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Data Center Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

McAdams

Senior Project Manager - Data Center

Raleigh, NC · On-site

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation ... Shape Our Data Center Practice in the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who ...

McAdams

Senior Project Manager - Data Center

Durham, NC · On-site

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation ... Shape Our Data Center Practice in the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who ...

Flexgen

Application Engineer - Data Center

Durham, NC · On-site

At the forefront of the energy transition, FlexGen leverages decades of engineering and software expertise to help shape the future of sustainable power both in the United States and globally.

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All JobsData Center Engineer JobsData Center Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Data Center Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$50.1K

$143.3K

$191.5K

How much do data center engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center engineer in Raleigh, NC is $143,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,600.00 and $190,500.00 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Data Center Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Center Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Data Center Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Data Center Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Data Center Engineer job openings:
Data Center Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,336 per year, or $68.9 per hour.
Senior Project Manager - Data Center

Senior Project Manager - Data Center

McAdams

Raleigh, NC

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

 Shape Our Data Center Practice in the Southeast 

At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a seasoned Senior Project Manager with deep expertise in data center site development to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from early feasibility through design and construction support. This is a high-impact role for a leader with the ability to blend technical, excellence, project delivery, and market growth to drive results for premier clients while helping scale McAdams' expanding Data Center practice. 

You will have the autonomy to shape strategy, influence market direction, and expand capabilities with the support of a collaborative leadership team, internal resources, and a platform for long-term career development.  

Why McAdams 

Joining McAdams isn't just a career move; it's an invitation to be part of something extraordinary. We're growing, and our people are a big part of that. From exciting projects to a culture that embraces creativity, choosing McAdams means choosing a workplace where you're not just an employee-you're a vital piece of our success story. 

We invest in leaders who want to build: 

  • Opportunities to shape strategy and grow a practice 
  • Exposure to high-impact projects across multiple market sectors 
  • A united, team-first culture 
  • A platform for long-term career growth and leadership development 

See what our teammates have to say about their experience at McAdams: https://youtu.be/XnX3G3m75uU?si=mqK1uX9scsjTjhPn 

What You'll Do 

  • Lead site/civil design for data centers and other complex developments, including institutional, commercial, and mixed-use projects 
  • Direct all phases of design-site layout, grading, drainage, utilities/infrastructure, and erosion & sediment control-from concept to completion 
  • Manage budgets, schedules, risk and deliverables, including feasibility studies, stormwater management plans, utility reports, specifications, and related documentation 
  • Prepare and/or review technical deliverables, including feasibility studies, stormwater management plans, utility reports, specifications, and related documentation 
  • Build trusted client partnerships and proactively identify new opportunities-especially within the hyperscale and colocation data center market 
  • Lead permitting efforts, working with local agencies and municipalities to ensure timely approvals and compliance with applicable regulations. Address agency comments and facilitate site permitting processes 
  • Support proposal development, interviews, and strategic growth initiatives to expand market presence 
  • Mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture 

What You'll Bring 

  • Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field 
  • EI required; PE or on track to obtain PE strongly preferred 
  • Demonstrated success delivering hyperscale and colocation data center projects, from early planning and pre-design through detailed design and construction support 
  • 10+ years of site/civil engineering experience, including a strong data center portfolio 
  • Energized by traveling to build the practices and advance projects 
  • Strong working knowledge of local land use regulations, entitlement, and permitting processes 
  • Excellent client-facing communication, relationship management, and business development capabilities 
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D 
  • Expertise in stormwater management, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, and SWPPP compliance 
  • Exceptional technical writing and presentation skills 
  • Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development experience 
  • Professional organization involvement 

Work Environment + Physical Demands 

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions 

  • Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions 
  • Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion 
  • Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear, and sit for extended periods of time 
  • Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally 
  • Additional physical duties may be required as necessary 

Ready to Lead With Us? 

If you're ready to deepen your expertise in large-scale data center development, lead complex infrastructure projects, and strengthen client partnerships in a rapidly growing sector, we'd love to connect. 

Apply