Internship Data Center Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Job Summary
The Data Center Engineer will support data center and lab operations, network infrastructure, virtualization, operating system deployment, hardware maintenance, disaster recovery, and technical troubleshooting. The role requires hands-on experience with data center infrastructure and networking equipment, along with the ability to support operational activities across different shifts and time zones.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform data center operations including cabling, power distribution, rack mounting, and related infrastructure activities.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose systems, hardware, networking, and technical issues.
• Implement and support disaster recovery procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of security and networking best practices to support secure and reliable systems.
• Install and configure Windows, Ubuntu, and CentOS operating systems using ISO, VHD, WDS, SCCM, PXE servers, and USB-based deployment methods.
• Set up and maintain small clusters of virtual machine hosts supporting up to 100 virtual machines.
• Manage lab operations and maintain the lab environment in accordance with applicable safety standards.
• Manage and maintain test hardware, test racks, and test equipment.
• Coordinate with Logistics for packing and shipping equipment to manufacturers.
• Support lab shipping, receiving, logistics, and inventory management of equipment and materials.
• Design and implement network solutions and improve the efficiency of existing networks.
• Procure network equipment and support network installation activities.
• Install, maintain, and support network equipment including VPNs, firewalls, routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, SCCM/PXE, DNS, and DHCP.
• Configure firewalls, routers, and switches to maximize network efficiency and security.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot network issues to maintain reliable operations.
• Coordinate and execute scheduled network and infrastructure upgrades.
• Investigate network faults and implement appropriate resolutions.
• Update Cisco, Arista, and Dell network equipment with current firmware releases.
• Report network status, issues, and operational updates to key stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with customers and internal technical teams.
• Support operational requirements across PST and CST time zones and participate in three-shift coverage as required.
• Support physical handling and installation of servers and other data center hardware in accordance with applicable safety procedures.
Required Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in data center operations.
• Hands-on experience with cabling, power distribution, rack mounting, and other data center infrastructure activities.
• Experience troubleshooting and diagnosing systems, hardware, networking, and technical issues.
• Experience implementing or supporting disaster recovery procedures.
• Experience installing and configuring Windows, Ubuntu, and CentOS operating systems.
• Experience with ISO, VHD, WDS, SCCM, PXE server, and USB-based operating system deployment.
• Experience setting up and maintaining virtual machine host clusters.
• Experience managing test hardware, test racks, and test equipment.
• Experience installing, maintaining, and supporting network equipment including VPNs, firewalls, routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS, and DHCP.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting firewalls, routers, and switches.
• Experience monitoring network performance and investigating network faults.
• Experience with Cisco, Arista, and Dell networking equipment.
• Strong communication skills with customers, stakeholders, and internal technical teams.
• Ability to work across PST and CST time zones.
• Flexibility to work across three shifts as required.
• Ability to safely perform physical data center activities, including handling and installing server hardware, in accordance with applicable workplace safety procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
• PowerShell scripting experience.
• Experience designing and implementing network solutions.
• Experience with network equipment procurement and installation.
• Experience coordinating scheduled infrastructure upgrades and firmware updates.
• Experience supporting lab shipping, receiving, logistics, and equipment inventory activities.