Freelance Data Center Monitoring Jobs in California

Job Summary

The Data Center Operations Engineer is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and deploying critical data center infrastructure with a strong focus on Linux-based systems, GPU server deployments, and InfiniBand networking. This role requires hands-on expertise in data center operations, cluster bring-up, hardware installation, and troubleshooting across compute, network, and GPU environments. The engineer will collaborate closely with global infrastructure, development, and operations teams to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on operational support for all data center projects, deployments, and repair activities.

• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide on-site or remote support during maintenance windows and incidents.

• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues related to Linux servers, GPU platforms, networking, and storage infrastructure.

• Support customer and internal deployments, ensuring timely and successful bring-up of GPU servers and clusters.

• Perform InfiniBand fabric bring-up, switch configuration, subnet management, and troubleshooting.

• Conduct daily health checks of Linux systems and infrastructure components, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

• Install, configure, test, and maintain server hardware (rack and stack, labeling, HDDs, memory, CPUs, RAID batteries, NICs, etc.).

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot networking equipment including routers, switches, and terminal servers for out-of-band management.

• Review and validate equipment deployments against approved design documentation and standards.

• Support data center builds, refreshes, migrations, and expansions while adhering to quality and safety standards.

• Coordinate with vendors and onsite staff for hardware delivery, diagnostics, replacement, and warranty services.

• Utilize monitoring and alerting frameworks to identify issues, escalate appropriately, and ensure timely service restoration.

• Maintain accurate documentation of operational procedures, system configurations, and runbooks.

• Follow established incident management, escalation procedures, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

• Collaborate with global teams across time zones to support operational initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and ensure adherence to documented policies, processes, and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent practical experience.

• Strong hands-on experience in Linux environments, including system administration, troubleshooting, and performance validation.

• Proficiency with Linux command-line tools and shell scripting (Bash or equivalent).

• Experience with cluster bring-up, driver installation, and system-level configuration.

• Hands-on experience setting up and validating GPU servers in clustered environments.

• Experience with end-to-end GPU testing in InfiniBand-based clusters.

• Working knowledge of InfiniBand networking, including switch configuration and subnet management.

• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite (IP, ARP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, SMTP, FTP, TFTP).

• Experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting routers, switches, and terminal servers.

• Familiarity with fiber and copper cabling, including IP and SAN deployments.

• Experience managing incident tickets, maintaining acceptable ticket loads, and meeting SLAs.

• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail in data center environments.

• Ability to follow and enforce documented escalation procedures and operational policies.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and global teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting HPC, AI, or large-scale GPU environments.

• Exposure to data center monitoring

• Experience documenting operational processes and maintaining technical runbooks.

• Familiarity with large-scale data center buildouts or refresh programs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role, including lifting, moving, and installing equipment weighing 50 pounds or more, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to work in data center environments, including raised floors, equipment racks, and confined spaces.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call rotations as required.

Work Environment

• On-site data center environment with occasional remote coordination.

• Interaction with hardware vendors, service providers, and internal engineering teams.

• Fast-paced operational setting requiring attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and rapid problem resolution.

The hourly range for California is $57.21 to $106.25 per hour. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Please note that the hourly range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.