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Data Center Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vailexa

L2 Data Center Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Partner with data center engineers and network teams during deployments and migrations. * Adhere strictly to ESD, safety, and security protocols. * Support decommissioning and removal of end-of-life ...

JLL

Data Center - Talent Network

Irvine, CA

We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to deliver world-class solutions for mission-critical environments. About JLL's Data Center Practice With specialized expertise and global reach, our ...

JLL

Data Center - Talent Network

San Francisco, CA

We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to deliver world-class solutions for mission-critical environments. About JLL's Data Center Practice With specialized expertise and global reach, our ...

JLL

Data Center - Talent Network

San Francisco, CA

We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to deliver world-class solutions for mission-critical environments. About JLL's Data Center Practice With specialized expertise and global reach, our ...

Lambda

$185K - $290K/yr

Multiple Sites - US (Remote/Hybrid eligible) Travel : 50% travel to our data center sites Role Overview The Data Center Facility Telemetry & Controls Management Engineer is a critical technical role ...

Supermicro

Data Center Service Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Supermicro is a Top Tier provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, and Enterprise IT. They are seeking a Service Engineer responsible for ...

ConfigUSA

Data Center

Culver City, CA · On-site

Culver City, CA (Onsite - Locals preferred) Duration: 6 months Cloud Lead & Data Center SME ... Knowledge of Agile and DevOps methodologies as applied to infrastructure teams

CYNET SYSTEMS

Data Enter Systems Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$47 - $52/hr

Racking, Stacking, Cabling and maintenance the AI data center and lab. * Perform routine ... Work closely with engineers and developers to ensure smooth operation of the AI infrastructure.

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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 Aug 6, 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 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.

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.

How much money does a data center engineer make?

A data center engineer's salary varies by experience, location, and certifications, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries.

What skills do you need for a data center engineer?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $145,530 per year, or $70 per hour.

L2 Data Center Technician

Vailexa

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Build More Than Just a Career. Build Your Future.

At Vailexa, we're not just hiring — we're building thinkers, creators, and future leaders.

We believe in giving people the space to grow, the freedom to think, and the opportunity to create real impact from day one. If you're someone who wants to learn fast, take ownership, and grow beyond limits, you'll feel right at home here.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a L2 Data Center Technician to support data center operations for our customer's GPU-dense, high-performance computing environment. This role is responsible for rack, stack, and cable installation of servers, storage, networking, and GPU systems, along with hardware moves, adds, and changes across the data center floor. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform rack, stack, and cable installation of servers, storage, networking, and GPU systems.
  • Install rails, mount equipment, label assets, and ensure proper airflow and cable management.
  • Connect and verify power, fiber, and copper network cabling to established data center standards.
  • Assist with hardware moves, adds, and changes (MACs) across data center floors.
  • Follow detailed deployment runbooks and engineering documentation.
  • Conduct basic hardware validation, LED/port checks, and physical troubleshooting.
  • Maintain accurate asset tracking, labeling, and documentation in internal tools.
  • Partner with data center engineers and network teams during deployments and migrations.
  • Adhere strictly to ESD, safety, and security protocols.
  • Support decommissioning and removal of end-of-life hardware.

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years of hands-on data center experience performing rack & stack.
  • Strong understanding of server and network rack layouts.
  • Strong understanding of structured cabling (fiber & copper).
  • Strong understanding of power distribution units (PDUs).
  • Experience installing enterprise servers (Dell, HPE, Supermicro, or equivalent).
  • Ability to read rack elevation diagrams and deployment instructions.
  • Comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs and working in confined rack environments.
  • Familiarity with ESD procedures and safe handling of sensitive hardware.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in hyperscale or GPU-dense data centers.
  • Exposure to high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
  • Knowledge of hot/cold aisle containment best practices.
  • Experience supporting large-scale hardware refreshes or migrations.
  • Basic Linux familiarity (helpful but not required).

Ready to take the next step?

If you're excited about this role and ready to grow with a team that values ambition, ideas, and impact — we'd love to hear from you.