Data Center Operations Specialist Principal

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Deployment & Installation
• Rack, stack, cable, and deploy servers, storage arrays, network switches, and supporting infrastructure.
• Install and configure bare-metal systems according to documented hardware and networking requirements and documenting anything new in the environment.
• Perform hardware validation, burn-in testing, and deployment verification.
• Configure network connectivity, VLAN assignments, IP addressing, and port mappings as directed by engineering standards.
• Maintain accurate asset inventory and rack elevation documentation.
• Hardware Lifecycle Management
• Execute hardware refreshes, upgrades, migrations, and decommissioning activities.
• Ensure proper sanitization, removal, disposal, or return of retired equipment according to cyber, organization, and company policy.
• Track asset movement and maintain accurate inventory records throughout the hardware lifecycle.
• Coordinate equipment receiving, staging, deployment, and retirement processes.
• Troubleshooting & Incident Response
• Diagnose and resolve server, storage, networking, and cable issues.
• Perform root cause analysis for hardware failures and operational incidents.
• Replace failed components including drives, memory, CPUs, power supplies, NICs, and other field-replaceable units.
• Escalate complex issues appropriately while maintaining ownership through resolution.
• Participate in incident response and maintenance activities to minimize service disruption.
• Operation Excellence
• Follow and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), installation guides, and operation runbooks.
• Ensure all work is performed according to quality, safety, and change management processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve deployment efficiency, operational reliability, and documentation accuracy.
• Support capacity planning, hardware audits, and infrastructure optimization initiatives.
• Technical Advisory & Continuous Improvement
• Serve as a subject matter expert for data center hardware deployment and operational best practices.
• Provide recommendations regarding infrastructure design, deployment methodologies, hardware standards, and operational processes.
• Advise leadership and engineering teams on potential risks, dependencies, and infrastructure readiness.
• Communicate project status, risks, roadblocks, and mitigation plan clearly and professionally.
• Collaborate with engineering, network, systems, facilities, and project management teams.
• Provide timely updates during deployment, incidents, and maintenance activities.
• WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED
• Bring your technology expertise and drive for innovation to GDIT. The IT Operations Manager must have:
• Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
• Experience: 5+ years of related experience
• Technical skills: Experience installing, configuring, and decommissioning bare-metal servers, storage systems, and network devices. Strong understanding of data center cabling standards and rack layout best practices. Familiarity with TCP/IP networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing fundaments, and switch connectivity.
• Security clearance level: TS/SCI
• US citizenship required
• Role requirements: Security+ certification required, CDCMP, CCNA, and ITIL certifications preferred
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50lbs
• Ability to work in raised floor data center environments
• Ability to install equipment in racks and perform cable management
• Ability to stand, bend, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces for extended periods
• GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
• At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness pac

Requirements

• Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), Data Center Operations, Enterprise IT Certifications:
• None Experience:
• 5 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required:
• Yes
• Job Description:
• The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on technical skills with the ability to identify risks, remove roadblocks, recommend solutions, and act as a trusted advisor for infrastructure-related initiatives.

Additional Information

Type of Requisition: Regular Clearance Level Must Currently Possess: Top Secret/SCI Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret/SCI Public Trust/Other Required: None Job Family: IT Infrastructure and Operations Job Qualifications:

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