Job Description

Hardware & Data Center Specialist

The Hardware & Data Center Specialist is responsible for the physical infrastructure and hardware needs within our data centers, machine rooms, instructional spaces, and research facilities. This role covers racking and stacking IT equipment (servers, networking devices, storage solutions), performing cable management, balancing three-phase power, and diagnosing/troubleshooting a wide range of hardware issues (including data center equipment, desktops, laptops, and specialized electronics). Additionally, the Specialist provides support for printer repair/maintenance, basic facilities issues, equipment design and prototyping, vendor collaboration, fleet vehicle operation/upkeep, and monitoring and maintenance of CRAC units (chilled water) and UPS battery backup/power conditioning equipment. An ideal candidate has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, hands-on technical capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining detailed documentation.

Responsibilities

Data Center Infrastructure:

• Rack, stack, and configure servers, network switches, and other hardware in machine rooms.
• Perform comprehensive cable management, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.
• Load-balance three-phase power, monitor/maintain UPS battery backup and power conditioning systems.
• Coordinate equipment installation, ensuring compliance with safety and organizational standards.

Hardware Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

• Diagnose and resolve hardware issues in servers, desktops, laptops, and specialized electronics.
• Conduct repairs requiring soldering and other advanced technical skills.
• Provide emergency on-call support when needed to ensure minimal downtime.

Facilities & Basic Infrastructure Support:

• Address basic facility-related issues impacting machine rooms, instructional, and research facilities.
• Monitor environmental controls, including CRAC units (chilled water supply), and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Collaborate with other teams on power distribution and physical layout changes.
• Operate and maintain fleet vehicles (truck and electric GEM car), ensuring regular servicing and adherence to maintenance schedules.

Printer Repair & Maintenance:

• Troubleshoot and resolve printer hardware and software issues.
• Conduct regular maintenance and coordinate with vendors for parts and service.
• Maintain supply inventories and document repair activities.

Equipment Design & Prototyping:

• Design, prototype, and build specialized hardware solutions for unique departmental needs.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on custom equipment projects.

Vendor & Project Consultation:

• Partner with faculty and staff to specify and document equipment needs and requirements.
• Work with external vendors to source, maintain, and evaluate hardware and component requirements.
• Stay current with industry trends to anticipate future needs and improve system performance.
• Manage project timelines and budgets as required.

Administrative & Other Duties:

• Maintain thorough documentation of hardware inventory, configurations, and changes.
• Manage related support tickets and ensure timely resolution.
• Participate in team meetings and cross-functional projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience: High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in hardware installation, maintenance, or data center operations.

Technical Skills: Proficiency with racking/stacking server/network equipment and advanced cable management. Proven ability to troubleshoot hardware issues on desktops, laptops, and specialized electronic devices. Experience balancing three-phase power and understanding electrical load management. Basic soldering skills for electronic repairs. Familiarity with printer diagnostics and maintenance.

Knowledge of or experience with CRAC units (chilled water systems) and UPS/power conditioning.

Driving & Vehicle Maintenance: Valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance checks on fleet vehicles (truck and electric GEM car).

Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills, including documentation and vendor correspondence. Ability to work both independently and as part of a technical team.

Problem-Solving & Organization: Demonstrated attention to detail, with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects. Proven aptitude for critical thinking and timely resolution of technical issues.

Availability: Willingness to provide after-hours or on-call emergency support.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Certifications: Relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management).

Experience: Familiarity with advanced data center design principles (cooling, cabling standards such as TIA/EIA, capacity planning). Hands-on experience with high-density data centers or large-scale hardware deployments.

Technical Expertise: Exposure to virtualization technologies, server operating systems (Linux, Windows Server), or hardware monitoring tools. Experience with scripting or automation (for example, Python or PowerShell) for repetitive tasks.

Soft Skills: Track record of vendor management and procurement. Strong customer service orientation and ability to manage support tickets with prompt follow-up.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$75,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and maneuver heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Comfortable working in data center environments (noise, temperature variations, etc.).

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility: The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal

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