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Hardware Installer

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Information TechnologyField ServicesData Center OperationsTechnical Support

🎯 Role Definition

As a key member of our technical operations team, the Hardware Installer is the crucial link between digital plans and physical reality. You will be entrusted with the precise installation, configuration, and maintenance of server, storage, and networking hardware that powers our business and our clients. This is not just about plugging in cables; it's about building robust, scalable, and reliable systems from the ground up. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with an unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence. You'll work alongside a team of skilled technicians and engineers, contributing directly to the stability and performance of our global infrastructure.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • IT Support Help Desk
  • Field Technician Trainee
  • Cable Installer / Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Hardware Installer / Data Center Team Lead
  • Network Implementation Engineer
  • IT Project Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Engineer
  • Data Center Operations Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Physically install, rack, and cable servers, network switches, routers, and other data center equipment according to detailed build documentation and industry best practices.
  • Execute meticulous cable management for both copper (Cat6/Cat6a) and fiber optic connections, ensuring proper labeling, routing, and adherence to bend radius standards to maintain signal integrity.
  • Perform comprehensive hardware lifecycle management, including the deployment of new systems, in-place upgrades (RAM, CPU, storage), and the secure decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life equipment.
  • Connect devices to power distribution units (PDUs) and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), calculating power loads to ensure balanced and resilient power configurations.
  • Interpret and follow complex technical documentation, including rack elevation diagrams, network schematics, and Methods of Procedure (MOPs), to ensure flawless execution of installation plans.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware-level issues on servers and network devices, including component failures, connectivity problems, and performance degradation.
  • Collaborate with remote network and systems engineers to perform initial device configuration, including setting up management interfaces (iDRAC, iLO) and basic BIOS/UEFI settings.
  • Utilize hardware diagnostic tools and software to test and validate the functionality of newly installed or repaired equipment before handing it over to production teams.
  • Maintain precise and up-to-date records of all installed assets, moves, adds, and changes within the company's asset management and data center infrastructure management (DCIM) systems.
  • Conduct physical site surveys at client locations or new data center spaces to assess power, cooling, and space requirements for upcoming hardware deployments.
  • Safely handle and move heavy and sensitive electronic equipment, utilizing proper lifting techniques and equipment to prevent injury and damage.
  • Implement and strictly adhere to all data center safety and security protocols, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention procedures.
  • Terminate, test, and certify network cabling using tools like Fluke testers to guarantee compliance with performance standards.
  • Provide "remote hands" and "smart hands" support for other engineering teams, acting as their physical presence in the data center for tasks that cannot be performed remotely.
  • Manage the logistics of hardware shipments, including receiving, unboxing, inventorying, and preparing equipment for installation or return.
  • Perform quality assurance checks on installations completed by team members or third-party vendors to ensure adherence to our high-quality standards.
  • Document all work performed, issues encountered, and resolutions implemented within a ticketing system (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira) to ensure a complete audit trail.
  • Travel to various local, regional, or national sites as required to perform hardware installations, maintenance, and support services for distributed infrastructure.
  • Assemble and build custom server and workstation configurations from individual components based on specific project or departmental requirements.
  • Participate in a scheduled on-call rotation to respond to emergency hardware failures and outages outside of normal business hours.
  • Assist in the physical build-out of new data center rows or pods, including the installation of racks, containment systems, and overhead cable trays.
  • Proactively monitor environmental conditions within the data center, such as temperature and humidity, and escalate any anomalies to facilities management.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist senior technicians and engineers with more complex, large-scale deployment projects and system migrations.
  • Provide constructive feedback to improve installation processes, work instructions, and internal documentation.
  • Participate actively in daily stand-ups and weekly team meetings, providing clear status updates on assigned tasks and projects.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, including personal toolkits, shared equipment, and storage areas.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in racking, stacking, and cabling enterprise-level server and network hardware (e.g., Dell, HPE, Cisco, Arista).
  • Expertise in structured cabling with both copper (Cat5/6) and fiber optic (single-mode, multi-mode) mediums.
  • Ability to use cable testing and certification tools (e.g., Fluke Networks testers).
  • Strong understanding of data center power, cooling, and space management principles.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware troubleshooting and component replacement (e.g., DIMMs, HDDs, PSUs, NICs).
  • Familiarity with remote management consoles like Dell iDRAC, HP iLO, and KVM-over-IP.
  • Knowledge of data center safety standards and electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, such as rack elevations and network diagrams.
  • Experience with IT service management (ITSM) ticketing and asset management systems (e.g., ServiceNow).
  • Basic understanding of TCP/IP networking, including IP addressing and VLAN concepts.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team.
  • A customer-centric mindset with a focus on delivering excellent service.
  • Physical stamina and the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds (23 kg) regularly.
  • High degree of professionalism and integrity.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or certification from a technical/vocational school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Information Technology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Computer Networking

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a data center, field service, or IT support role.

Preferred: CompTIA A+, Network+, or Data Center Technician certifications are highly desirable. Experience working in large-scale, multi-vendor data center environments is a significant plus.

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