How to hire a senior data center engineer

How to hire a senior data center engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step senior data center engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a senior data center engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior data center engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a senior data center engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a senior data center engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A senior data center engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, senior data center engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of senior data center engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Senior Data Center Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Senior Data Center Engineer	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$36-67
   Information Technology Administrator	An Information Technology (IT) administrator is a professional responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed... Show more	$24-50
   Administrator	Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office... Show more	$22-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Windows
   • Vmware Esxi
   • Nexus
   • Project Management
   • VMware
   • OS
   • Virtualization
   • Troubleshoot
   • Architecture
   • Data Centers
   • Switches
   • SQL
   • Linux
   • Network Infrastructure

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Excele at managing major network-wide upgrades; improve speed and predictability of multicast and order-routing data.
   • Install OS and configure raid setup of Redhat linux, freebsd and windows servers for cloning.
   • Implement storage designs for Virtualization environments running Vmware services on ESX servers.
   • Support in installation of packages/patches on LINUX platforms.
   • Work using VMWare platform, configuring security and network designs.
   • Assist in rolling out custom PXE boot Linux workstation environment for data center staff.

   More senior data center engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your senior data center engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A senior data center engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, senior data center engineers' average salary in florida is 36% less than in idaho.
   • Seniority. Entry-level senior data center engineers earn 46% less than senior-level senior data center engineers.
   • Certifications. A senior data center engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a senior data center engineer's salary.

   Average senior data center engineer salary

   $103,215yearly

   $49.62 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level senior data center engineer salary

   $75,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average senior data center engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$133,879	$64
   2	Oregon	$122,610	$59
   3	Washington	$114,626	$55
   4	Massachusetts	$113,259	$54
   5	Hawaii	$111,536	$54
   6	Virginia	$107,820	$52
   7	District of Columbia	$103,777	$50
   8	New Jersey	$99,642	$48
   9	Georgia	$97,383	$47
   10	Michigan	$96,409	$46
   11	Illinois	$95,731	$46
   12	North Carolina	$95,599	$46
   13	Texas	$94,303	$45
   14	Minnesota	$88,187	$42
   15	Alabama	$85,622	$41
   16	Colorado	$84,667	$41
   17	Florida	$81,091	$39

   Average senior data center engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	CDW	$127,171	$61.14	4
   2	Amazon	$126,348	$60.74	836
   3	Cisco	$125,939	$60.55	176
   4	Backblaze	$123,778	$59.51
   5	CyberCoders	$119,788	$57.59	6
   6	Randstad North America, Inc.	$117,725	$56.60	23
   7	ServiceNow	$114,425	$55.01	11
   8	The Home Depot	$112,906	$54.28	72
   9	Equinix	$110,842	$53.29	26
   10	Target	$108,448	$52.14	49
   11	Aircell	$107,991	$51.92
   12	Ahead USA	$106,858	$51.37	1
   13	Jacobs Enterprises	$106,667	$51.28	345
   14	Electric	$106,658	$51.28	4
   15	Trend Micro	$104,893	$50.43
   16	Charter Communications	$104,538	$50.26
   17	Wells Fargo	$104,106	$50.05	20
   18	Ecs Federal	$100,457	$48.30	9
   19	Capgemini	$100,128	$48.14	113
   20	NTT Data International L.L.C.	$99,222	$47.70	59

4. Writing a senior data center engineer job description

   A senior data center engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a senior data center engineer job description:

   Senior data center engineer job description example

   When you join Verizon
   
   Verizon is one of the world's leading providers of technology and communications services, transforming the way we connect across the globe. We're a diverse network of people driven by our shared ambition to shape a better future. Here, we have the ability to learn and grow at the speed of technology, and the space to create within every role. Together, we are moving the world forward - and you can too. Dream it. Build it. Do it here.
   
   What you'll be doing...
   
   The primary role will involve racking and stacking equipment, provisioning the network transport equipment and managing all aspects of data centers to include HVAC, space and power planning and build management systems
   
   You will also be responsible for purchasing and installation of equipment cabinets, telco racks, CAT5, Coax, multi-pair copper and fiber optic cables. You will troubleshoot and install services that include layer one communications and transport services.
   
   * Install and troubleshoot Local and LD services that include Private Line, and Local/Long distance, Transport and Switched services.
   * Use knowledge of Local/LD optical networks as well as Project Management skills and knowledge of PM tools and technique.
   * Perform hands-on testing of circuits and work with our customers and other departments to complete the activation of new layer one services and to resolve customer service issues.
   * Plan and execute work independently and using your own initiative and judgment to handle non-routine matters and challenging issues.
   * Work in a fast-paced work environment using multiple test sets, tools and information databases.
   * Participate in or conduct periodic project status meetings and joint working sessions with both internal and external teams and/or vendors.
   * Work directly with Verizon customers and other Verizon departments both internal and external to their own department in order to complete the activation of new services and to resolve customer service issues.
   * Meet schedule commitments to ensure timely delivery.
   
   Where you'll be working...
   
   In this worksite-based role, you'll work onsite at a defined location, Richardson, TX or Ashburn, VA.
   
   What we're looking for...
   
   You will need to have:
   
   * Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.
   * Four or more years of relevant work experience.
   * Experience with Central Office Engineering principles such as space, power, and/or HVAC requirements for technical and administrative spaces.
   * Ability to pass an extensive background investigation as a condition of employment.
   * Willingness to travel up to 25% or less.
   
   Even better if you have:
   
   * Bachelor's degree in electronics or other related discipline.
   * Project Management skills and knowledge of PM tools and techniques
   * Ability to plan and execute independent work.
   * Exercise judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining project results.
   * Own initiative and judgment to handle non-routine matters and ambiguous issues.
   * Self-motivated, have excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.
   * Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs to include Word, Excel and Visio.
   * Technical knowledge of Local/LD optical networks.
   * In-depth working knowledge of Layer 1 SONET networks.
   * Knowledge of layer one test equipment.
   * In-depth working knowledge of Fujitsu and Ciena equipment.
   * Experience in fault isolation, repair and resolution, and documenting root cause analysis (RCA) for reported trouble tickets.
   * Knowledge of ANSI and BICSI Standards.
   * Knowledge of DWDM networks.
   
   Equal Employment Opportunity
   
   We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees' differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.
   
   COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
   
   NYC candidates: Verizon requires new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for onsite and hybrid NYC roles. Verizon provides reasonable accommodations consistent with legal requirements (e.g., for medical or religious reasons). Additional information will be provided during the hiring process.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right senior data center engineer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with senior data center engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit senior data center engineers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your senior data center engineer job on Zippia to find and attract quality senior data center engineer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting senior data center engineers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   If your interviews with senior data center engineer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new senior data center engineer

   Once you've found the senior data center engineer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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