DATA CENTER ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: October 1, 2024 - The Data Center Engineer brings expertise in data center best practices and cabling methodology. Skilled in network operations, basic scripting, and hardware management with hands-on experience in fiber termination and device upgrades. Proactive team player focused on process improvement and effective communication across technical teams.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Data Center Engineer Resume
  • Data Center Management
  • Network Configuration
  • Server Virtualization
  • Storage Solutions
  • Backup and Recovery Systems
  • Cloud Infrastructure
  • Security Protocols
  • Hardware Troubleshooting
  • Capacity Planning
  • Power Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking
  • Customer Service Orientation
  • Analytical Skills
  • Project Management

Summary of Data Center Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Computer Science with 5 Years of Experience

  • Experience in working within a high availability & high security Data Center environment including Network Engineering experience.
  • Experience following and implementing large scale technical infrastructure rollouts within a Data Center environment.
  • Demonstrable experience following and maintaining Data Center industry best practices.
  • Hands on expertise and experience with data center physical layer, racking and hardware maintenance.
  • Cable management to an extremely high standard with attention to detail.
  • Can demonstrate industry standard knowledge for copper and fiber cabling within a data center environment.
  • Juniper/Cisco/Dell or HP hardware experience 
  • Ability to plan and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work at heights, and lift server & network hardware regularly.
  • Network deployment experience (Junos, IOS, Network and system build tools, etc).
  • Demonstrable proficiency in Linux, preferably CentOS desirable.
  • Ability to use standard tools and testers (Fluke, light metre, continuity etc)

2. BS in Electrical Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

  • Experience working in a data center environment with strong knowledge of data center best practices and cabling methodology
  • Self-starter who is motivated to work independently
  • Motivated to improve processes where possible
  • Basic knowledge of networks, Linux, and Windows
  • Basic Bash scripting experience and familiarity with Dell, Cisco, Arista, Ciena, Corning, and/or Ortronics products 
  • Ability to terminate copper/fiber cabling, test and troubleshoot fiber connectivity, and upgrade code of networking devices, server firmware and BIOS settings 
  • Fluency in English 
  • A team player and collaborator with great communication and problem solving skills who strives to make data centers a partner to all technology teams
  • Knowledge of LAN/WAN networks, TCP/IP protocols and network technologies
  • Understanding of virtualization technology
  • Linux/UNIX administration skills

3. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

  • Experience in a data center environment
  • Must understand the technology behind the effective delivery of data center services and know how to support a service delivery model
  • Working knowledge of, and proficiency in Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
  • Knowledge of Windows Server, SQL, IIS, and VMWare,
  • Knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS), and Enterprise Management System (EMS)
  • Intermediate level knowledge of MS Excel
  • Understanding of MS Reporting services and Crystal Reports
  • Familiarity with industry protocols like MODBus, Bacnet, SNMP, OPC, etc.
  • Certification: CCNA (for cisco) / CCDP or Microsoft System Admin / Engineering 
  • Prior experience with data center builds, network operations, virtualization of server and storage platforms, cloud computing, capacity planning, disaster recovery, business continuity planning, and ITIL
  • Eager to learn, capable of working under a strict timeline
  • Experience in the Data Center design, operations, and hardware lifecycle management

4. BS in Information Technology with 4 Years of Experience

  • Experience in a data center environment with hands-on hardware experience
  • Attention to detail with cabling and documentation of datacenter equipment
  • Experience with DCIM software 
  • Significant knowledge of computer hardware and networking equipment
  • Robust troubleshooting skills, preferably in a large-scale datacenter environment
  • System administration experience 
  • Professional problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Experience in VMware, OpenStack
  • Knowledge of monitoring platforms (Zabbix, Nagios)
  • Good knowledge of Ansible and Python
  • Fluent English
  • Public clouds expertise (AWS, Google, Azure)

5. BS in Network Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

  • Experience in Data Center Management
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, documentation, and troubleshooting skills
  • Experience in the installation, de-installation, repair, and maintenance of electronic equipment in a data center environment
  • Knowledge to design and manage rack layouts and ensure compliance with all applicable standards/regulations.
  • Experience creating engineering artifacts that satisfy requirements.
  • Ability to provide data center engineering expertise to develop technical cable plant solutions to solve customer network requirements.
  • Experience in preparing briefings, status reporting mechanism, and metrics.
  • Experience evaluating operational and technical alternatives, providing options/solutions while ensuring interoperability of system requirements.
  • Able to identify risks or potential obstacles to fulfilling architectural requirements.
  • Carrier and telecom knowledge

