Data Center Technician

Microsoft • Manassas, VA

8d • $24 - $41

About The Position

As a Data Center Technician, you will carry out standard processes for preparing, installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, replacing, and decommissioning data center equipment. You will develop an understanding of how cabling infrastructure, network, server, and storage equipment function and interact, and contribute feedback to improve service quality and efficiency. The role includes working with guidance from experienced technicians and management and may involve providing guidance to other technicians.

Microsoft Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) operates the infrastructure behind Microsoft’s online services, including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and Azure. Its global infrastructure includes more than 200 data centers in 32 countries and millions of servers. Microsoft describes environmental sustainability and optimization as priorities in its data center design and operations, and offers employees training and growth opportunities, including career rotation programs, diversity and inclusion training and events, and professional certifications.

The position may require business travel to other metropolitan areas, typically up to 25%, and work on 12-hour shifts, including non-standard hours such as evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Applicants must meet security screening requirements, including a Microsoft Cloud Background Check and citizenship verification. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and basic knowledge of computer hardware and components, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including a Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Citizenship verification with a valid passport is required due to citizenship-based restrictions associated with supporting U.S. government agency customers.
• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer visa sponsorship.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including non-standard hours that may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, typically domestically, including travel between multiple locations during the workday and occasional overnight stays at other sites.
• Ability to work for extended periods in elevated ambient noise, heat, and light.
• Ability to occasionally climb ladders; frequently climb stairs and/or ramps; stand for prolonged periods; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds without assistance and 25–50 pounds with lift assistance; and occasionally push or pull 50–75 pounds with an assistive device.
• Normal visual acuity, including near, far, and peripheral vision with correction, and normal color vision for electrical work, as defined by applicable standard medical criteria.

Responsibilities

• Follow data center policies, procedures, and deadlines; escalate compliance or operational assurance issues.
• Review Process Change Notifications, understand how changes affect work, ask for missing information, and provide feedback on process changes when appropriate.
• Complete assigned tickets in line with applicable performance indicators, seeking guidance on challenging or complex work.
• Prepare, install, diagnose, troubleshoot, replace, and decommission data center technology and equipment, developing knowledge of cabling, network, server, and storage systems.
• Complete security and data management training and follow applicable policies; report physical security concerns and incidents. May escort vendors or IT support at data center or network sites.
• Share information across shifts and teams, contribute to team meetings, support effective handovers, and adopt and share practices that improve team effectiveness and efficiency.
• Participate in safety briefings and training, follow safety procedures, complete task hazard analyses, use appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment, and report safety concerns, near-misses, and incidents.
• Monitor personal performance indicators and develop an understanding of cross-functional data center processes and stakeholder partnerships.
• Complete assigned job-related training, observe experienced technicians for hands-on learning, and pursue supplemental training or technical certifications when assigned or appropriate.
• Seek guidance on client interactions and task execution strategies.
• Prepare, stage, set up, and perform basic hardware startups and shutdowns according to written instructions and standard procedures; work with other technicians when required for safety or procedural compliance.
• Perform decommissions, simple changes such as memory upgrades and operating system rebuilds, and infrastructure refreshes following standard procedures.
• Process data-bearing devices for destruction or confirm that devices are identified for eradication or destruction, with guidance as needed.
• Promptly communicate, report, and escalate technical or safety incidents; participate in incident bridge calls and complete directed on-site follow-up actions when needed.
• Learn and apply post-execution verification for grounding, staging, labeling, and cabling; escalate deployment standard or Network Design Template errors for correction.
• Perform basic diagnostics and troubleshooting, identify causes of technical issues, and replace faulty network, storage, or server components while minimizing customer or business disruption.
• Embody Microsoft’s culture and values.

Benefits

• Training and growth opportunities, including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion training and events, and professional certifications.
• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation; details are provided through Microsoft’s pay and benefits information page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED