A data center engineer can either maintain the physical space or work on the technology and hardware components of a data center. They may coordinate with external departments and need advanced degrees in engineering and IT, as well as strong communication and organizational skills.
A data center engineer is a professional involved in the design or maintenance of aspects of a data center for a company. This broad-level professional title can mean a number of different things, depending on the individual’s desired job role. In general, a data center engineer will either maintain a structural building that houses a data center or actually work on the technology and hardware components of a data center or may perform elements of both tasks.
Those who work as data center engineers may be primarily involved in maintaining the physical space in which the data center works. These individuals may be required to obtain HVAC credentials as well as electrical credentials and other qualifications in aspects of building design or maintenance. Some of these individuals will be involved in specific maintenance programs for the data center structure on a daily basis.
Other data center engineering professionals may be more exclusively involved in maintaining the actual data center. Some of these professionals will be involved in the ongoing calibration, monitoring and evaluation of servers operating within a data center environment. These individuals may also be tasked with assessing data center energy efficiency, optimal environmental conditions for the data center, or broader renovations to a data center to make it more efficient.
Data center engineers may be asked to coordinate with external departments including management, IT handlers or even sales departments. These professionals usually have advanced degrees in engineering and information technology. They are required to have a detailed knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, not just for structural maintenance, but for maintaining the various fixtures and hardware components of a data center.
Those working in data center engineering may also need to perform cost calculations and be involved in some of the accounting practices of a business. When a commercial budget relates to the needs of a data center, a data center engineer can be involved in a consultation. Employers often ask these professionals to possess strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as good organizational skills, many different computer skills, and a high degree of literacy, including knowledge of jargon around building maintenance and data center operations.
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