Data Centre Lab Engineer

Position Details

Position: Data Centre Lab Engineer (Contract)

Start Date: Immediate

Duration: 9-Month Contract (extendable)

Location: South Yorkshire, onsite 4 days a week

Rate: £350-380 per day (Inside IR35)

Reference: 20232

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Data Center Lab Engineer to join a Global technology company within their IT Infrastructure team. You will have experience of Labs / testing / pre-production across hardware and software.

Documentation and Inventory Management

• Audit, update and maintain accurate records of all data centre assets, including equipment location, status, and configuration details.
• Ensure that all changes to the lab environment, including equipment additions, removals, and relocations, are accurately reflected in documentation such as 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 utilization to ensure optimal lab 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 adheres to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and follow best practices including cable management, equipment labeling, 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, demises, moves, and troubleshooting as needed.
• Assist with audits and inspections to ensure the lab remains compliant with all relevant standards and regulations.

Experience Requirements

• 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.
• Good knowledge of on‑prem IT Infrastructure including x86 hardware, Windows, Linux and Virtualization platforms, security, networking and storage technologies.
• Familiarity with out-of-band management platforms (iLO, iDRAC, XCC, Redfish)
• Understanding of Firmware lifecycle management

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.
• 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.
• Some walking and standing in a data center/lab environment.
• Remote, office and data center/lab environment

Networking People (UK) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.