Assistant Data Center Manager

The Computing, Environment, and Life Sciences (CELS) Systems Group is dedicated to empowering scientific discovery through innovative IT solutions. Our mission is to create a world-class computing environment that supports groundbreaking research and collaboration. By joining our team, you'll contribute to transformative projects, tackle complex challenges, and work alongside passionate colleagues in an inclusive, customer-focused culture.

The Assistant Data Center Manager will support the operational and strategic efforts related to the Theory and Computer Science (TCS) Data Center infrastructure. This role provides technical and administrative support aimed at ensuring high levels of system reliability and efficient operations. The Data Center tenants include CELS computing, Argonne Leadership Computing which includes the Aurora Supercomputer, and other affiliated divisions and research institutions.  This position will report to the CELS IT Director, with technical direction and day-to-day operations guided by the CELS Data Center Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Infrastructure Support: Assist in the monitoring and maintenance of data center computing systems as they relate to data center operations. Assist in the tracking of and reporting on power usage and cooling capacity to ensure operational efficiency.
• Compliance and Safety: Help support the maintenance of compliance with Department of Energy sustainability requirements and safety protocols for data center facilities. Act as floor manager for new installations that do not have a specifically assigned floor manager, coordinating site visits and contractor work.
• Coordination and Communication: Facilitate communication between tenants, contractors, and the facilities management team. Assist in scheduling and coordinating activities within the data center, minimizing conflicts and communicating potential service impacts to tenants. This includes installation of new computing systems, decommissioning of older systems, coordinating with building management on waste and recycling removal, and other data center activities.
• Documentation and Reporting: Help update and maintain comprehensive documentation of the data center's infrastructure, including Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools. Contribute to reports provided to division management. Assist in assigning and tracking data center access in combination with Argonne’s security requirements as well as building management’s requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Assist in identifying areas to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Support the implementation of processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Strategic Planning Support: Collaborate with team members and Data Center Manager to plan for future upgrades and accommodate new occupants.

Tasks and Duties:

• Assist in the development or deployment of capacity management processes and tools for power usage, load distribution across power distribution units (PDUs), cooling capacity, and data center infrastructure software.
• Support efforts to create centralized data sources for data center layout and infrastructure information.
• With Data Center Manager and Building Facilities Management, assist in providing 24/7 emergency response and incident management.

Daily Tasks:

• Assist in processing change requests, coordinating rack/equipment moves, and managing power installation requests.
• Help manage support contracts for lab-owned infrastructure.
• Facilitate contractor work coordination and scheduling.
• Assist in improving shipping and receiving processes and developing communication plans.
• Contribute to the maintenance of updated floor plans and panel schedules in collaboration with facility management.

Position Requirements

• Detailed understanding of safety protocols related to data center facilities.
• Familiarity with common data center technology solutions, including asset management tools, power/efficiency tools, monitoring tools, and similar.
• Ability to learn new tools related to Data Center management, including technologies such as Niagara, Data Center Expert, OpenDCIM, and similar systems.
• Knowledge of data center design and construction standards, related electrical, cooling, and mechanical systems, and best practices to improve system reliability, redundancy and efficiency.
• Experience managing support tickets through a ticket management system.
• Ability to communicate in a professional and effective manner with team members, tenants, building management, and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from start to finish.
• Broad understanding of data center principles, with working knowled