Data Center Engineer
The Data Center Engineer will work closely with the Data Center operations team, various UI service groups, and a wide range of datacenter service vendors to support the operation of ITS enterprise datacenters and other critical IT facilities on a 24x7 basis. Responsibilities include managing and tracking data hall-hosted computer systems by assigning locations, recording configuration/tracking details, and overseeing surplus as part of core service delivery. The role involves overseeing critical facilities maintenance and repair, which includes planning and supervising the work of skilled Mechanical, Electrical & Plant (MEP) technicians, as well as managing key vendor relationships for IT and MEP equipment to ensure quality outcomes.
The engineer will support the Data Centers Director by assisting in the development and maintenance of policies, plans, and goals for operating robust enterprise datacenters and provide backup coverage in their absence. Additional duties include ensuring adherence to and oversight of physical security for datacenters and other restricted-access spaces on campus.
The position requires collaboration with internal Enterprise Infrastructure and other partners to deliver the Data Center portion of significant infrastructure projects. It also includes organizing, leading, and coordinating regular operational meetings with service partners while tracking and managing action items.
This position will require occasional off-hours work and will participate in a team after hours on call rotation. The person in this position will be expected to work on-site, however, ITS Enterprise Infrastructure values work life balance and strives to provide flexible work options where possible.
U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or protected person status is required for this position.
Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver's license and be able to meet the University of Iowa's Fleet Safety requirements.
For a full job description, please email Melanie Bell at melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
About IT Services:
Our mission is to create a welcoming and supportive work environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves and share ideas. We are committed to cultivating a welcoming and respectful workforce culture where people of all backgrounds and perspectives are empowered to make a positive impact. We embrace this commitment as mission-critical in everything we do and embed it in hiring, incentive, retention, and career-development practices and initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
- Experience (typically 3-5 years) managing enterprise datacenters or comparable facilities with the ability to utilize tools and techniques for anticipating, recognizing, and resolving technical (mechanical, electrical, systems, or operational) problems.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with various technical and nontechnical individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within given time frames.
- Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a technical environment.
- Valid drivers license and ability to meet University of Iowa Fleet Safety requirements.
- A strong customer service orientation and enthusiasm for the application of technology across a broad range of disciplines.
- U.S. Citizenship, permanent residency, or protected person status is required for ITAR compliance.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge with change and configuration management practices.
- Working knowledge of Business Automation Systems (BAS) for both mechanical and electrical systems management and control.
- Working knowledge with physical security concepts and practices.
- Experience in evaluating vendor options.
- Basic knowledge of responding to local, state, and national IT audits.
- Basic knowledge of racking computer systems and provisioning/de-provisioning associated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plant (MEP) in datacenters.
- Basic knowledge of budgeting/financial concepts.
Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Melanie Bell at melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold a high standard of cultural competency and respect for difference that represents our commitment to a welcoming and respectful work environment.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
