Data Center Engineer

The University Information Technologies Services (UITS) Data Center Engineer is responsible for the comprehensive management and operational oversight of the UITS data center facilities.

This role encompasses planning, coordinating, and maintaining critical infrastructure-including power, cooling, and security systems-while ensuring seamless collaboration with campus units such as public safety, facilities management, networking, systems administration and building operations.

The engineer also oversees co-location services, building systems, and inventory within the data center environment. This role is essential for ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of the university's data center operations and supporting the institution's academic and research missions.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Oversee daily operations of the data center, ensuring optimal performance, security, and availability of all systems and infrastructure.
• Lead the planning, design, and architecture of data center facilities, including power distribution, cooling systems, and physical layout, in collaboration with facilities management.
• Coordinate with UITS change advisory board, networking, facilities management, and other university units for scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and emergency response.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, industry standards, and best practices for data center operations.
• Oversee vendor relationships and service contracts for facility and IT infrastructure.
• Coordinate with systems administrators regarding installation (including racking), and maintenance of co-location equipment for UITS staff and campus partners.
• Execute and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for co-location clients, ensuring service commitments are met.
• Collaborate with network services to integrate and support co-location equipment and related infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance and support for co-location clients and ensure adherence to security and operational protocols.
• Maintain and monitor building systems critical to data center operations, including Amer-X, security cameras, building air handlers, and mechanical room equipment.
• Coordinate with the building manager and facilities staff for preventive maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to building systems.
• Ensure physical security and environmental controls are in place and functioning properly.
• Oversee inventory of all data center assets, including IT equipment, spare parts, and facility supplies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools.
• Knowledge of co-location service models and SLA management.
• Knowledge of building access systems and security protocols.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and participate in incident response processes.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for cross-departmental coordination.
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure (power, cooling, security), IT systems, and facility management tools.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.