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Data Center Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amazon

Data Center Chief Engineer

Gilroy, CA · On-site

Join our dynamic Data Center Engineering Operations Team and become a critical architect of the infrastructure that powers global cloud computing. You'll play a pivotal role in maintaining the ...

Amazon

Data Center Chief Engineer

Gilroy, CA

Join our dynamic Data Center Engineering Operations Team and become a critical architect of the infrastructure that powers global cloud computing. You'll play a pivotal role in maintaining the ...

Amazon

Data Center Chief Engineer

Gilroy, CA

Join our dynamic Data Center Engineering Operations Team and become a critical architect of the infrastructure that powers global cloud computing. You'll play a pivotal role in maintaining the ...

Lambda

Data Center Standards Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$443K - $590K/yr

Develop the engineering "operating system" for data center scale, including standards libraries, design review processes, decision records, quality gates, commissioning criteria, acceptance ...

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All JobsData Center Engineer JobsData Center Engineer Jobs in California

Data Center Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$145.5K

$194.4K

How much do data center engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center engineer in California is $145,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $193,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Data Center Engineer do?

A Data Center Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the hardware and infrastructure of data centers. Their work involves installing servers, managing network systems, ensuring optimal cooling and power, and monitoring system performance. They play a critical role in keeping data centers operational, secure, and efficient, supporting the IT needs of organizations. Data Center Engineers often collaborate with IT, security, and facilities teams to ensure 24/7 uptime and to plan for future growth.

What does a data centre engineer do?

A data center engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and managing the infrastructure of data centers, including servers, networking equipment, power supplies, and cooling systems. They troubleshoot hardware and software issues, ensure system security, and often work with monitoring tools and certifications to optimize data center performance and reliability.

What is the difference between Data Center Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectData Center EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, Data Center-specific certificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, hardware-focusedNetwork infrastructure, routing, switching environments
ResponsibilitiesDesign, maintain, and troubleshoot data center hardware and infrastructureDesign, implement, and manage network systems and connectivity

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Data Center Engineers focus on physical infrastructure, servers, and hardware within data centers. Network Engineers primarily work on network design, configuration, and troubleshooting of network systems. Understanding the hardware environment is key for Data Center Engineers, whereas Network Engineers concentrate on network connectivity and protocols.

Can I make 200K as a data engineer?

Data Center Engineers typically earn lower salaries than data engineers, with median salaries ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience and location. Reaching a $200,000 salary usually requires advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience, often in senior or specialized roles within the field.

What are some common challenges faced by Data Center Engineers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Data Center Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining uptime during hardware failures, managing rapid scaling demands, and ensuring strong physical and cybersecurity. These issues require quick troubleshooting skills, familiarity with redundancy protocols, and proactive monitoring of systems. Effective communication and collaboration with IT, facilities, and security teams are also crucial to address incidents efficiently and minimize downtime. Staying updated with evolving technologies and best practices helps engineers anticipate and mitigate potential risks.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior data center engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in network infrastructure, and relevant certifications such as Cisco or VMware can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced knowledge of data center operations, virtualization, and security, along with leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced data center engineers with specialized skills in network infrastructure, security, and large-scale systems management can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior or executive roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing and typically requires advanced certifications and extensive industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Center Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Engineer, you need a solid background in IT infrastructure, networking, and hardware maintenance, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with server management tools, virtualization platforms (like VMware), and certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These skills ensure reliable data center operations, minimize downtime, and support the critical IT needs of the organization.

What Is a Data Center Engineer?

A data center engineer’s duties are to design, implement, and monitor information technology systems at a data center. A data center engineer must be familiar with a variety of IT hardware, such as servers, cables, power systems, and cooling equipment, needed to maintain the physical safety of an IT facility, which includes fire safety. Their job is to set up the infrastructure needed to connect servers and hard drives together, and be familiar with the capacity of the technology. After setting up IT systems, they are responsible for system monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

More about Data Center Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Center Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Center Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Center Engineer jobs in California? For Data Center Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Data Center Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Data Center Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Data Center Engineer jobs in CA? For Data Center Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Data Center Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,530 per year, or $70 per hour.
Data Center Project Engineer (SMF)

Data Center Project Engineer (SMF)

Prime Data Centers

North Highlands, CA • On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Prime Data Centers
Prime Data Centers develops, acquires, and operates data centers for some of the world's largest enterprises. A private firm owned by a group controlling $6 billion in assets, with a 15-year tenure in technology and real estate development, Prime provides customers with ownership options and dynamic leasing models, defining a true corporate partnership.
About the role
The Data Center Project Engineer assists the product delivery team in performing focused tasks to support the commercial construction lifecycle. The Project Engineer must have an understanding of basic electrical and mechanical systems and may be asked to focus on one or more of the following processes: generating a bill of material, preparing and reviewing submittals, soliciting quotes, performing basic quantity takeoffs, assembling PowerPoint presentations from multiple source documents, and printing, storing and retrieving design and engineering documents in the Document Management System.
What you'll do
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to design, implement, and commission data center infrastructure construction projects.
  • Translate technical construction requirements into project plans, schematics, and documentation.
  • Ensure all work complies with design specifications, industry standards, and safety regulations.
  • Support the deployment of power (UPS, generators, PDUs), cooling (CRAC/CRAH, HVAC), and structured cabling systems.
  • Participate in capacity planning, risk analysis, and impact assessments for changes to the data center environment.
  • Monitor installation progress, troubleshoot issues, and ensure quality control throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Track project milestones, timelines, and budgets in coordination with project managers.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, updates, and recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Assist in vendor selection, procurement, and contractor supervision as needed.
  • Maintain detailed records of system designs, configurations, and installations.
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience in a related technical field
  • 3+ years of experience in data center engineering, construction, or operations
  • Strong understanding of mission-critical infrastructure (power, cooling, cabling, network)
  • Familiarity with data center design standards and best practices
  • Proficiency in project tools such as AutoCAD, MS Project, or similar
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills

Benefits
  • Competitive salary range -$105k - $135k along with an annual bonus and a performance bonus program
  • 401k dollar-for dollar up to a 4% employer match that fully vested upon enrollment
  • 100% employee premiums paid by employer for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability
  • 4-weeks of Paid Time Off + Sick time

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Prime is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, protected veteran or military status, disability status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
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