and connectivity testing when required.

Documentation and Inventory Management:

• Maintain accurate documentation of cabling layouts, equipment inventory, and rack configurations.
• Ensure that all cabling and equipment installations are recorded in asset management tools and that labeling is up to date.
• Conduct regular audits of physical hardware and network assets to ensure compliance with internal policies.

Health, Safety, and Quality:

• Follow safety protocols and ensure that all cabling and hardware installations comply with relevant standards and regulations.
• Ensure proper cable management practices are followed to maintain the operational integrity of data centre infrastructure.
• Regularly inspect the data centre for any potential risks or issues related to cable management or hardware placement.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with internal teams, including network engineers, systems administrators, and external vendors, to ensure project delivery.
• Act as an escalation point for troubleshooting physical hardware issues.
• Provide real-time updates to clients and internal teams on service requests and project progress.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience with structured cabling systems (copper, fibre optic), including crimping, patching, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with data centre hardware, including servers, switches, routers, and storage devices.
• Knowledge of data centre best practices in rack layout, power management, cooling, and cable management.
• Understanding of basic networking concepts such as IP addressing, VLANs, and port configurations.

Experience and Education:

• Relevant technical certification or degree in IT, Networking, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in a data centre environment focused on cabling and hardware installations.
• Experience with Smart Hands services and working in a client-facing role preferred.
• Certifications such as BICSI, CompTIA Network , or similar are advantageous.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills for working with internal teams, clients, and external vendors.
• Attention to detail with the ability to work independently or in a team to complete tasks efficiently.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift and install hardware components up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and on-call rotations.
• Willingness to travel between data centre locations when required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Pension plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and certification support
• Employee assistance programs