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Lead Data Center Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Data Center Engineer

Brook Park, OH · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

At least 8 years professional engineering experience (preferably in a Data Centre Services environment). BA/BS Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. (or equivalent experience

Bridge Core (BCore)

Data Center Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Overview Data Center Engineer McLean, VA TS/SCI with Poly At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver impact to the mission. Whether it's architecting critical IT solutions, producing actionable ...

The Peak Organization

Data Center Engineer

Austin, TX

$55/hr

Data Center Engineer Location: Austin, TX Schedule: Monday-Friday, 09:00-6:00 Start Date: As soon as possible Employment Type: Contract / Full‐Time (depending on engagement) Hourly Pay Rate: $55.00 ...

Bridge Core (BCore)

Data Center Engineer

Mclean, VA

Overview Data Center Engineer McLean, VA TS/SCI with Poly At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver impact to the mission. Whether it's architecting critical IT solutions, producing actionable ...

Jane Street

Data Center Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

About the Position We're looking for an experienced Senior Data Center Engineer to design, build ... lead all incident investigations and projects. This role offers a challenging environment where you ...

Stellent IT LLC

Data Center Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Role : Data Center Engineer Location : CaIrvine, CA (Hybrid) Job type : Full-Time In order to ... Ability to lead or participate in the design of datacenter modifications, including design of new ...

The Peak Organization

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Data Center Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$55/hr

Data Center Engineer Location: Austin, TX Schedule: Monday-Friday, 09:00-6:00 Start Date: As soon as possible Employment Type: Contract / Full‐Time (depending on engagement) About the Role We are ...

VTEKIS CONSULTING LLC

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Data Center Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Data Center Engineer Location: Memphis, TN Duration: 12+ Years Monitor data center infrastructure, including servers, storage, network devices Perform basic hardware installation, replacement ...

VTEKIS CONSULTING LLC

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Data Center Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Data Center Engineer Location: Memphis, TN Duration: 12+ Years Monitor data center infrastructure, including servers, storage, network devices Perform basic hardware installation, replacement ...

Selby Jennings

Data Center Engineer

Somerset, NJ

Data Center Engineer (On-Site) A technology-focused firm is hiring a hands-on Data Center Engineer to support physical infrastructure across multiple facilities in New Jersey. Responsibilities

Droisys

Data Center Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Data Center Engineer Location : Austin, TX Duration : 1 year contract Position Description These are Network Engineer positions to work the split (VLANs, VRFs, Physical, whatever) HP (3Com) hardware ...

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All JobsLead Data Center Engineer Jobs

Lead Data Center Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead data center engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead data center engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Lead Data Center Engineer faces, and how can they effectively address them?

Lead Data Center Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining high system uptime, coordinating complex hardware upgrades, and ensuring robust security protocols. These professionals must balance technical troubleshooting with managing cross-functional teams, often under tight deadlines. Effective communication, proactive planning, and staying current with emerging technologies are key to overcoming these obstacles and keeping data center operations running smoothly.

What engineers make $500,000?

Lead Data Center Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in infrastructure design and management can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-cost regions or large enterprise environments. Such roles often require strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and knowledge of data center operations, power systems, and cooling technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Data Center Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Data Center Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of network infrastructure, server hardware, and power/cooling systems, often backed by a relevant degree and certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP or CompTIA Server+. Familiarity with monitoring tools, virtualization platforms, and data center management software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable operations, rapid issue resolution, and seamless team coordination in mission-critical environments.

Who are the big 5 in data centers?

The Big 5 in data centers typically refer to the five largest cloud service providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud, and IBM Cloud. These companies dominate the industry in infrastructure, services, and global data center presence, making them key players for data center engineers to understand and work with.

How much money does a data center engineer make?

A data center engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in networking, cooling systems, or power management can earn higher salaries. Compensation may also include benefits such as overtime pay and on-call allowances.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Lead Data Center Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in infrastructure management, and certifications such as Cisco or VMware can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in large or high-demand facilities. Senior engineers overseeing critical systems and projects often reach this compensation level due to the complexity and responsibility of their roles.

What does a Lead Data Center Engineer do?

