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Data Center Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Data Center Operations Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Role Overview We're seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Engineer, Data Center Operations to support daily operations in a high-density, mission-critical environment. This role is responsible for ...

Meta is seeking a Data Center Production Operations Engineer to support the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of our global data center infrastructure. In this role, you will be responsible ...

Because data center operations and customer projects may require coverage outside traditional business hours, candidates must be flexible and willing to work regular/day, swing, and night shifts as ...

If you have experience with data center operations, break/fix troubleshooting, server deployments, structured cabling, or hardware maintenance, we'd love to hear from you. Location Saline, Michigan ...

If you have experience with data center operations, break/fix troubleshooting, server deployments, structured cabling, or hardware maintenance, we'd love to hear from you. Location Saline, Michigan ...

Data Center Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

The Data Center Lead will serve as the primary onsite resource responsible for coordinating day-to ... Serve as a reliable escalation point for onsite operational issues, independently identifying ...

If you have experience with data center operations, break/fix troubleshooting, server deployments, structured cabling, or hardware maintenance, we'd love to hear from you. Location Saline, Michigan ...

Oversees day to day data center operations including monitoring, maintenance, and incident management * Ensures robust high availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans * Manages ...

Showing results 21-40

Data Center Operations information

See California salary details

$51.3K

$126.8K

$197.4K

How much do data center operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operations in California is $126,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $161,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is data center operations?

Data Center Operations refers to the collective processes and activities that ensure data centers run efficiently, securely, and reliably. These operations include managing servers, networking equipment, cooling and power systems, monitoring performance, and implementing security protocols. Professionals in this field are responsible for maintaining uptime, troubleshooting hardware or software issues, and supporting the technological infrastructure that businesses rely on for data storage and processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in data center operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Data Center Operations, you need a solid understanding of IT infrastructure, hardware maintenance, network management, and often a relevant degree or technical certification such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA. Familiarity with monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and physical security protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this environment. These skills are essential for maintaining uptime, ensuring data security, and responding quickly to technical issues in a mission-critical setting.

What are some typical challenges faced in a data center operations role and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Data Center Operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining uptime during hardware failures, managing large-scale equipment upgrades, and ensuring strict adherence to security protocols. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Effective communication and collaboration with IT, facilities, and security teams are essential to quickly address incidents and prevent downtime. Staying current with best practices and participating in regular training can also help manage these challenges more effectively.

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

AspectData Center OperationsData Center Technician
Primary FocusOverseeing overall data center functions, including infrastructure management, monitoring, and maintenance coordination.Performing hands-on hardware installation, troubleshooting, and repairs within the data center.
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CompTIA Data Center or Cisco CCNA.Typically requires certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Network+.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with some on-site presence; involves coordination and supervision.Primarily on-site, working directly with hardware and equipment.
Employer UsageUsed by data center managers, operations teams, and facilities management.Commonly searched by technicians and entry-level hardware staff.

In summary, Data Center Operations involves managing and coordinating data center functions, while Data Center Technicians focus on hands-on hardware tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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 roles may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of hardware, networking, and monitoring tools.

What job categories do people searching Data Center Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Center Operations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Data Center Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Data Center Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Center Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,843 per year, or $61 per hour.

Data Center and Infrastructure Platform Manager

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Pacific Life Insurance Company
Finance and Insurance • 1 - 5K employees

$179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Pacific Life rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description:
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.
Pacific Life is investing in bright, agile and diverse talent to contribute to our mission of innovating our business and creating a superior customer experience. We're actively seeking a talented Data Center and Infrastructure Platform Manager to join our Cloud & Compute Platforms team in Charlotte, NC. This role can be on-site or hybrid.
As a Data Center and Infrastructure Platform Manager, you'll play a critical role in supporting Pacific Life's growth and technology modernization. Reporting to the Director, you will lead the operational management, reliability, resiliency, and performance of Pacific Life's enterprise infrastructure platforms. This role is primarily focused on data center operations, enterprise compute, storage, backup, disaster recovery, and infrastructure service availability across a complex, highly regulated environment. While familiarity with cloud platforms is important, success in this role will be driven by proven leadership of large-scale data center and infrastructure operations. You will lead a team of professionals, ensuring high availability, efficiency, and security, while executing on the strategic vision set by the Director and executive leadership.
How you will make an impact:
As the Data Center and Infrastructure Platform Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the operational management of our global data center and computing infrastructure. Your leadership will ensure high availability, efficiency, and security while supporting the organization's technology and business goals. You will:
  • Provide leadership and operational oversight for Pacific Life's enterprise data center environment, ensuring high availability, resiliency, security, and operational excellence.
  • Lead and develop a team of infrastructure platform professionals responsible for compute, storage, backup, disaster recovery, and data center operations.
  • Execute capacity planning initiatives to ensure infrastructure scalability, performance, and business continuity.
  • Execute the operational roadmap for data center operations, ensuring alignment with business and IT objectives as defined by the Director.
  • Develop and maintain operational standards, procedures, and governance practices for infrastructure platforms.
  • Ensure successful execution of incident response, root cause analysis, preventative maintenance, and problem management processes.
  • Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and business continuity initiatives across critical business services.
  • Oversee vendor performance, facility operations, hardware lifecycle management, and support contract administration.
  • Drive operational efficiency, infrastructure stability, and cost optimization initiatives.
  • Partner with architecture, cloud, networking, and cybersecurity teams to ensure alignment across technology platforms.
  • Monitor emerging technologies and infrastructure trends and provide recommendations for future modernization opportunities.
  • Develop and implement departmental plans and priorities in coordination with the Director.

The experience you bring:
To excel in this role, you should have a strong background in data center operations, leadership, and strategic planning. Your experience should include:
  • 8+ years of experience leading enterprise data center operations, infrastructure operations, or related technology functions.
  • Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
  • 4-year degree or equivalent experience
  • Experience supporting global, multi-site data center operations in a large enterprise environment.
  • Deep knowledge of:
    • Data center operations
    • Enterprise server infrastructure
    • Storage systems
    • Backup and recovery platforms
    • Capacity planning
    • Disaster recovery and business continuity
  • Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and enterprise infrastructure architecture.
  • Experience managing infrastructure reliability, operational risk, incident management, and service availability.
  • A demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performance teams
  • Experience overseeing vendor relationships, infrastructure contracts, and hardware lifecycle management.
  • Familiarity with automation, monitoring, and management tools for optimizing data center performance.
  • Experience operating within regulated or compliance-focused environments.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage both technical teams and management.

What will make you stand out:
While the above qualifications are essential, the following attributes will set you apart:
  • Demonstrated success leading enterprise data center operations in organizations with demanding uptime and resiliency requirements. (e.g., finance, healthcare, etc.)
  • Experience managing geographically dispersed infrastructure operations teams.
  • Success leading data center expansions, migrations, consolidations, or facility modernization initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of data center power, cooling, redundancy, and operational resilience best practices.
  • Experience supporting large-scale disaster recovery programs and infrastructure recovery testing.
  • Relevant infrastructure, data center, cloud, or operational certifications.
  • Exposure to hybrid cloud environments and infrastructure modernization efforts.

You can be who you are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
#LI-TM1
Base Pay Range:
The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
Your Benefits Start Day 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.
  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

What Pacific Life employees say

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About Pacific Life

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

When you purchase life insurance and retirement solutions, you're buying a promise. A promise that today, tomorrow or ten years from now, we'll be there. For more than 150 years, our clients have trusted Pacific Life to protect what matters most to them - their families, their businesses, their futures.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newport Beach, CA, US

Year founded

1868

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