Data Center Operations Engineer - Elk Grove, IL

Packet, customers rely on our platform for their businesses. As such, the operational capability and performance of our platform and the ability to procure, deploy and maintain global server and network capacity is one of the most critical functions of our business.

This role is local to our Elk Grove, IL site.

What you’ll be doing:

We are seeking a data center operations specialist to help with the physical aspect of our deployments, including racking and cabling, with an opportunity to grow to provide additional technical value within our organization, such as in areas of network administration and development/automation.

• Structured cabling of power, copper, and fiber network connections.


• Configure and test all hardware for deployment to local and remote sites


• Prepare pallets and supporting documentation (including waybill and export paperwork) for international shipment.


• Work with our data center providers and internal engineering teams to optimize for creating as quick and efficient of a turn-up process as possible; maintain a positive overall relationship with our global vendors. Ideally this would also include a basic proficiency in coding/scripting to develop tools to help with our daily workflow.


• Work with our network and systems engineering teams around turning up new data center locations and incremental rack-level infrastructure, as well as troubleshooting physical server hardware and network devices.

What we’ll expect from you:

• Ability to lift IT equipment, some of which may exceed (40) lbs per unit.


• Data center, Computer Science, or Information Technology education or background required. We are looking for an individual with basic subject-matter experience, though we will provide extensive training around the Packet hardware platform and specific areas of responsibility.


• Linux systems administration and scripting experience is a plus.


• Optical network troubleshooting (e.g. use of a light meter and OTDR/OSA) and termination experience is a plus.


• Familiarity with data center industry, and interacting with remote site technicians, is a plus.


• We are hiring for a full-time (40 hours) position, with an ability to work nights and weekends as required. We will work with the candidate to build an optimal schedule based on his/her working preferences, as well as Packet’s needs to maximize around 24x7 global coverage.

About Packet:

Packet, an Equinix company, is the leader in automated bare metal. We focus on making infrastructure a competitive advantage for the world’s leading digital businesses by pairing developer-friendly bare metal with a trusted ecosystem of networks, software, and partners.

Packet helps customers take advantage of Equinix’s unmatched geographic reach in 55+ global markets, 340k+ interconnections between over 1800+ networks, and a neutral approach with automation that creates a trusted, friction-free experience. As part of Equinix, our mission is to protect, connect, and power the digital world with physical infrastructure that moves at software speed. 

Interested in our mission? Please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or reach out about open positions. Learn more at www.packet.com/.

Packet is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Packet, we constantly strive to build an environment that allows our employees (Packeteers) to do the best work of their lives. Our team works remotely in 10 countries across the globe. Packet is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and lifestyles. We embrace diversity and invite applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, pregnancy status, veteran status, or any other differences. Also, if you have specific needs during the process, please let us know if there's any way we can make the interview process better for you; we are happy to accommodate! Please note that benefits vary by country, any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

#LI-DNP