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What does a data center engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A data center engineer is responsible for managing the efficiency and optimal performance of the network data systems of an organization. Data center engineers ensure the safety and security of the database to prevent unauthorized access and suspicious activities within the network that may pose risks for the business. They assess the navigation of the servers, conduct regular maintenance, and perform immediate troubleshooting for glitches to avoid any delays in the operation. A data center engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in writing data resolution for reference and configuration.

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Data center engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real data center engineer resumes:

  • Manage vendor replacement of faulty equipment, maintain inventory, activity and procedure documentation on NOC SharePoint site.
  • Create IP ranges and create or edit internal/external DNS using BlueCat IPAM.
  • Automate tasks via bash and python scripts with tools such as awscli, boto library, and jenkins.
  • Install fiber and copper cross connects for routers, switches, network and SAN connections to serves and storage.
  • Set up DNS, DHCP and GPO's and other domain services.
  • Set up DHCP scopes, TCP/IP (IP address reservations, etc . )
  • Monitor /killed/restarted java processes for web servers and app servers.
  • Configure and trouble shoot remote dial in connections to a LAN.
  • Assist with the design of cloud services internal and external collateral.
  • Edit and optimize bash installation scripts for VMS software installer packages.
  • Develop Perl scripts to transform flat text files to normalize data.
  • Experience working with OTV & FCOE on the nexus between the datacenters.
  • Monitor AS400 (MS4) session windows and Robot/Network status center for all regions.
  • Perform Perl and shell scripting to create tools to make the environment easier to maintain.
  • Provide engineering, consultation, and integration services to DoD contractors within the federal space.

Data center engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Data Center Engineers are proficient in Data Centers, Troubleshoot, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Data Center Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Data Centers, 7%

    Assisted management in providing Data Center infrastructure requirements including; cost estimates, monthly expense reports and forecasting future requirements.

  • Troubleshoot, 7%

    Experience working with outside customers, and other internal teams to effectively improve, maintain, and troubleshoot data center infrastructure.

  • HVAC, 6%

    Analyzed data center HVAC's and electrical power distribution equipment data to prevent degradation of electronic components.

  • Linux, 6%

    Co-facilitated implementation of DNS Security Extensions (Linux).

  • SAN, 3%

    Worked collaboratively with Network Engineers, systems engineers, and San architects to accomplish data center relocation project.

  • Plumbing, 3%

    Performed basic building maintenance including electrical, plumbing, and painting.

"data centers," "troubleshoot," and "hvac" are among the most common skills that data center engineers use at work. You can find even more data center engineer responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a data center engineer to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what data center engineers do because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Additionally, a data center engineer resume shows how data center engineers use communication skills: "implemented a srm solution for telecommunications customer with emc srdf on vmax 10k's. "

Analytical skills. Many data center engineer duties rely on analytical skills. "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change.," so a data center engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways data center engineer responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "created and maintained audit reports, procedure manuals, and data center hardware inventory/asset management. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for data center engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how data center engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a data center engineer: "designed and implemented the enterprise backup systems, using hp data protector and emc networker software solutions. ".

See the full list of data center engineer skills

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Compare different data center engineers

Data center engineer vs. Salesforce administrator

A salesforce administrator is considered the gatekeeper for the marketing data and sales of their employer. The administrators create each user account and identify the proper data access level based on the role of the employees within the company. They perform tasks that help users create reports and reset their passwords for data quality, additional fields, and running of backups. It is also their job to handle the sales and service cloud applications for businesses. They are also business leaders with deep knowledge of the operation of their company.

If we compare the average data center engineer annual salary with that of a salesforce administrator, we find that salesforce administrators typically earn a $16,223 lower salary than data center engineers make annually.Even though data center engineers and salesforce administrators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, amazon web services, and unified communications in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between data center engineers and salesforce administrator. For instance, data center engineer responsibilities require skills such as "data centers," "troubleshoot," "hvac," and "linux." Whereas a salesforce administrator is skilled in "dashboards," "apex," "custom objects," and "workflow rules." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Salesforce administrators tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $100,809. In contrast, data center engineers make the biggest average salary, $113,789, in the technology industry.On average, salesforce administrators reach higher levels of education than data center engineers. Salesforce administrators are 6.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Data center engineer vs. Integration specialist

An integration specialist is responsible for developing strategic procedures and upgrades, improving network infrastructures, and managing systems configuration. Integration specialists analyze the system's operation and its efficiency to support business functions and deliverables. They also maintain the safety and security of the networks, ensuring its accuracy and smooth navigation for operational use, especially preventing unauthorized access and activities. An integration specialist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry and the latest trends, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.

Integration specialist positions earn lower pay than data center engineer roles. They earn a $14,517 lower salary than data center engineers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Data center engineers and integration specialists both require similar skills like "troubleshoot," "linux," and "vmware" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data center engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "data centers," "hvac," "san," and "plumbing." Meanwhile, an integration specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "api," "customer service," "architecture," and "patients." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Integration specialists earn a lower average salary than data center engineers. But integration specialists earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $88,262. Additionally, data center engineers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $113,789 annually.In general, integration specialists achieve similar levels of education than data center engineers. They're 1.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data center engineer vs. Senior technical analyst

A senior technical analyst specializes in performing research and analysis to optimize technical support procedures in a company. Their responsibilities revolve around coordinating with different departments to gather necessary data, analyzing feedback from clients and employees, assessing existing processes to determine areas needing enhancements, and devising strategies to improve operations. They are also in charge of providing technical support to internal and external parties, installing and repairing systems, and addressing inquiries or concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently.

On average, senior technical analysts earn lower salaries than data center engineers, with a $2,568 difference per year.data center engineers and senior technical analysts both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "linux," "san," and "vmware," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data center engineers are more likely to have skills like "data centers," "troubleshoot," "hvac," and "plumbing." But a senior technical analyst is more likely to have skills like "infrastructure," "customer service," "project management," and "data analysis."

Senior technical analysts earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $109,498. Comparatively, data center engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $113,789.When it comes to education, senior technical analysts tend to earn similar degree levels compared to data center engineers. In fact, they're 2.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Data center engineer vs. Customer support engineer

A customer support engineer is responsible for providing the highest customer service by responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns and resolving their complaints regarding the technical products of the company. Customer support engineers handle escalated requests, determine technical solutions, and write resolution reports for reference. They also manage the installation and upgrades of network systems based on clients' specifications to ensure that their systems work with maximum performance. A customer support engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in recommending improvements to prevent system failures and minimize customers' complaints.

Customer support engineers typically earn lower pay than data center engineers. On average, customer support engineers earn a $20,114 lower salary per year.While both data center engineers and customer support engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like linux, san, and vmware, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A data center engineer uses "data centers," "troubleshoot," "hvac," and "plumbing." Customer support engineers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer support," "customer service," "customer satisfaction," and "cse. "In general, customer support engineers earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $85,278. The highest-paying industry for a data center engineer is the technology industry.The average resume of customer support engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to data center engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.

Types of data center engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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