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Data Center Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TEKsystems

Data Center Engineer

Memphis, TN

$45 - $50/hr

Collaboration • Collaborate strategically with Customer Delivery Executive (CDE) Technical Customer Success Managers (TCSM), AI Data Center Functional Leaders, Technical Engineers, and the Field ...

TEKsystems

Data Center Engineer

Memphis, TN

$45 - $50/hr

Collaboration • Collaborate strategically with Customer Delivery Executive (CDE) Technical Customer Success Managers (TCSM), AI Data Center Functional Leaders, Technical Engineers, and the Field ...

Unisys

Data Center Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

US Citizen - Data Center Engineer- Locations * Belleville, IL * Ellendale, ND * Sandusky, OH * Memphis, TN * Chester, VA * Cheyenne, WY We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Data Center ...

SpaceXAI

Software Engineer - Data Center

Memphis, TN · On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

The Data Center Engineering team builds the internal systems and platforms that keep our data centers running at the scale and reliability required for frontier AI training and inference. We partner ...

Socket.dev

Software Engineer - Data Center

Memphis, TN · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

The Data Center Engineering team builds the internal systems and platforms that keep our data centers running at the scale and reliability required for frontier AI training and inference. We partner ...

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Data Center Engineer information

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$46.7K

$133.8K

$178.8K

How much do data center engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center engineer in Tennessee is $133,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $177,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.

More about Data Center Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Center Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

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What are popular job titles related to Data Center Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

For Data Center Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Data Center Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Data Center Engineer job openings:

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Data Center Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,838 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Data Center Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 5 - 10K employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Oak Ridge National Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Requisition Id 16904
Overview:
We're looking for a hands-on Data Center Engineer who will contribute to the modernization of our data center operations, especially around DCIM enhancements and PSC (Power, Space, Cooling) metrics integration. You'll design, implement, and continuously improve the physical and logical infrastructure across our enterprise facilities, and build data-driven visibility through dashboards and automation. You'll collaborate closely with IT operations, network, and facilities to ensure reliable service, efficient capacity usage, and compliance with ORNL and industry standards.
This position requires being available for on-call rotations and occasional after-hours work as needed.
This position resides in the Digital Hosting Services team of the Enterprise Operations group of the Digital Services Infrastructure & Operations division of the Information Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Data Center Operations
  • Coordinate installation, migration, and decommissioning of hardware ensuring compliance with PSC requirements.
  • Monitor data center infrastructure reliability.
  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all data center equipment.
  • Identify and resolve problems involving infrastructure telemetry, capacity reporting, DCIM data ingestion, and facility system performance to support enterprise operational integration.
  • Assist in managing power, space, cooling, and capacity planning.

DCIM Modernization & PSC Metrics
  • Manage data in DCIM platforms including EPMS, BMS, and SCADA integrations.
  • Develop dashboards visualizing PSC metrics, PUE, trends, and alerts.
  • Standardize DCIM data models, change records, and quality across sites.

Automation, Data Pipelines & Analytics
  • Enhance telemetry collection, health monitoring, and reporting to improve infrastructure visibility and observability.
  • Use infrastructure data for predictive capacity planning.
  • Optimize cooling and power efficiency from analytics.

Security, Compliance & Business Continuity
  • Ensure adherence to NFPA, DOE/ORNL, and facility safety policies.
  • Implement strong physical security, surveillance, and access controls.
  • Support DR readiness including redundancy and failover testing.
  • Serve as the Alternate Laboratory Safety Manager (LSM-Alt), ensuring SBMS safety policies and requirements are implemented and followed within all ITSD data center facilities.

Collaboration & Leadership
  • Serve as technical escalation for complex issues.
  • Provide guidance to junior staff and coordinate with facilities engineers.
  • Collaborate with vendors on upgrades and commissioning.
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS in information technology, computer science, engineering or a related field, with 5 years of experience in a data center or similar IT infrastructure environment. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
  • Ability to participate in on-call rotations and occasional after-hours support.
  • Experience with electrical systems, UPS, HVAC, cooling systems, and power distribution in data center environments.
  • Familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools including telemetry ingestion and capacity analytics.
  • Experience with dashboarding and data visualization tools such as Grafana, Power BI, or Tableau.
  • Experience with automation/scripting using Python or PowerShell.
  • Knowledge of the ITIL framework and IT service management best practices.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • NFPA 70E (Arc Flash) Electrical Safety certification
  • Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP)
  • DCIM/BMS/SCADA certifications.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve issues under pressure.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

Special Requirements:
  • Pre-hire physical: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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