Senior Data Center Engineer - Richmond

DigitalOcean • Richmond, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

DigitalOcean is seeking a Senior Data Center Engineer to build and scale reliable data center infrastructure for its cloud and AI platform. Based onsite in Richmond, Virginia, this role reports to the Data Center Manager. The engineer will own complex deployments and repairs with little instruction, serve as an escalation point for difficult and recurring issues, improve team operations, mentor technicians and engineers, lead smaller projects, and help define standards for reliable site operations. The role may involve 12-hour shifts, including non-standard hours, and participation in an on-call rotation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of experience troubleshooting IT systems.
• Experience deploying and troubleshooting GPU hardware at scale for AI workloads.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure hardware deployment and troubleshooting across networking, hardware, and Linux OS.
• Strong understanding of Linux operating systems and proficiency with bash scripting.
• Working knowledge of data center power and cooling, and a strong understanding of cabling plans and best practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort performing deep technical dives to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to operate and navigate effectively through ambiguity.
• Experience mentoring or training junior engineers and technicians.
• Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation.
• Ability to travel up to 10%, typically domestically between multiple locations during the workday and occasionally to other sites for overnight stays.
• May work 12-hour shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to be on your feet all day and lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Own complex deployments from start to finish, including GPU and AI infrastructure, servers, network, and storage hardware.
• Serve as an escalation point for troubleshooting complex and recurring hardware, network, GPU, and Linux OS issues.
• Lead reviews of data center events and incidents, identify root causes using data, and drive fixes through timely resolution and closure.
• Review new data center spaces, cages, and suites against power, cooling, and cabling standards.
• Write, review, and approve operational documentation, runbooks, and procedures; improve and standardize site procedures.
• Track and report operational metrics and recommend improvements.
• Provide input on hardware, materials, and staffing needs for upcoming projects.
• Lead site-wide projects and mentor Data Center Technicians and Engineers.
• Partner with peers and leaders across teams, sharing knowledge through documentation, demos, and team learning sessions.
• Ensure RMA, inventory, and asset management processes are followed consistently at the site.

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in DigitalOcean’s annual bonus plan; bonus amounts depend on company and individual performance.
• May be eligible for a new-hire equity grant, subject to plan terms and local eligibility.
• Eligible employees may receive equity compensation, which may include a new-hire equity grant and, in participating countries, the opportunity to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Reimbursement for relevant conferences, training, and education, subject to company policy.
• Benefits may include flexible time off, local team meetups, and mental health and well-being support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior