Data Center Engineering Lead

DRIVENETS•Houston, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

DriveNets is looking for a skilled Data Center Engineer to lead a small team in our Houston Lab. The selected candidate will be be a hands on leader and responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and optimizing our data center environments to ensure high availability, resiliency, and performance. This role involves hands-on technical work, troubleshooting hardware and network issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support mission-critical systems. You will report to the Lab Manager.

Requirements

Must have led a build-out of a data center operation as a senior member of the team or lead
2–5+ years of experience in data center operations or infrastructure engineering (adjust depending on level).
Strong understanding of server hardware, cabling standards, and rack/stack procedures.
Experience with network fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, routing & switching).
Ability to lift and move equipment (up to ~25 kg / 50 lbs if required).
Knowledge of monitoring tools and ticketing systems.
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and documentation abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
High attention to detail and operational discipline.
Ability to perform in high-pressure, mission-critical environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM, Hyper-V).
Knowledge of Linux/Windows system administration.
Familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools.
Experience in cloud or hybrid environments.
Certifications: CompTIA Server+, Network+, CCNA, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Oversee the team responsible for installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, network equipment, storage systems, and cabling.
Monitor facility systems, including power, cooling, fire suppression, and physical security.
Conduct routine inspections to ensure environmental and operational stability.
Manage data center capacity planning (space, power, cooling).
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware failures for servers, routers, switches, and other equipment.
Coordinate with vendors for RMA processes and hardware lifecycle management.
Perform firmware upgrades and hardware refresh activities.
Support deployment and maintenance of network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, routing, switching).
Assist with installation and configuration of OS and virtualization technologies (Linux, VMware, Hyper-V, etc.).
Work with IT/security teams to ensure compliance and secure configuration of data center assets.
Monitor systems and respond to alerts to ensure uptime and SLA adherence.
Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, configurations, and procedures.
Follow and improve standard operating procedures.
Maintain asset inventory, rack diagrams, and documentation.
Support audits and compliance requirements.
Lead the build out and provide necessary reporting back to VP and leadership on the state of the data center and the needs to grow and maintain a state of the art facility.