Data Center Operations Engineer

Cloudflare • Boston, MA

10h • Onsite

About The Position

Cloudflare is hiring a hands-on Data Center Operations Engineer to help build and operate new data center sites across the United States. The role is based onsite five days per week at one assigned location in Boston, Dallas, or Salt Lake City. The engineer will receive, inspect, install, cable, troubleshoot, maintain, document, and decommission data center hardware; coordinate work with colocation personnel, integrators, contractors, and partner engineering teams; and provide remote assistance to other sites. Experienced engineers may serve as site technical leads and mentor teammates.

The work focuses on physical infrastructure and Layer 1/Layer 2 connectivity. Engineers use hardware diagnostics, BMC/IPMI, firmware tools, Linux and network-device command lines to investigate issues, while network configuration and server provisioning are handled by partner engineering teams. The role participates in an on-call rotation and requires onsite incident response. Cloudflare expects engineers to address root causes and use AI, scripting, and automation to improve troubleshooting, documentation, runbooks, and recurring processes.

The position also owns accurate DCIM and asset records, site receiving and shipping, spares inventory, RMA processing, vendor oversight, security and compliance procedures, and audit evidence. Occasional travel to other sites may be required. The physical environment includes loud, cold, tightly controlled data centers and work involving lifting and moving equipment, prolonged standing and movement, and use of ladders, lifts, and carts. The role is eligible to participate in Cloudflare’s equity plan.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in data center, network, or server hardware operations, including working independently onsite.
• Experience racking, stacking, and cabling servers and network equipment, and replacing complete systems and components.
• Working knowledge of structured cabling standards, fiber and copper cabling, and optics.
• Hardware troubleshooting beyond parts replacement, including BMC/IPMI, hardware logs, diagnostics, and firmware.
• Comfort using the Linux command line and network-device CLIs to troubleshoot Layer 1 and Layer 2 issues.
• Experience inspecting, cleaning, and testing fiber, including use of light meters or OTDR.
• Regular, hands-on use of AI tools in technical work, such as troubleshooting, log analysis, or documentation, with examples of improving processes rather than repeating workarounds.
• Experience with asset tracking, DCIM or inventory systems, receiving, shipping, and RMA processes.
• Experience working in colocation facilities and with third-party vendors or contractors.
• Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation and respond onsite.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including documenting work and updating tickets.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proximity to the assigned data center.
• Ability to travel occasionally to other sites.
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds and handle heavier equipment with a team or lift assist.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work in tight or elevated spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to use ladders, lifts, and carts safely.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a technical lead or primary onsite data center contact, including leading onsite incident response.
• Experience mentoring or training technicians or engineers.
• Experience writing runbooks, build standards, or checklists used across multiple sites.
• Experience supporting or leading new data center builds or integrated rack deployments.
• Scripting experience, such as Bash or Python, or experience building automation or AI-assisted workflows that reduce manual work.
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+, CCNA, BICSI, CDCP, CDCTP, or other data center certifications.
• Experience with DCIM and source-of-truth tools such as NetBox or Nlyte, and Jira-based workflows.
• Experience at a hyperscaler, cloud provider, major CDN, or similarly large infrastructure operator.
• Experience with ITAD and secure-destruction processes.

Responsibilities

• Support site builds by receiving and inspecting hardware, racking and stacking equipment, and installing and dressing structured cabling to standards.
• Verify integrator and contractor work against build specifications, resolve defects, and ensure sites are production-ready before handoff.
• Triage and troubleshoot server hardware using BMC/IPMI, hardware logs, diagnostics, and firmware tools; identify root causes rather than relying on parts swaps.
• Replace components and complete systems, including servers, switches, and optics, safely and with minimal disruption.
• Troubleshoot Layer 1 and Layer 2 issues using network-device consoles and command-line interface/link information; inspect and clean optics, check light levels, and test fiber with a light meter or OTDR.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond onsite to hardware incidents at the assigned data center.
• Document incidents and work performed, and contribute to root-cause analysis and follow-up actions.
• Improve recurring processes, runbooks, and tooling to prevent repeat issues; use AI tools, scripting, automation, and AI-assisted workflows to improve troubleshooting and documentation.
• Share effective practices so they can be adopted across sites.
• Maintain accurate, real-time DCIM records, including rack elevations, cabling, power, and asset locations from receipt through decommissioning.
• Follow and improve runbooks and build standards to make work repeatable across sites.
• Manage site receiving, shipping, spares inventory, and end-to-end RMA processing.
• Perform onsite decommissioning, including unracking, serial-number verification, and maintaining chain of custody through secure-destruction handoff.
• Escort and supervise colocation remote-hands staff, contractors, and integrators, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards.
• Coordinate site access, maintenance, and escalations with partner teams.
• Follow physical security, access-control, and compliance procedures, and help provide accurate audit evidence.
• Support other sites remotely, including guiding remote hands and reviewing documentation, and travel occasionally to assist with builds or surges.
• Communicate clearly with remote teams, escalate when appropriate, share knowledge, and help newer teammates get up to speed.

Benefits

• Medical/Rx insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Commuter spending accounts
• Fertility and family-forming benefits
• On-demand mental health support and Employee Assistance Program
• Global travel medical insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Employee stock participation plan
• Flexible paid time off covering vacation and sick leave
• Leave programs, including parental, pregnancy health, medical, and bereavement leave
• Eligibility to participate in Cloudflare’s equity plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed