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Data Center Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... are operating at the highest levels of reliability for our customers. All candidates should be ... A day in the life As a Data Center Technician professional, you have industry-leading technical ...

Data Center Project Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$123K/yr

Job Title: Data Center Project Manager We are seeking an experienced and proactive Data Center ... You will join a highly creative, efficient team responsible for designing, building, and operating ...

... are operating at the highest levels of reliability for our customers. All candidates should be ... A day in the life As a Data Center Technician professional, you have industry-leading technical ...

... are operating at the highest levels of reliability for our customers. All candidates should be ... A day in the life As a Data Center Technician professional, you have industry-leading technical ...

... are operating at the highest levels of reliability for our customers. All candidates should be ... A day in the life As a Data Center Technician professional, you have industry-leading technical ...

Data Center Manager, DCO

Sterling, VA · On-site

$165K/yr

Some high-level responsibilities include: - Prioritize and assign trouble tickets to data center technicians and operators - Manage the performance of a diverse team(s) of data center operation ...

... are operating at the highest levels of reliability for our customers. All candidates should be ... A day in the life As a Data Center Technician professional, you have industry-leading technical ...

... are operating at the highest levels of reliability for our customers. All candidates should be ... A day in the life As a Data Center Technician professional, you have industry-leading technical ...

We are seeking a Data Center Facility Engineerto join our national intelligence program that ... Ensures project requirements are defined, contract and contract changes are negotiated, operating ...

Data Center Manager (Night Shift)

Manassas, VA · On-site

$167K/yr

Some high-level responsibilities include: - Prioritize and assign trouble tickets to data center technicians and operators -Manage the performance of a diverse team(s) of data center operation ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Center Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$39.9K

$148.9K

$244K

How much do data center operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operator in Virginia is $148,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,600.00 and $204,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 or certifications can earn higher wages. The role often requires knowledge of hardware, networking, and environmental controls.

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 infrastructure. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA can improve job prospects, and on-the-job training is common for learning specific equipment and procedures.
Infographic showing various Data Center Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 16% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,912 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Data Center Facilities Manager -- Efficiency & Compliance

Google Inc.

Sterling, VA • On-site

$122 - $173/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor data center systems operations, control site activities to minimize risk, and respond effectively to any excursions.

  • Ensure sites are following facility, maintenance, and standard programs globally while exhibiting strength in improvement to said policies and programs, with minimal assistance.

  • Drive efforts to perform compliance activities for a data center and analyze compliance results for data centers globally.


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

corporate_fare Google place Sterling, VA, USA

MidExperience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.

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info_outline X This role is not eligible for U.S. immigration sponsorship.

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 4 years of experience in data center operations or other relevant operational experience in non-DC industries (e.g., power generation, HVAC and refrigeration, industrial manufacturing, military, oil and gas, maritime/marine, large chemical cluster, etc.).
  • 2 years of experience managing technical teams and vendors in charge of operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and controls infrastructure and components.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience collaborating with other business units to meet company goals and standards.
  • Understanding of the operations and maintenance of electrical, control systems, and mechanical systems in a data center environment.
  • Ability to set, prioritize, and achieve business objectives.
  • Ability to develop and grow team members, through coaching, mentoring, and training.
About the job

The Data Center team designs and operates some of the most sophisticated electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and HVAC systems in the world. Facility Technicians at Google data centers operate, monitor and support physical facilities conditions. Some duties will include heating and cooling of air and water, power supply, generators, UPS systems, electrical distribution and control and monitoring systems. You regularly help inspect, maintain and repair various data center systems such as piping and non-critical electrical or mechanical system components). You'll provide daily assistance to senior technicians as you read blueprints/schematics, conduct tours of systems and assess their working order.
You will develop creative approaches to reducing operational costs while improving overall data center efficiency. You ensure that environmental and safety standards are consistently met, identifying problems and making repairs quickly In emergency situations or abnormal conditions, you manage data center performance issues and outages to minimize the recovery time from failures.

The Data Center team designs and operates some of the most sophisticated electrical and HVAC systems in the world. We are a diverse, upbeat, creative, team-oriented group of engineers committed to building and operating powerful data centers.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. About the job

The Data Center team designs and operates some of the most sophisticated electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and HVAC systems in the world. Facility Technicians at Google data centers operate, monitor and support physical facilities conditions. Some duties will include heating and cooling of air and water, power supply, generators, UPS systems, electrical distribution and control and monitoring systems. You regularly help inspect, maintain and repair various data center systems such as piping and non-critical electrical or mechanical system components). You'll provide daily assistance to senior technicians as you read blueprints/schematics, conduct tours of systems and assess their working order.
You will develop creative approaches to reducing operational costs while improving overall data center efficiency. You ensure that environmental and safety standards are consistently met, identifying problems and making repairs quickly In emergency situations or abnormal conditions, you manage data center performance issues and outages to minimize the recovery time from failures.

The Data Center team designs and operates some of the most sophisticated electrical and HVAC systems in the world. We are a diverse, upbeat, creative, team-oriented group of engineers committed to building and operating powerful data centers.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $122000 - $173000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
  • Drive efforts to perform compliance activities for a data center and analyze compliance results for data centers globally. Ensure regional and global teams are complying with project/schedule guidelines and Google design standards.
  • Monitor data center systems operations, control site activities to minimize risk, and respond effectively to any excursions.
  • Ensure sites are following facility, maintenance, and standard programs globally while exhibiting strength in improvement to said policies and programs, with minimal assistance.
  • Develop strategies to keep operational costs to a minimum, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact at a site, along with driving site-level development of programs and initiatives.
  • Incorporate intermediate subdomain knowledge and experience to determine data center design improvements to optimize equipment and operations for next generation data centers.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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