Experienced Data Center Technician – Cloud Infrastructure and Operations, Full-Time Opportunity with Competitive Salary and Benefits

Introduction to Microsoft and Our Mission

At Microsoft, we are driven by a passion to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. Our Cloud Infrastructure and Operations (CO+I) team is the backbone that supports our cloud services, and we are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Data Center Technician to join our team. As a key member of our U.S. Government Airgap group, you will play a critical role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's dedicated online services supporting the U.S. Government.

About Our Team and Work Environment

Our U.S. government-dedicated data center operations team is focused on serving our U.S. Government clients and helping them achieve their missions. As part of Microsoft's CO+I foundation, you will be working with a team of experts who manage a massive global footprint of over 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of specialists who strive to support services for over 1 billion users and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With sustainability and improvement at the forefront of our data center design and operations, we continue to evolve and innovate as we meet the ever-changing business demands that keep Microsoft as a leading Cloud provider.

Key Responsibilities

As a Data Center Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Server farm activities, including designing, installing, performing diagnostics, troubleshooting, replacing, and decommissioning equipment
• Proactively sharing relevant information to enable efficient workflows and mitigate the impact of changes to their area of work on others
• Complying with Data Center Services (DCS) specialty unit and service level policies, procedures, and deadlines
• Completing assigned tickets efficiently and in accordance with expectations for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) per task type while meeting or exceeding established Service Level Agreements (SLAs), with minimal direction from other professionals
• Service delivery, including planning, staging, setting up, and performing new deployments and decommissions (e.g., racks, hard drives, switches) as per specific instructions given through checklists, guides, standard protocols, and emails
• Performing post-execution quality checks and verifying that grounding, networking, labeling, and cabling is set up correctly according to safety protocols, configuration standards, and planned Network Device Tasks (NDTs)
• Performing diagnostics and troubleshooting following standard procedures, quickly identifying the cause(s) of issues, and replacing faulty parts with minimal customer and business disruption
• Providing guidance to technicians investigating issues
• Decommissioning equipment for major upgrades and refreshes (e.g., memory upgrades, operating system modifications) following standard procedures with minimal direction
• Following procedures to deliver, report, and escalate incidents to fit Microsoft data center operations management units, Technical Leads, and engineering specialists

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and basic knowledge of computer hardware and components
• 1+ year(s) experience supporting IT hardware or related technology
• A strong understanding of standard processes and techniques for designing, installing, performing diagnostics, troubleshooting, replacing, and decommissioning equipment
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures and protocols

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:

• 2+ years experience supporting IT hardware or related technology
• Experience working in a data center environment
• Knowledge of cloud infrastructure and operations
• Experience with troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and procedures

Skills and Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will need to possess the following skills and competencies:

• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of computer hardware and components
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures and protocols
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong customer service skills

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Microsoft, we are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their careers. As a Data Center Technician, you will have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities, including:

• On-the-job training and mentorship
• Formal training programs, including classes and workshops
• Opportunities to attend industry conferences and events
• Access to online learning platforms and resources

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Microsoft, we are proud of our company culture and work environment. As a Data Center Technician, you will be working in a state-of-the-art data center facility with a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about their work. Our company culture is built on a foundation of:

• Integrity and trust
• Passion for innovation and excellence
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Focus on customer satisfaction and success

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

As a Data Center Technician at Microsoft, you will be eligible for a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Competitive hourly rate of $27-$40/hour
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid time off and holidays
• Access to on-site fitness center and wellness programs
• Opportunities for career growth and development

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced Data Center Technician looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a key member of our team, you will play a critical role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's dedicated online services supporting the U.S. Government. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our team and take your career to the next level. Apply now!