A Lead Data Center Engineer is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of data center infrastructure. They manage teams, ensure high availability of servers and network systems, and coordinate upgrades, repairs, and installations. Their role often includes monitoring environmental systems like power and cooling, implementing security protocols, and troubleshooting technical issues. Additionally, they work closely with other IT professionals to ensure data center performance aligns with organizational needs.

What is the difference between Lead Data Center Engineer vs Data Center Technician?

AspectLead Data Center EngineerData Center Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Data Center certificationsCompTIA Server+, Data Center certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and troubleshoot data center infrastructureInstall, maintain, and repair hardware and systems
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, system optimization, team coordinationHardware setup, routine maintenance, troubleshooting

The Lead Data Center Engineer typically handles planning, design, and leadership roles within data centers, requiring advanced certifications and experience. In contrast, Data Center Technicians focus on hands-on hardware installation and maintenance. Both roles are essential, but the engineer often supervises technicians and manages complex systems.

More about Lead Data Center Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Data Center Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Data Center Engineer jobs are:
Lead Data Center Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Data Center Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Data Center Engineer Lead

One IT Corp

Santa Clara, CA

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Data Center Engineer Lead

in Santa Clara, CA

6+ month contract

Job Description:

The IPP (Infrastructure, Planning & Process) division at designs, scales, and optimizes the global data center footprint powering our AI platforms and cloud environments. We are seeking a Data Center Engineering Lead (Contract) to architect and direct large-scale infrastructure programs supporting Cloud Platform and global AI product lifecycle.

This role will drive IPPs DC readiness across multiple vectors and teams to ensure our data center ecosystem scales efficiently, reliably, and sustainably across the world.

This position directly influences portfolio-level infrastructure decisions, including:

  • Super lab expansions
  • Rack & bench capacity modeling
  • Liquid versus air cooling implementation strategy
  • Global site prioritization
  • Executive-level reporting on critical metrics and readiness oversight!

This is a highly transparent role demanding technical expertise, executive presence, and the capability to convert infrastructure complexity into clear, actionable outcomes for senior leadership.

What You ll Be Doing:

  • Lead Global Infrastructure Data Center Build out programs.
  • Drive execution of super lab and data center buildouts from concept approval through operational readiness.
  • Own coordinated schedules linking power delivery, cooling deployment (air & liquid), rack installation, network readiness, and occupancy planning.
  • Establish and enforce launch readiness criteria across global sites!
  • Orchestrate multi-functional alignment.
  • Partner with Cloud Platform, SPT (System Product Teams), Facilities, Engineering, Real Estate, and Operations.
  • Act as the connective tissue between tenant demand (product bring-up) and landlord infrastructure readiness (IPP).
  • Facilitate executive business reviews with clear R/Y/G status and quantified risk.
  • Capacity & Space Planning Integration
  • Translate portfolio-level demand signals into actionable infrastructure plans.
  • Model rack density, MW capacity, bench allocation, and cooling distribution.
  • Identify portfolio cooling gaps (liquid vs. air) and bring up risk mitigation strategies.
  • Benchmark Governance & Executive Reporting
  • Develop measurable benchmarks tied to schedule predictability, MW delivery, rack availability, and readiness dates.
  • Present concise executive updates to VP-level and senior leadership collaborators.
  • Drive root-cause analysis and capture lessons learned into future build cycles.
  • Risk & Prioritization
  • Identify infrastructure constraints early (power, chilled water, space).
  • Lead scenario planning for site contingencies and global redistribution.
  • Actively reduce schedule risk affecting product launch timelines.

What We Need to See:

  • Bachelor s or Master s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Data Center Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 7+ years designing and delivering complex data center or high-density compute facilities (hyperscale or enterprise level).
  • Strong technical understanding of large-scale power distribution (MW-level planning), cooling systems, and infrastructure reliability design principles.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering integration across facilities, network, and operations.
  • Proven ability to create and manage engineering KPIs, readiness metrics, and executive-level reporting around infrastructure health and capacity.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex engineering tradeoffs into actionable strategies for executive and technical audiences.

What Sets You Apart:

  • You think in systems not just physical infrastructure but the orchestration of power, cooling, and compute integration at a global scale.
  • You thrive in technical and strategic discussions, bridging engineering rigor with architectural foresight.
  • You bring proactive systems thinking, anticipate risk, and focus on reliability and efficiency without losing sight of long-term scalability.

Apply