Data Center Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

We are seeking a skilled Data Center Engineer to join our Data Center Operations and Engineering team. In this role, you will play a key part in defining, documenting, deploying, troubleshooting, and supporting data center infrastructure for next-generation commercial broadband satellite communication ground systems.

You will collaborate closely with Server and Network Engineering teams to design, document, integrate, and validate hardware within complex end-to-end system environments. This position offers the opportunity to develop deep expertise in the full system architecture and its components while contributing to the definition and implementation of new system connectivity.

Key responsibilities include building and verifying deployments, conducting thorough testing and checkout procedures, maintaining these same systems, and working with networking teams to troubleshoot and isolate faults. Sounds interesting?Keep reading…

Key responsibilities include building and verifying deployments, conducting thorough testing and checkout procedures, maintaining these same systems, and working with networking teams to troubleshoot and isolate faults.

This role is required to be on-site at the Reston, VA data center.

• Experience/Skills Required:

  • Hands-on physical data center or colocation experience with large-scale networking and communication systems, including racking, cabling, and deploying servers and network hardware according to provided designs.
  • Troubleshoot, replace, and repair failed hardware components and devices.
  • Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for colocation facility teams on power, cooling, security, and access-related issues.
  • Oversee third-party vendors and “Remote Hands” teams, ensuring proper access control and compliance.
  • Perform regular physical site visits, audits, and verification that floor plans, rack elevations, power, and cabling documentation match the actual environment.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and “tour-ready” data center environment (cable management, debris removal, etc.).
  • Data center device deployment and cabling.
  • Rack elevation design and cabling documentation experience.
  • Strong problem-solving, teamwork, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
  • Travel up to 50%

• Preferences:

  • Fiber optic troubleshooting experience (Light meters, loopback testers).
  • RF Gateway, satellite, or wireless deployment experience.
  • Familiarity with Patch Manager or other DCIM/cable management tools.
  • Solid networking knowledge (TCP/IP, switches, routers)
  • Linux command-line proficiency and scripting experience (Python, Bash, or REST APIs preferred).
  • Understanding of high-density environments, power/cooling best practices.
  • AI Claude experience.

$70,500.00 - $111,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $87,000.00- $131,000.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.