Data Center Engineer

Description
Traditional M-F shift, shift begins anywhere from 7am - 9am
The first interview will be focused on what the candidate has done with observability platforms. He wants real-world examples of implementing or maintaining system observability and monitoring solutions, beyond just SolarWinds
The Data Center Engineer / "Data Center Technician III"'s main responsibility is to lead efforts regarding data center operations/projects as well as service escalations from other Data Center Technicians. This role keeps current with industry standards, growth, and changes in technology. This is a 24/7, 100% on campus position and requires flexibility and willingness to cover shifts of any hour with short notice. Infrequent travel to remote facilities may be required. Additionally, this position may be scheduled to work during off-hours that may fall outside of normal business hours or during the weekend, specifically Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and periodically assigned after-hour support and availability to receive pages 24-7.
The ideal candidate will have four (4) years of relevant experience, including some leadership responsibilities. Data center experience is preferred. Strong communication skills, knowledge of data center operations and DCIM support, systems monitoring with application tools like dynatrace, DATADOG, etc., and the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment are essential.
JOB DUTIES
Monitors and responds to failures including those related to power, hardware, network, and facilities.
Analyzes system events/alerts and diagnoses potential root causes.
Utilize elevated access and sound judgement during remediation processes.
Responds to system hardware issues by applying diagnostics, troubleshooting, testing, and reimplementation.
Carries out shipping/receiving duties to maintain accurate inventory control and asset tracking.
Conducts issue tracking and responds to incidents in a timely manner.
Assists with running cable as specified in work orders, often including Fiber and Ethernet.
Plans, schedules, and executes project initiatives at direction of Managers and other levels of Systems Engineers.
Creates processes to audit and verify existing equipment/operations to maintain core data center standards.
Assists with the operational rollout of new data system components, processes, and services.
Handles escalations from Data Center Technician I and IIs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Tech 3 - Data Center Engineer, could also be considered an Observability / Tools Engineer
Mid-level systems admin across hardware and software
Supports Tech 1 and Tech 2 staff
Increased involvement in project work
Works under project managers (not a PMP role)
Owns more tasks and project components
Must be a strong communicator
Current monitoring system is obsolete
Goal is to move toward enterprise-level observability
Desired capabilities include monitoring:
o Systems
o Applications
o Networking
o Databases
o Risk and other platforms
Tools similar to Datadog or Dynatrace, but not committed to either
Role responsibilities:
o Assess the current environment
o Define monitoring requirements
o Evaluate tools and vendors
o Lead proofs of concept (POCs)
o Work with stakeholders and vendors
This will be a multi-year effort to fully implement and onboard systems
Strong emphasis on culture change:
o Currently ~40 different monitoring tools
o Each group owns their own tools
o This role must help break down silos and drive adoption
Requires excellent soft skills and communication
Background expectations:
o Systems administration
o Databases
o Scripting
o APIs
Will collaborate with storage and network teams (no mastery required)
Not looking for 20+ years of experience-skills and mindset matter more
Focus is on a functional, influential leader who can sell the why behind observability
Technical implementation expertise can be supplemented externally

Skills
Data center
Top Skills Details
Data center
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Team Overview & Culture
They have been receiving many cable technician candidates, which do not fit these roles.
These are not pure data center technician roles; they require both hardware and software skills.
Culture is critical at UT Southwestern:
o Strong communication skills
o Professionalism
o Ability to clearly explain and defend what's on their resume
Management Philosophy
No micromanagement
Looking for self-driven individuals
Not interested in people who only work from a checklist
Preference for jack-of-all-trades skill sets:
o Systems
o Networking
o Light project management
Once that foundation exists, they look for additional depth, such as application experience
Titles are not a major focus
Broader IT Organization Context
~800 people in the department
Deep expertise across teams:
o Server admins (Windows & Linux)
o Networking (60+ people)
o Applications, databases, SharePoint
Data Center team acts as the intersection between business and IT
Requires strong "glue" personalities who can communicate across groups
Example use case: onboarding an application requiring 20 servers
Top performers often come from MSP backgrounds due to broad exposure and people skills
Uses an older open-source tool called Zion
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Irving, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Irving,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 7, 2026.
>About TEKsystems:
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.