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Data Center Operations Engineer Jobs in Illinois

JLL

Data Center - Talent Network

Chicago, IL

... and operations. We support the complete data center lifecycle, ensuring these vital facilities ... Data Center Commissioning Engineers * Critical Facilities Project Managers * Technical Services ...

JLL

Data Center - Talent Network

Chicago, IL

... and operations. We support the complete data center lifecycle, ensuring these vital facilities ... Data Center Commissioning Engineers * Critical Facilities Project Managers * Technical Services ...

Geneva Trading

System Operations Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Infrastructure & Data Center Awareness: Provide technical support for data center operations ... Performance Engineering: Conduct system testing to identify inefficiencies in hardware (CPU/GPU ...

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Data Center Operations Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$49.9K

$142.9K

$190.9K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operations engineer in Illinois is $142,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $189,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Data Center Operations Engineer, you need strong knowledge of server hardware, network infrastructure, troubleshooting, and systems administration, often supported by a degree in IT or a related field. Proficiency with monitoring tools (such as Nagios, SolarWinds), data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platforms, and certifications like CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, or relevant vendor certifications are highly valued. Attention to detail, excellent problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel when coordinating with cross-functional teams and responding to incidents. These skills ensure optimal data center performance, minimize downtime, and support the seamless delivery of IT services.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a data center operations engineer?

As a Data Center Operations Engineer, your daily tasks often include monitoring system performance, performing preventative maintenance on servers and networking equipment, and responding quickly to hardware or connectivity issues. You'll be responsible for diagnosing and resolving operational incidents, managing backups, and applying security updates as needed. Collaboration with network, facilities, and IT teams is frequent to ensure maintenance activities and deployments are coordinated smoothly. This role can also involve creating documentation and managing ticket queues to keep operations running efficiently.

What is a data center operations engineer?

A Data Center Operations Engineer is responsible for maintaining the daily operations of a data center, ensuring its infrastructure, servers, and networks run efficiently. They monitor system performance, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and implement security and backup measures. Additionally, they collaborate with IT teams to optimize performance and support business continuity. Their role is crucial in minimizing downtime and ensuring data center reliability.

What are popular job titles related to Data Center Operations Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Data Center Operations Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Operations Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Operations Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Data Center Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Operations Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,893 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Data Center Production Operations Engineer

Meta

Dekalb, IL

$83K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a forward thinking experienced engineer to join the Production Operations team within our Data Centers. These Data Centers are the foundation upon which our rapidly scaling infrastructure efficiently operates and upon which our innovative services are delivered. Meta is at the leading edge of the global data center industry both in terms of how data centers are designed and operated. This person should enjoy working in a fast paced, technical environment where adaptability and flexibility will be key to their success. We seek an IT professional with advanced, hands-on technical skills in server hardware and Linux - ideally in a Data Center environment. Having broad knowledge of server administration and participating in projects in a large-scale distributed data center environment is a core competency of this individual. The candidate should also have working knowledge and experience in a few of the following core areas: Hardware repair, OS management, Tooling and Automation, Networking, or Technical Project Management.
Data Center Production Operations Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Support platform health by successfully resolving and closing tickets, while addressing the overall issue (i.e. addressing root cause) including, but not limited to, remote troubleshooting and physical inspection of services in data halls
  • Participate in deep dives and root cause analysis of highly technical issues within the data center, ranging from automated tooling to hardware failures and network issues
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on projects and initiatives related to topics such as process, hardware and automation
  • Point of contact for the introduction of new platforms and hardware to the site, in collaboration with partners and global resources, accelerating the time it takes to bring these products to sustained mass production
  • Use tools and data analysis effectively to identify issues. Take actions to communicate with all stakeholders appropriately and manage or escalate as needed
  • Identify corrective actions of hardware issues, work with internal teams and vendors
  • influence future design changes to ensure ease of serviceability
  • Solve systemic hardware and/or software issues at scale using scripting, automation, and tooling to drive global resolution
  • Continuously evaluate and identify areas for improvement in processes, tools, and systems to optimize efficiency and quality of repairs
  • Use data analytics to drive maximum server up-time and utilization rates, understanding hardware failure rates and service level agreements
  • Support and train team members to evaluate and identify better ways to resolve issues, and define updates to tools and processes
  • Provide engineering support and be a go-to technical resource for the team, leadership, and cross-functional teams in operating and maintaining data center servers
  • Maintain and update documentation i.e. procedures, runbooks and guides
  • Build cross functional relationships and influence policies and procedures that improve global data center operations
  • Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation
  • Ability to travel up to 15% of the time

Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS, BA or BEng in technical field or commensurate experience
  • 5+ years of technical IT experience within an infrastructure environment, in a role such as Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, or Site Reliability Engineer
  • Intermediate-level understanding in Linux (or equivalent OS) in a complex IT environment with the ability to triage, debug, and troubleshoot server issues
  • Hands-on experience and knowledge of server hardware and components, including storage
  • Intermediate-level knowledge of the interdependencies of data center functions and technologies including electrical, cooling, structured cabling, security, and network
  • Experience managing technical issues and driving to the root cause
  • Experience participating in technical projects related to areas such as process improvement, technology, and/or automation
  • Ability to communicate effectively, in a clear and concise manner, appropriately tailoring messages to the audience
  • Intermediate-level knowledge of technologies such as HTTP, DNS, RAID, and DHCP
  • Experience in providing technical guidance to external vendors
  • Experience in debugging, modifying and developing commonly used scripting or programming languages in at least one of these languages: Bash, PHP, Python, SQL, Rust, Go or Perl
  • Knowledge of out-of-band/lights-out server communication methods, such as IPMI and serial console
  • Experience using data and metrics to drive decisions

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in fostering growth in others, and driving influence across all organizational levels
  • Experience in a large-scale data center environment
  • Experience with large-scale AI implementations
  • Six Sigma knowledge/certification

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$83,990/year to $130,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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