Data Center Engineer

Position: Data Centre Engineer (Contract) Start Date: Immediate Duration: 3-Month Contract (extendable) Location: South Yorkshire and Wakefield, onsite 5 days a week Rate: £350-380 per day (Inside IR35) Reference: 18154 We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Data Center Engineer to join a Global technology company within their IT Infrastructure team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the physical aspects of their data center, including the decommissioning and removal of unused equipment ('demising kit') to optimize space, power, and cooling. Additionally, this role will involve updating and maintaining documentation, such as asset management records, floor plans, and capacity planning documents. This is a hands-on role that requires technical expertise, meticulous organisational skills, and a proactive approach to managing data center resources. All work to be carried out in person on-site (South Yorkshire and Wakefield, UK). DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Primary: Demising and Space Optimization: Identify and decommission obsolete or unused hardware (servers, network devices, etc.) to free up space, reduce power consumption, and improve cooling efficiency. Coordinate the safe and efficient removal of decommissioned equipment, ensuring proper disposal or recycling in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations. Assess and reorganize existing infrastructure to maximize space utilization within the data center. Documentation and Inventory Management: Update and maintain accurate records of all data center assets, including equipment location, status, and configuration details. Ensure that all changes to the data center environment, including equipment additions, removals, and relocations, are accurately reflected in documentation such as floor plans and asset management systems. Assist in maintaining and improving documentation standards and processes. Capacity Planning and Monitoring: Assist in the monitoring of power, cooling, and space utilisation to ensure optimal data center performance and to anticipate future needs. Collaborate with the IT Infrastructure team to plan for future capacity requirements, including new deployments and upgrades. Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure that all work within the data center adheres to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Implement and follow best practices for data center operations, including cable management, equipment labelling, and environmental monitoring. Collaboration and Support: Work closely with network, server, and storage teams to support their needs within the data center, including provisioning of space and power. Provide hands-on support for equipment installations, moves, and troubleshooting as needed. Assist with audits and inspections to ensure the data center remains compliant with all relevant standards and regulations. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Must Haves Minimum 5 years of experience in data center operations role, with hands-on experience in equipment decommissioning, space optimization, and infrastructure documentation. Familiarity with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools and asset management software. Experience with physical network and server hardware, including installation, cabling, and troubleshooting. Experience creating run book documentation. Skills and Competencies: Strong organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Proficient in reading and updating technical documentation, including floor plans and network diagrams. Knowledge of data center best practices, including power and cooling management, cable management, and environmental monitoring. Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Project Management experience Good understanding of lab testing best practices Automation tools experience Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Data+ Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP), or similar are a plus. Working Conditions: Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) as needed. Frequent walking and standing in the data center environment. Work Environment: Primarily based in a data center environment with some office work. May require occasional after-hours or weekend work to perform critical tasks or address urgent issues. Networking People (UK) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. TPBN1_UKTJ