1

Data Center Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering) required. Experience: - 10+ years of related experience in data center management and operations ...

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering) required. Experience: - 10+ years of related experience in data center management and operations ...

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering) required. Experience: - 10+ years of related experience in data center management and operations ...

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering) required. Experience: - 10+ years of related experience in data center management and operations ...

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering) required. Experience: - 10+ years of related experience in data center management and operations ...

Senior Data Center Technician Overview * As a Senior Data Center Technician, you will act as a ... This position will work directly with our contracted L2 engineers who are responsible for all ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Data Center Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$51.1K

$146.2K

$195.3K

How much do data center engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center engineer in Virginia is $146,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $194,300.00 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 maintaining and managing the physical infrastructure of data centers, including servers, networking equipment, power supplies, and cooling systems. They troubleshoot hardware issues, perform installations, and ensure the security and efficiency of data center operations, often working with industry standards and certifications. Strong technical skills and knowledge of hardware and network systems are essential for this role.

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.

Will AI replace data engineer?

Data Center Engineers focus on maintaining and managing data center infrastructure, including hardware, networking, and power systems. While AI can automate certain monitoring and troubleshooting tasks, it is unlikely to fully replace the hands-on technical skills and physical work required in data center operations in the near term.

Who are the big 5 in data centers?

The Big 5 in data centers typically refer to the leading companies that dominate the industry: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. These providers offer extensive cloud infrastructure and services, and data center engineers often work with their hardware, networking, and security systems to support cloud operations.

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 $500,000?

Senior data center engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in network infrastructure, and industry certifications can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in high-cost regions or large enterprise environments. Achieving this level often requires advanced technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Center Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Data Center Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Center Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Data Center Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Data Center Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Data Center Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Center Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $146,196 per year, or $70.3 per hour.
Data Center Chief Engineer

Data Center Chief Engineer

Amazon

Sterling, VA

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,843 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

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 heartbeat of Amazon Web Services' physical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations that support millions of customers worldwide.
The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency.

This involves both planned preventative maintenance of equipment, daily corrective work, and emergency response to emergent issues. The CE serves as an expert technical resource reporting to a site's Data Center Facility Manager, interacting with onsite Engineering Operations Technicians (EOT) and any third-party vendors. They are expected to be a singular focal point for all facility operations within a given data center and to support Amazon within its owned and operated data centers.

Data center equipment that supports mission-critical servers must maintain better than 99.999% uptime.
Chief Engineer will be responsible for managing small-to-medium large impact projects from conception to completion. These projects can involve large amounts of independent work as well as collaboration with external support groups including engineering, automation, processing, and finance in both local and global settings

The CE will be tasked with creating and delivering milestones, obtaining and tracking quotes for all necessary costs, and documenting project results for future implementation at other facilities. The goals of such projects are for the CE to drive innovation and resiliency while reducing operational costs in the facilities.
The Chief Engineer directs, trains and supports EOT's in their role of providing hands-on electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting and operations.

Implementation and execution of site/equipment-specific training exercises is also expected. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, stand-by diesel generators, switchgear, UPS's, PDU's, AHU's, chillers, cooling towers, chemical treatment systems, pumps, motors, VFD's, and building automation systems.
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure.

In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.


You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.


Effective May 15, 2017, logical access to the AWS GovCloud region will be restricted to Amazon employees who are U.S. Citizens. (GovCloud may NOT be accessed from outside of the United States)
Key job responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment in a data center


- Operate independently with limited direct management
- Act as an escalation point for all facilities-related issues within the data center, escalating to the Data Center Facility Manager as needed
- Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures
- Troubleshoot and report of facility and data sever-level events within internal SLA
- Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams
- Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians
- Ensure all safety procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff
- Ensure all security procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff
- Utilize internal CMMS to manage building workflows
- Communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience
- Using Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PPT, Word) and other computer programs such as PDF, QUIP, and other dashboards and scheduling tooling.
- Instruct others on scheduling, ticketing, and providing mentorship in developing solutions.
Physical Requirements:
- Walk job sites in uneven terrain
- Work at heights and from ladders
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 39 pounds; and participate in group lifts for 40 pounds or more
- Coordinate body movements when using tools or equipment
- Reach and stretch to position equipment and fixtures while maintaining balance
- Bend or twist the body into unusual positions while working
- Perform physical tasks all day without becoming overly tired
- Use hands to manipulate small wires and objects
- Push or pull heavy objects into position
- Work in a noisy environment
- Work at depths, such as under raised floors
- This role supports data centers in various operational stages.

The position may be assigned to a facility still under development, which could require travel to established locations for training until your designated site becomes fully operational.
Essential Requirements:
- Ability to travel to or commute between data center locations as needed
- Willingness to temporarily work at alternative sites during training periods or until assigned facility is operational
- Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility
- Candidates must be able to travel (over 50 miles) or commute (less than 50 miles) to active data center sites as required by business needs.
A day in the life
.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US