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Data Center Operations Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Center Operations Work Location: US-UT-Salt Lake City Duration: 12+ Month The In-Person ... The Training Delivery Specialist partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Safety, Security ...

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Data Center Operations Specialist information

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$30.5K

$68.4K

$111K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operations specialist in the United States is $68,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills are needed to become a data center operation specialist?

A data center operations specialist needs strong technical skills in network infrastructure, server hardware, and systems administration. Knowledge of monitoring tools, troubleshooting, and safety protocols is essential, along with good problem-solving and communication abilities. Certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA can enhance job prospects.

What are some typical challenges faced by Data Center Operations Specialists, and how can they prepare for them?

Data Center Operations Specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining uptime during hardware failures, managing rapid changes in technology, and responding to unexpected incidents like power outages or security threats. Preparation involves developing strong troubleshooting skills, staying updated on industry best practices, and being proactive in monitoring systems for potential issues. Effective communication and collaboration with IT, facilities, and security teams are also crucial to resolving problems quickly and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Data Center Operations Specialist vs Network Operations Technician?

AspectData Center Operations SpecialistNetwork Operations Technician
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, server roomsNetwork operation centers, data centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging data center hardware, ensuring uptimeMonitoring network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues
Industry UsageIT, cloud services, data hostingTelecommunications, IT networks

The Data Center Operations Specialist focuses on maintaining and managing data center hardware and infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and uptime. In contrast, the Network Operations Technician primarily monitors and troubleshoots network connectivity and performance issues. While both roles require technical certifications and work within similar environments, their core responsibilities differ, with the specialist centered on data center hardware and the technician on network systems.

How much do data center operators make?

Data center operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in large or high-demand facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Center Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Operations Specialist, you need strong knowledge of hardware, networking, and systems administration, usually supported by relevant IT certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft certifications. Proficiency with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools, network monitoring systems, and ticketing platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the smooth and secure operation of data center environments, minimizing downtime and maintaining critical services.

What does a data operations specialist do?

A data operations specialist manages and maintains data systems, ensuring data accuracy, security, and availability. They often work with database management tools, perform data validation, and support data integration processes to facilitate efficient data flow within an organization.

What are Data Center Operations Specialists?

Data Center Operations Specialists are IT professionals responsible for maintaining the day-to-day operations of data centers. Their duties include monitoring server performance, ensuring network uptime, managing hardware and software installations, and responding to system alerts or outages. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot technical issues, and enforce data center security protocols. These specialists play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and security of an organization's IT infrastructure.

Who are the big 5 in data centers?

The 'Big 5' in data centers typically refer to the five largest cloud service providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud, and IBM Cloud. These companies dominate the industry in terms of infrastructure, market share, and global data center presence, and working as a Data Center Operations Specialist often involves managing hardware, network systems, and ensuring uptime within these large-scale environments.
More about Data Center Operations Specialist jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Data Center Operations Specialist jobs? The top employers for Data Center Operations Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Data Center Operations Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Data Center Operations Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Data Center Operations Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,426 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Data Center Administrator - TS/SCI with Polygraph

Data Center Administrator - TS/SCI with Polygraph

GDIT

Springfield, VA

$96K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Pipeline

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

IT Infrastructure and Operations

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Data Center, Data Center Administration, Data Center Design, Data Center Services, Data Center Support

Certifications:

None

Experience:

10 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

DATA CENTER TECHNICIAN

YOUR IMPACT

Own your opportunity to support national defense. Your work will help keep critical operations secure and connected across the global enterprise directly, contributing to a mission that protects our nation every day.

CIO Infrastructure Services (CIS) is growing, and we invite both our experienced incumbents and new team members to be part of what's next. Incumbents bring invaluable mission insight, while new talent adds fresh ideas and energy. Together, we'll strengthen continuity and drive the next generation of innovation.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

As a Data Center Technician supporting CIS, you will help ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of mission critical data center environments across a globally distributed enterprise. You will manage core data center operations including equipment installation, physical infrastructure upkeep, environmental monitoring, and hands-on technical support. Your work enables secure, resilient, and high-performance compute environments that power essential IT services and sustain operational readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform hands-on installation, racking, cabling, and maintenance of servers, appliances, storage systems, and supporting data center equipment
  • Manage physical data center operations including rack management, power and cooling checks, environmental monitoring, and incident response
  • Conduct hardware break/fix, perform equipment moves, decommission devices, and maintain accurate inventory and documentation
  • Implement data center best practices for cabling, labeling, access control, compliance, and physical security standards
  • Support site inspections, readiness assessments, and quality assurance reviews to maintain facility health and operational standards
  • Coordinate with engineering, operations, and cyber teams to integrate new equipment, support lab environments, and maintain compliant configurations
  • Ensure proper handling of equipment in accordance with lifecycle management, declassification, and sanitization requirements
  • Implement and validate patches and security updates in alignment with vulnerability management and security directives
  • Investigate and resolve patch related compliance issues, supporting POA&M development and corrective action verification

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

  • EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
    Data Center Operations Specialist Senior - Requires a Bachelor's degree in an ITrelated field or 8 years of relevant IT experience in lieu of a degree.
    Data Center Operations Specialist Principal - Requires a Bachelor's degree in an ITrelated field or 10 years of relevant IT experience in lieu of a degree.
    Data Center Operations Specialist Sr Principal - Requires a Bachelor's degree in an ITrelated field or 12 years of relevant IT experience in lieu of a degree.

  • CERTIFICATION: Meet DoD 8140 Information Assurance Workforce certification requirements (e.g., Security+ CE, etc.)
  • CLEARANCE: Active TS/SCI clearance with a favorable polygraph
  • Hands-on experience with data center operations including rack/stack, cabling, hardware support, and physical infrastructure management
  • Understanding of power, cooling, cable management, and environmental monitoring standards
  • Familiarity with patching, security compliance, configuration baselines, and change control processes
  • Strong documentation, communication, and cross team coordination skills
  • Ability to support CONUS/OCONUS travel as required
  • US citizenship required

  • LOCATION: Onsite

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace
OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.

#CIS

The likely salary range for this position is $96,569 - $130,651. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

10-25%

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA MD Annapolis Junction

Additional Work Locations:

USA CO Colorado Springs - 8610 Explorer Dr (COC036), USA DC Washington, USA FL MacDill AFB - 7115 S Boundary Blvd (FLC096), USA VA Springfield - 7770 Backlick Rd (VAS110)

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work:

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers consulting, technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, Cloud, Cyber and application development. Together with our clients, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US