Data Center Engineer
Job Description
Description
Traditional M-F shift, shift begins anywhere from 7am - 9am
The first interview will be focused on what the candidate has done with observability platforms. He wants real-world examples of implementing or maintaining system observability and monitoring solutions, beyond just SolarWinds
The Data Center Engineer / "Data Center Technician III"'s main responsibility is to lead efforts regarding data center operations/projects as well as service escalations from other Data Center Technicians. This role keeps current with industry standards, growth, and changes in technology. This is a 24/7, 100% on campus position and requires flexibility and willingness to cover shifts of any hour with short notice. Infrequent travel to remote facilities may be required. Additionally, this position may be scheduled to work during off-hours that may fall outside of normal business hours or during the weekend, specifically Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and periodically assigned after-hour support and availability to receive pages 24-7.
The ideal candidate will have four (4) years of relevant experience, including some leadership responsibilities. Data center experience is . Strong communication skills, knowledge of data center operations and DCIM support, systems monitoring with application tools like dynatrace, DATADOG, etc., and the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment are essential.
JOB DUTIES
•\tMonitors and responds to failures including those related to power, hardware, network, and facilities.
•\tAnalyzes system events/alerts and diagnoses potential root causes.
•\tUtilize elevated access and sound judgement during remediation processes.
•\tResponds to system hardware issues by applying diagnostics, troubleshooting, testing, and reimplementation.
•\tCarries out shipping/receiving duties to maintain accurate inventory control and asset tracking.
•\tConducts issue tracking and responds to incidents in a timely manner.
•\tAssists with running cable as specified in work orders, often including Fiber and Ethernet.
•\tPlans, schedules, and executes project initiatives at direction of Managers and other levels of Systems Engineers.
•\tCreates processes to audit and verify existing equipment/operations to maintain core data center standards.
•\tAssists with the operational rollout of new data system components, processes, and services.
•\tHandles escalations from Data Center Technician I and IIs.
•\tPerforms other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Tech 3 – Data Center Engineer, could also be considered an Observability / Tools Engineer
•\tMid-level systems admin across hardware and software
•\tSupports Tech 1 and Tech 2 staff
•\tIncreased involvement in project work
•\tWorks under project managers (not a PMP role)
•\tOwns more tasks and project components
•\tMust be a strong communicator
•\tCurrent monitoring system is obsolete
•\tGoal is to move toward enterprise-level observability
•\tDesired capabilities include monitoring:
o\tSystems
o\tApplications
o\tNetworking
o\tDatabases
o\tRisk and other platforms
•\tTools similar to Datadog or Dynatrace, but not committed to either
•\tRole responsibilities:
o\tAssess the current environment
o\tDefine monitoring requirements
o\tEvaluate tools and vendors
o\tLead proofs of concept (POCs)
o\tWork with stakeholders and vendors
•\tThis will be a multi-year effort to fully implement and onboard systems
•\tStrong emphasis on culture change:
o\tCurrently ~40 different monitoring tools
o\tEach group owns their own tools
o\tThis role must help break down silos and drive adoption
•\tRequires excellent soft skills and communication
•\tBackground expectations:
o\tSystems administration
o\tDatabases
o\tScripting
o\tAPIs
•\tWill collaborate with storage and network teams (no mastery required)
•\tNot looking for 20+ years of experience—skills and mindset matter more
•\tFocus is on a functional, influential leader who can sell the why behind observability
•\tTechnical implementation expertise can be supplemented externally
Skills
Data center
Top Skills Details
Data center
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Team Overview & Culture
•\tThey have been receiving many cable technician candidates, which do not fit these roles.
•\tThese are not pure data center technician roles; they require both hardware and software skills.
•\tCulture is critical at UT Southwestern:
o\tStrong communication skills
o\tProfessionalism
o\tAbility to clearly explain and defend what’s on their resume
Management Philosophy
•\tNo micromanagement
•\tLooking for self-driven individuals
•\tNot interested in people who only work from a checklist
•\tPreference for jack-of-all-trades skill sets:
o\tSystems
o\tNetworking
o\tLight project management
•\tOnce that foundation exists, they look for additional depth, such as application experience
•\tTitles are not a major focus
Broader IT Organization Context
•\t~800 people in the department
•\tDeep expertise across teams:
o\tServer admins (Windows & Linux)
o\tNetworking (60+ people)
o\tApplications, databases, SharePoint
•\tData Center team acts as the intersection between business and IT
•\tRequires strong “glue” personalities who can communicate across groups
•\tExample use case: onboarding an application requiring 20 servers
•\tTop performers often come from MSP backgrounds due to broad exposure and people skills
•\tUses an older open-source tool called Zion
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Irving, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n
• Medical, dental & vision\n
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n
• Short and long-term \n
• Health Spending Account (HSA)\n
• Transportation benefits\n
• Employee Assistance Program\n
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Irving,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 7, 2026.
h4>About TEKsystems:\n\n
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.
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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to , sex, , , , , veteran status, , , , genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
\n\nAbout TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services \n\n
We’re a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.
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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to , sex, , , , , veteran status, , , , genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.