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Data Center Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Call Center Operator - Hybrid

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Operational Excellence and Quality Improvement 1. Monitor workflows and support efforts to maintain operational excellence across the ADAP program. 2. Assist with quality assurance activities, data ...

Data Center Supervisor I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$40K - $115K/yr

Coordinates and schedules Computer Operators, directs work, and evaluates operational performance ... Monitors quality assurance and security of data. * Ensures daily production of systems to include ...

Data Center Supervisor I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$40K - $115K/yr

Coordinates and schedules Computer Operators, directs work, and evaluates operational performance ... Monitors quality assurance and security of data. * Ensures daily production of systems to include ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Center Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.2K

$142.3K

$233.2K

How much do data center operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operator in Tennessee is $142,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,400.00 and $195,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a data center operator?

To become a data center operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical skills related to electrical systems, networking, or IT. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA can improve job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential for maintaining data center operations.

What qualifications do I need to work as a data center operator?

A data center operator typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical knowledge of computer hardware, networking, and power systems. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA can enhance job prospects, and hands-on experience with data center equipment is often preferred. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What is a data center operator?

Data Center Operators are IT professionals responsible for the day-to-day operations, monitoring, and maintenance of data centers. They ensure that servers, networking equipment, and other critical infrastructure run smoothly and securely. Their duties include handling system backups, responding to hardware and software issues, and performing regular inspections to prevent downtime. Data Center Operators also assist with equipment installations and upgrades, and they often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage for data center facilities.

Are data center operator jobs high paying?

Data center operator jobs typically offer moderate to high wages depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may pay around the national average, while experienced operators with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and overtime pay due to shift work.

What are some common challenges data center operators face during their shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Data Center Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining uptime during unexpected hardware failures, managing environmental controls (like temperature and humidity), and responding quickly to system alerts. To manage these effectively, operators rely on well-documented protocols, regular training, and close collaboration with IT and facilities teams. Proactive monitoring, clear communication, and staying updated on new technologies also help minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.

How much do data center operators make?

Data center operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in regions with a high cost of living or in large data centers.

What is the difference between Data Center Operator vs Network Technician?

AspectData Center OperatorNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA (sometimes)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, server roomsNetworking labs, client sites
Primary ResponsibilitiesMonitoring servers, managing hardware, ensuring uptimeInstalling, troubleshooting, and maintaining network hardware and connections

While both roles involve technical skills and work in data or network environments, Data Center Operators focus on maintaining server hardware and data center operations, whereas Network Technicians specialize in network infrastructure and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Data Center Operator, you need strong technical aptitude in IT infrastructure, hardware troubleshooting, and basic networking, usually supported by an associate degree or relevant certifications like CompTIA Server+. Familiarity with data center management tools, monitoring systems, and ticketing software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure are vital soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining data center uptime, ensuring system reliability, and quickly resolving technical issues.
Infographic showing various Data Center Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,268 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

Director, Data Center Facilities Operations

SpaceXAI

Memphis, TN

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceXAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
SpaceX is launching at an incredible tempo out of multiple launch complexes and processing more payloads than ever. The Director of Data Center Facilities Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, reliability, and operational excellence of all data center facilities infrastructure across an entire SpaceX site. This role owns the full lifecycle of critical infrastructure supporting multiple data centers—including power systems, HVAC/cooling, fire protection, compressed air, plumbing, building structures, and general facilities utilities—ensuring zero unplanned downtime and maximum availability for mission-critical operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead and develop a multi-layered organization of managers, supervisors, and technicians across multiple data centers to deliver 24/7/365 reliability with zero unplanned interruptions to employees, customers, and flight-critical systems.
  • Set site-wide strategy, multi-year roadmaps, budgeting (CapEx/OpEx), and resource forecasting for all data center facilities infrastructure; drive extreme ownership of total execution, safety culture, and reliability engineering.
  • Partner with engineering, IT, operations, and executive leadership to plan, prioritize, resource, and execute large-scale projects that support launch manifests, capacity expansion, and efficiency improvements across the site.
  • Establish and continuously improve standardized work instructions, maintenance strategies, and operational processes for all data centers; drive best practices, lessons learned, and continuous improvement across the entire portfolio.
  • Conduct ongoing assessment of resource needs, life-cycle costs, and capacity planning for multiple facilities; own long-term capital planning and total cost of ownership for data center infrastructure.
  • Oversee all contractors and vendors supporting mechanical, structural, HVAC, electrical, power, cooling, fire/life safety, and water systems across multiple data centers; enforce corporate standards, SLAs, and performance.
  • Own site-wide preventative and predictive maintenance programs; develop prioritization frameworks and multi-year strategies for major repairs, upgrades, and replacements to maximize uptime and efficiency (including PUE optimization).
  • Define, track, and communicate key performance indicators (safety, uptime/availability, quality, labor productivity, energy efficiency, and operating expenses) to executive leadership and drive accountability across the organization.
  • Provide strategic oversight of emergency response and on-call frameworks; ensure robust 24x7 support models and rapid recovery capabilities for all data center facilities.
  • Lead talent development, succession planning, and organizational design for a high-performing multi-site facilities team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, architecture, construction management, or related technical field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in facilities operations, data center infrastructure, or critical facilities management, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing multi-site or multi-facility operations.
  • Demonstrated experience leading teams responsible for high-availability environments (data centers, mission-critical, or industrial facilities).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in engineering, business, or related field; professional certifications (e.g., CEM, PMP, CFM, or data center-specific credentials) preferred.
  • Deep expertise in data center critical infrastructure: high-power electrical systems, UPS/generators, precision cooling/HVAC, fire suppression, BMS/DCIM systems, telecommunications infrastructure, fuel systems, and redundancy/resiliency design (Tier standards, concurrent maintainability, etc.).
  • Proven track record of managing large budgets, multi-year capital programs, and complex vendor ecosystems across multiple facilities.
  • Excellent executive communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical and operational issues to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership presence with a track record of building high-performing teams, driving cultural change, and delivering results in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
  • Ability to provide strategic input on facility design, capacity planning, and long-term infrastructure roadmaps.
  • Highly organized, self-driven leader capable of operating with significant autonomy while aligning to company priorities.
  • Experience managing large-scale projects and portfolios under aggressive timelines with frequent changes in scope and priority.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness to travel as needed across the site and occasionally to other SpaceX locations.
  • Ability and willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and non-standard schedules as required to support critical operations.
  • Comfort operating in a high-stress, high-tempo environment while balancing multiple strategic priorities and rapidly adapting to changing business needs.

SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.


What SpaceX employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US