6. BS in Systems Engineering with 2 Years of Experience

  • Experienced in related fields or certificate or degree programs such as Industrial Technology, Computer Electronics and Networking Technology, Information Technology
  • Understanding Network Fundamentals and computer hardware troubleshooting skills
  • Working knowledge of networking components and infrastructures, including Wi-Fi
  • Previous experience with data center equipment including console, KVM, and power control
  • Familiarity with JIRA ticketing system
  • Customer-focused mindset, with demonstrated skill in managing expectations, providing proactive status updates, and producing high-quality work product
  • Ability to use independent judgment to make sound, justifiable decisions and take action to solve problems
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal staff and effectively work in a team environment
  • Must be comfortable working in a high stress, fast paced environment with shifting priorities.
  • Proficient with Google GSuite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, and GMail )
  • Data center management, monitoring, metrics, and dashboards experience using SNMP, Python, Prometheus, or a commercial data center management tool like Nlyte or Sunbird

7. BS in Cybersecurity with 3 Years of Experience

  • Attention to detail and cleanliness
  • Ability to identify basic parts of network equipment – SFPs, line cards, chassis
  • Ability to identify basic parts of servers, memory, network card, hard drives, etc.
  • Experience with identifying port locations for specific device manufacturers (Cisco, Arista, Juniper)
  • Knowledge of structured cabling systems using cat 5, cat 6, multi-mode and single-mode fiber
  • Familiarity with both power and communications cabling standards
  • Experience configuring and using cable testers for both fiber and copper to troubleshoot cabling issues
  • An understanding of change control processes
  • IT experience installing and repairing server and network hardware
  • Hands-on experience in Data Center operations, familiarity with facility management, server hardware and network equipment
  • Excellent vendor management and engagement expertise. 
  • Sharp commercial awareness

8. BS in Data Science with 3 Years of Experience

  • Experience working in an enterprise Data Center (lifting and installing hardware, racking equipment, cabling, etc).
  • Experience with building PC/server hardware. 
  • Comfortable using Unix shells and with Linux.
  • Python and shell scripting experience 
  • Strong organization & communication skills. 
  • Ability to balance multiple competing priorities.
  • Enterprise Data Center experience
  • Careful, close attention to detail
  • Ability to manage time efficiently, working independently and as a team player
  • Excellent reading, writing, and verbal communication skills
  • Strong eye for detail and excellent time-management skills.
  • Knowledge of structured cable installation (SM, MM Fiber, Cat-6)

9. BS in Software Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

  • Strong Leadership & planning skills
  • Good analytical and management skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Meticulous and independent worker
  • Discipline, structured and able to work under stress environment
  • Proficient in using MS products (ie. OS, MS Excel, MS Office, MS Power point)
  • Experience in Telecommunications or Data Centre related field
  • Knowledge of Telecom structured cabling standards
  • Knowledge of network device/server deployment
  • Knowledge of DCO standards and operations
  • A solid understanding of data center environments and SOPs

10. BS in Industrial Engineering with 7 Years of Experience

  • Basic understanding of IT operations in a large organization
  • Strong loyalty with regard to data and DC facility security
  • Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing)
  • Flexibility and willingness to cope with unexpected problems and situations.
  • Capacity to understand and clarify customer expectations effectively
  • Capacity to manage customer expectations and interactions effectively
  • Basic understanding of server HW (console, devices)
  • Ability to handle various types of media, devices and libraries
  • Generic media management knowledge
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office environment and general PC hardware
  • Basic understanding of Networking

11. BS in Computer Science with 5 Years of Experience

  • Hands-on experience in Data Center operations, familiarity with facility management, server hardware and network equipment.
  • Extensive knowledge of Linux server
  • Familiar with Windows servers and VMWare operating systems.
  • Familiar with setup and configuration of the server, enterprise network, and SAN equipment.
  • Possess knowledge of HVAC/CRAC, UPS, Battery, and Generator systems 
  • Work independently and have the ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
  • Work effectively with minimal direction or supervision for day-to-day tasks and communicate outcomes
  • Python programming experience and Linux administration experience
  • Mix of Rack and Virtual systems experience
  • Able to communicate clearly and effectively in English
  • Strong time management skills
  • Ability to manage competing priorities
  • Ability to work with a globally distributed team of passionate engineers
  • Experience working for an internet service provider or large hosting provider

