Data Center Technician

About the role
As a Data Center Technician, you will make an impact by supporting critical data center infrastructure, hardware deployments, network connectivity, and operational support activities in a 24x7 environment. You will contribute to the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management of data center equipment while ensuring adherence to operational, safety, and security standards. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team working collaboratively with internal teams and vendors to maintain highly available enterprise systems.

In this role, you will

• Install, terminate, label, test, and maintain copper (Cat5/Cat6) and fiber optic cabling infrastructure.
• Perform cable management activities, ensuring compliance with labeling standards, documentation requirements, and data center best practices.
• Perform rack-and-stack activities including server, switch, router, and hardware deployments.
• Troubleshoot servers, switches, routers, and other data center infrastructure components.
• Perform hardware diagnostics, root cause analysis, component replacement, and system health checks.
• Utilize remote management tools such as iLO, iDRAC, and similar technologies to perform remote console access, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and system recovery activities.
• Support hardware installations, upgrades, refreshes, decommissioning activities, and lifecycle management processes.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to resolve infrastructure and operational issues.
• Respond to high-priority incidents and outages while following established escalation procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation, labeling, asset records, and operational inventory.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Visio to support operational reporting and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with data center security standards, operational procedures, and industry best practices.
• Follow all safety requirements while working within data center and technical facilities.
• Participate in rotational shift coverage and on-call support to maintain continuous operations.

Work model
At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various well-being programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in San Antonio, TX.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 3+ years of experience supporting enterprise data center operations.
• Strong experience with copper (Cat5/Cat6) and fiber optic cabling, including installation, termination, testing, labeling, troubleshooting, and cable management.
• Hands-on experience deploying, troubleshooting, and supporting servers, switches, routers, and related infrastructure hardware, including rack-and-stack activities, hardware diagnostics, root cause analysis, and component replacement.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco networking devices, basic network configuration, and remote management technologies such as iLO, iDRAC, or equivalent tools.
• Working knowledge of Windows operating systems and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Visio.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills with the ability to manage high-priority incidents and coordinate effectively with internal teams, vendors, and third-party support organizations.
• Ability to participate in rotational shifts and scheduled on-call support.
• Ability to lift up to 50-75 pounds and stand for extended periods while performing data center activities.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

These will help you stand out

• Degree or diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience supporting enterprise data center operations in a 24x7 environment.
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure documentation standards, asset management practices, and operational security best practices.
• Familiarity with ITIL-based incident, problem, and change management processes.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

Things to know before you apply

• Work authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
• AI in hiring: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help us screen and assess applications more efficiently. Our team performs additional human review and ultimately decides who moves forward in our hiring process.
• Open position: Unless otherwise stated, this job posting is for an open position on our team.
• Language proficiency: We ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
• Inclusion: Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.