Data Center RMA/Inventory Technician

TensorWave•New Kensington, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

TensorWave is a GPU cloud infrastructure provider powering the most compute-intensive AI and machine learning workloads in the industry. We operate a growing fleet of data centers across the United States and are scaling aggressively to meet surging demand for GPU compute. As the Data Center RMA & Inventory Specialist, you are the logistical backbone of our infrastructure operations. While our Technicians focus on the "racking and stacking," you ensure they have every component they need to succeed and that every failed part is tracked, returned, and replaced. You will manage the entire lifecycle of our hardware assets—from the moment a pallet arrives at the loading dock to the moment a decommissioned drive is securely destroyed. You will also serve as the primary point of contact for hardware vendors, coordinating on-site repairs and ensuring our maintenance contracts are fully utilized.

Requirements

2+ years in inventory management, logistics, or warehouse operations, preferably within a high-tech or data center environment.
Strong understanding of shipping/receiving procedures and RMA workflows.
Ability to identify various IT components (CPUs, DIMMs, SFP types, Fiber connectors).
Proficiency with inventory management software and ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira, NetBox).
High level of organizational skill—you are the person who notices when a single SFP is missing from a box of 50.
Willingness to work shift schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays as part of a 24/7 coverage model
Ability to operate a pallet jack and other warehouse equipment safely.
Ability to lift and move boxes up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to work in a loud, climate-controlled data center environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a customer-facing operations role at a cloud provider, managed services provider, or colocation facility
Exposure to GPU infrastructure, HPC clusters, or AI/ML compute environment.
Direct experience managing hardware replacement workflows through enterprise portals such as Dell TechDirect, HPE Support Center, or Cisco CCO.
DCIM/ERP Expertise: Previous experience using Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools (e.g., NetBox, Device42, Nlyte) or enterprise inventory systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or ServiceNow Asset Management).
Data Sanitation Standards: Working knowledge of NIST 800-88 or DoD 5220.22-M standards for secure data destruction and hard drive decommissioning.
5S/Lean Methodology: Experience implementing 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) or Lean principles within a warehouse or inventory "cage" environment to optimize space and workflow.
Technical Hardware Identification: Ability to visually distinguish between similar but incompatible components (e.g., SFP vs. QSFP, Multi-mode vs. Single-mode fiber, or different generations of DDR RAM).
Material Handling Certification: Current or previous certification in the operation of pallet jacks, stackers, or forklifts within a warehouse or loading dock setting.
Logistics & Compliance: Familiarity with international shipping requirements, including Commercial Invoices, AES filings, or ATA Carnets for moving hardware across borders.
Asset Tagging Strategy: Experience designing or maintaining a barcoding/QR code system for rapid asset tracking and audit reconciliation.

Responsibilities

Stock Control: Maintain a precision inventory of critical spares (SFPs, fiber jumpers, hard drives, RAM, power cables, and tools).
DCIM Accuracy: Ensure the Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) database and ERP systems are updated in real-time as assets move in and out of the "Ready for Use" (RFU) state.
Audit Leadership: Conduct weekly and monthly physical audits of the inventory cage and the data center floor to ensure 100% asset accuracy.
Procurement Support: Monitor "par levels" and alert the Data Center Manager when stock reaches reorder points to prevent project delays.
End-to-End RMA: Initiate and track Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMA) with vendors (e.g., Dell, HPE, Cisco, Arista).
Defective Media Handling: Manage the secure handling and tracking of failed storage media, ensuring compliance with data privacy standards (e.g., NIST 800-88).
Shipping & Receiving: Manage the loading dock operations, including unboxing, palletizing, and coordinating with carriers (FedEx, UPS, Freight) for outgoing repairs.
On-Site Coordination: Act as the primary liaison for third-party vendor technicians. You will schedule their visits and ensure they have the necessary access to perform repairs.
Repair Oversight: Escort vendor technicians on the data center floor, ensuring they follow all safety, security, and "Clean Room" protocols while performing hardware swaps.
Quality Assurance: Verify that vendor repairs are completed to standard and that all replaced parts are correctly logged before the vendor leaves the site.
Tech Collaboration: Work closely with the 8 Data Center Technicians to identify hardware failure trends and ensure that "Dead on Arrival" (DOA) equipment is caught and processed immediately.
Basic Troubleshooting: Perform initial "health checks" on returned or refurbished gear to ensure it is functional before returning it to general stock.