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Data Center Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Data Center Hardware Engineer is a hands-on technical role focused on ensuring the reliability and performance of LinkedIn's global infrastructure. This position is responsible for ...

The Associate Data Center Hardware Engineer is a hands-on technical role focused on ensuring the reliability and performance of LinkedIn's global infrastructure. This position is responsible for ...

The Associate Data Center Hardware Engineer is a hands-on technical role focused on ensuring the reliability and performance of LinkedIn's global infrastructure. This position is responsible for ...

The Associate Data Center Hardware Engineer is a hands-on technical role focused on ensuring the reliability and performance of LinkedIn's global infrastructure. This position is responsible for ...

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Data Center Hardware Engineer information

See salary details

$51.5K

$147.5K

$197K

How much do data center hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center hardware engineer in the United States is $147,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $196,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a data center hardware engineer do?

A Data Center Hardware Engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting physical hardware such as servers, storage systems, and networking equipment within a data center. They ensure that all hardware components are functioning optimally, perform upgrades and replacements, and respond to hardware failures. Additionally, they may work with other IT professionals to optimize system performance, ensure data security, and support large-scale infrastructure projects. This role is critical to maintaining the uptime and reliability of data center operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data center hardware engineer?

To thrive as a Data Center Hardware Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer hardware, server architecture, and network infrastructure, often supported by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with data center management tools, hardware diagnostic systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining reliable data center operations, minimizing downtime, and ensuring optimal system performance.

What are some common challenges faced by data center hardware engineers in maintaining large-scale infrastructure?

Data Center Hardware Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting hardware failures under tight timelines, coordinating with vendors for part replacements, and ensuring minimal downtime during maintenance. They must also manage evolving technology standards and balance preventive maintenance with urgent repairs. Effective communication with network engineers and IT staff is crucial, as is maintaining meticulous documentation to track hardware assets and interventions.

What is the difference between Data Center Hardware Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectData Center Hardware EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, Cisco Data Center certificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNP
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, hardware installation and maintenanceNetwork operations centers, office settings, network infrastructure setup
Primary FocusHardware setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of data center equipmentNetwork design, configuration, and troubleshooting of data communication systems
Industry UsageData center providers, cloud services, enterprise ITTelecommunications, IT services, enterprise networks

The main difference between a Data Center Hardware Engineer and a Network Engineer lies in their focus areas. Data Center Hardware Engineers specialize in hardware components, installation, and maintenance within data centers, while Network Engineers focus on designing and managing network systems and communication protocols. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Data Center Hardware Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Data Center Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,461 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Data Center / Hardware Engineer

New Albany, OH • On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description


Job Description:
Position : Data Center/ Hardware Engineer


Location : New Albany, OH


Pay Range: $30/hr - $34/hr on W2


Duration: 12+ months



Job Summary


Join a hands-on engineering team responsible for keeping critical onsite data center infrastructure running reliably and safely. In this role, you'll be independently accountable for identifying and resolving high-priority issues quickly, executing onsite work tied to data center systems, and supporting installs, moves, decommissions, reconfigurations, and power-down events. You'll collaborate closely with Product and Service Owners and Subject Matter Experts, contribute to design discussions, and help improve documentation and operational processes-all while building deeper expertise across OSI Model Layer 1 infrastructure in a live production environment.



Required Skills



  • 1-3+ years of experience deploying and maintaining complex data center environments (e.g., new facilities, major renovations/expansions)

  • Working knowledge of indoor/outdoor cable plants, including copper and fiber (short-range and long-range)

  • Knowledge of core IT infrastructure components (LAN/WAN/SAN, firewalls, Wintel/Lintel/UNIX servers, storage, wireless, DAS, roll-on equipment)

  • Familiarity with data center and structured cabling standards (EIA/TIA, IEEE, NEC, ISO)

  • Ability to troubleshoot incidents, manage incident queues, and execute shift turnover activities in an onsite environment

  • Strong documentation skills (capturing architecture details, procedures, and operational data)

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal teams and external vendors

  • Team-oriented, self-starter mindset



Nice to Have Skills



  • 3-5+ years of experience designing, deploying, and maintaining complex data center environments

  • Data center and/or networking industry certifications

  • Layer 1 technology experience, including single-mode/multimode fiber, Cat 5e/6/6A, DAC assemblies, optical transceivers/compatibility, connectors, performance specs, and deployment methods

  • Familiarity with TIA-568 and TIA-942 standards

  • Experience with capacity planning and inventory planning in data center environments

  • Exposure to system automation via CI/CD pipelines and APIs; an automation-first mindset

  • Network monitoring and troubleshooting knowledge (SNMP, CDP, ICMP; LAN/WAN/VLANs)

  • Understanding of power/cooling infrastructure layout (generation to rack), rack standards/selection criteria

  • Experience with preventative security hardening, administration/configuration standards, software installs/upgrades, and system integration


Dexian stands at the forefront of Talent + Technology solutions with a presence spanning more than 70 locations worldwide and a team exceeding 10,000 professionals. As one of the largest technology and professional staffing companies and one of the largest minority-owned staffing companies in the United States, Dexian combines over 30 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge technologies to deliver comprehensive global services and support.
Dexian connects the right talent and the right technology with the right organizations to deliver trajectory-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals. To learn more, please visit .
Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.