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Data Center Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Data Center operations and HVAC performance to ensure optimal thermal environments for hardware ... Experience with industrial control systems and PLC programming. Benefits: * Competitive ...

... Data Center operations and HVAC performance to ensure optimal thermal environments for hardware ... Experience with industrial control systems and PLC programming. Benefits: * Competitive ...

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Legrand has an exciting opportunity for a Hardware Engineer to join the ZPE Systems Team in Fremont ... Our comprehensive offering of solutions for residential, commercial, and data center markets makes ...

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Position Description Legrand has an exciting opportunity for a Hardware Engineer to join the ZPE ... Our comprehensive offering of solutions for residential, commercial, and data center markets makes ...

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Job Title: Service Engineer - AI Data Center Location: Memphis, TN (onsite) Contract Duration ... Perform hardware maintenance including server builds, swaps, component replacements, and firmware ...

Datacenter H&F Engineer (24x7 Shift Operations) Location: Location - Englewood, CO Work Schedule ... The ideal candidate will have strong experience in data center hardware, cabling, and ...

Hardware Engineer

Sterling, VA

$122K - $161K/yr

Job Title: Hardware Engineer Location:Sterling, VA Clearance:TS/SCI Poly **This position is ... The HWE performs daily system data center rounds to monitor the data center infrastructure ...

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Data Center Hardware Engineer information

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$51.5K

$147.5K

$197K

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

As of Jun 29, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Center Hardware Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

Who are the big 5 in data centers?

The 'Big 5' in data centers typically refers to the five major cloud service providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. These companies dominate the industry in infrastructure, services, and global data center presence, making them key employers for Data Center Hardware Engineers involved in designing, maintaining, and optimizing data center hardware and infrastructure.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior data center hardware engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in networking, storage, and server hardware, and relevant certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-cost living areas or large enterprise environments. Such roles often require advanced technical knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes managerial duties.

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 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Data Center Hardware Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles like Chief Technology Officers or senior software engineers with extensive experience and skills. Compensation at this level often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and usually requires advanced certifications and a proven track record in the industry.

How much do data center engineers get paid?

Data center hardware engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in large or high-demand facilities.
More about Data Center Hardware Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Data Center Hardware Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Hardware Engineer jobs are:
Principal Mechanical Engineer -- Hardware Development

Principal Mechanical Engineer -- Hardware Development

Ecolab

Naperville, IL • On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Ecolab rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 207 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 91 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, is seeking a talented lead mechanical engineer with expertise in mechanical engineering, data center hardware design and testing to join the Global High Tech R&D team located in Naperville, IL as a Principal Mechanical Engineer. The GHT team supports Ecolab's Data Centers, Microelectronics, and Colloidal Technologies segments. This role will lead hardware design and development innovation projects for our Data Center portfolio, communicate regularly with the field/customers/business leaders, design/test/implement new hardware design, and ensure a robust pipeline for new products and platforms that help our customers solve complex hardware problems.
What you will do:
  • Manage and drive projects that deliver unique data center hardware solutions
  • Improve design and testing of data center hardware systems (i.e Cooling distribution units (CDU) and other hardware systems in direct to chip cooling applications)
  • Design, test and validate data center hardware systems including electronics packaging ensuring compliance with reliability, acoustics, power and thermals.
  • Design and develop new cooling technologies in data centers such as novel liquid and immersion cooling.
  • Develop solutions to complex research problems requiring creativity and ingenuity.
  • Ensure protection of Nalco Water intellectual property through patenting, licensing, and joint development agreements.
  • Collaborate with a diverse, cross-functional team of sales leaders, researchers, industry technical consultants, functional business partners, and OEM partners to develop new ideas that solve difficult problems related to water usage and energy efficiency in Data Centers.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Degree or advanced degree in mechanical engineering, or related discipline: BS and 5+ years; MS and 3+ years or PhD
  • Experience in mechanical engineering for data center hardware design.
  • Experience in 3D CAD (Solidworks, Creo, etc..) and FEA tools.
  • Experience in hands on mechanical design, DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and validation skills.
  • Experience in tolerance and structural analysis, materials science, manufacturing processes (injection molding, etc..) and industry standards.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse project team.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving.
  • Immigration sponsorship not available for this role.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Extensive knowledge of cooling technologies, cold plates, and cooling distribution units.
  • Experience with electronics cooling, heat transfer, fluid dynamics and thermal control systems for data center hardware applications.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Knowledge of customer requirements, industry standards, and regulations related to cooling distribution units.

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range
The pay range for this position is $101,400.00 - $152,100.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.
Benefits
Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits.
If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923