Sr. Principal Data Center Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Datacenter Engineer to design, implement, and manage our mission-critical data center infrastructure. This role requires deep expertise in server hardware, networking, virtualization, cloud integrations, and security to ensure high availability, scalability, and optimal performance. The ideal candidate will lead complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in data center operations.

Career Level - IC5

Responsibilities:

• Datacenter Infrastructure Design & Management:
  • Architect and implement highly available and scalable data center solutions.
  • Manage server, storage, and network infrastructure across multiple data center locations.
  • Optimize power, cooling, and space utilization for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Lead capacity planning efforts and forecast future resource needs.
• Networking & Virtualization:
  • Design and maintain LAN, WAN, SDN, and cloud connectivity for seamless operations.
  • Manage and troubleshoot firewalls, load balancers, VLANs, and network security appliances.
  • Oversee virtualized environments (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM) and cloud integration (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Automation & Performance Optimization:
  • Develop and implement automation scripts (Python, Ansible, PowerShell, Terraform) for efficiency.
  • Monitor, analyze, and improve network and system performance metrics.
  • Utilize AI-driven monitoring and predictive analytics to prevent failures.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Enforce strict security protocols, access controls, and compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS).
  • Conduct risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing to safeguard infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to harden network and physical security.
• Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior datacenter engineers.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams (IT, DevOps, Security, Cloud, Facilities) to align business goals.
  • Lead datacenter migration, expansion, and consolidation projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in data center engineering, network administration, or infrastructure management.
• Expertise in server hardware (Dell, HP, Cisco UCS) and enterprise storage solutions (SAN, NAS, NVMe).
• Strong knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, MPLS, SD-WAN).
• Hands-on experience with firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet), load balancers, and VPNs.
• Deep experience with virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V) and hybrid cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proficiency in automation/scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible).
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Experience with disaster recovery, backup solutions, and business continuity planning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, VCP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or DCCA.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices.
• Knowledge of AI-driven monitoring tools and predictive analytics for datacenter operations.
• Familiarity with ITIL framework, DevOps methodologies, and Agile environments.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• On-site role with occasional travel to remote data centers.
• Availability for on-call rotations and weekend maintenance window