12. BS in Electrical Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

  • Experiences in any ICT energy products or solution service technical support
  • Experience working with UPS, Battery, PDU, Generator, Cooling systems, NMS and Telecom power
  • Experience and knowledge of electronics, power supply systems and Data Center
  • Experience in commissioning and troubleshooting UPS and power systems (voltages 200-800 V) 
  • Experience working with data center monitoring systems
  • Experience in working with/ understanding of networking technologies TCP/IP and SNMP
  • Experience in data center project delivery or maintenance
  • Extensive knowledge of electrical distribution systems, electrical code and various measurement equipment is essential
  • Ability to write professional failure report or standard operation process
  • Work independently and have the ability to able to work in a dynamic work environment with tight deadlines
  • Work effectively with minimal direction or supervision for day-to-day tasks and communicate outcomes
  • Fast-learning ability, willing to pick up new skills and technologies
  • Possess knowledge of Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) / Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC), Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Battery and Generator systems 

13. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

  • Can work independently under tight timelines, a team player and collaborator with great communication and problem solving skills who strives to make Data Centres a partner to all technology teams.
  • Passionate about providing exceptional support to customers.
  • Deep knowledge of Data Centre operations including network, power, rack layouts, cabling, Raised Floor Systems, and cold aisle containment.
  • Able to work occasionally on weekends or travel nationally to remote sites.
  • Excellent vendor management and engagement expertise with commercial awareness.
  • Carrier and telecom knowledge.
  • Good level of knowledge about Data Centre Operation and Management procedures
  • Experience in developing and documenting operational processes
  • Good level of knowledge about monitoring the Data Centre environment and critical assets
  • Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
  • Knowledge of Cisco products and Linux/Windows OS
  • Knowledge of HVAC technologies and systems
  • Familiar with setup and configuration of the server, enterprise network, and Storage Area Network (SAN) equipment

14. BS in Information Technology with 3 Years of Experience

  • Experience racking equipment in network racks
  • Experience with copper and fiber optic cabling and standards
  • Prior experience working in a large data center, rack and stacking servers, configuring remote management on servers/network devices, basic troubleshooting repairs on servers, experience running copper/fiber cables.
  • Cisco networking (routers and switches) knowledge 
  • HP Enterprise ProLiant servers knowledge
  • Knowledge of protocols around data center management
  • Proficient computing skills
  • A solid understanding of a Windows-based operating system of 2003, 2008, 2012
  • Good understanding of Citrix.
  • Demonstrated competency with VMware ESXi and vSphere v4, 5, & 6+.
  • Experience in data center engineering or IT infrastructure support
  • Strong knowledge of TCP/IP Networking
  • Familiar with Linux, Windows servers, and VMWare operating systems

15. BS in Network Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

  • Strong communication skills and fluency in English required for business purposes
  • An understanding of data center management and layout (power, cooling, cabling)
  • An understanding of networking and systems concepts (circuits, IP routing, consoles)
  • Experience wiring and making patch cables (cat6)
  • Working knowledge of Linux (Red Hat)
  • Basic knowledge of Cisco
  • Experience working with fiber optic cables, including the inspecting, cleaning, and testing of these cables
  • Experience working for a Chinese exchange, financial firm, or subsidiary of an international technology firm
  • Highly analytical with strong attention to detail
  • Knowledge of SAN technology, NAS technology
  • Excellent customer service and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong knowledge of patching for servers

16. BS in Systems Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

  • Data Center Support Experience and linux operating system
  • Experience in GPU hardware (Especially Nvidia Devices)and related troubleshooting skills.
  • Knowledge of Networking Devices and Concept
  • Experience in Engineering, testing and deploying nvidia hardware, software, updates, documents and preferences.
  • Work Experience in using iLO/DRAC/KVMoIP/BMC
  • Working experience with Server, Network and Storage Deployments
  • Experience in supporting SAN infrastructure
  • Strong customer relations experience
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Understanding/work experience of Complex/diverse environments
  • Experience in large IT Infrastructure
  • Good knowledge of Network 
Relevant Information
Data Center Manager Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements