Infrastructure Analyst II (Data Centre Technician)

DATA CENTRE TECHNICIAN

Charlotte, NC

Notes from engagement manager:
– Same general requirements as previous posting with added responsibilities:
* Candidates should have enough added experience to be a resource for the regional data center team
* Will be overseeing work at multiple locations
* Will be required to plan work tasks while balancing higher and lower priority tasks
* Responsible for assessment, procurement, and management of project infrastructure needs
* Responsible for power and cooling trending and presentation
* Responsible for capacity planning for growth in the data center areas of power, cooling, and infrastructure
* Candidate should be someone who demonstrates self-motivation and initiative

POSITION SUMMARY
Provide enterprise level support of IT infrastructure technologies needed for critical business operations applications, such as SCADA Systems and Control Center operations, under regulatory compliance requirements (NERC CIP and TSA) and specific Cybersecurity Standards. These technologies include, but are not limited to automation platforms, workstations, physical and virtual servers, storage, remote access functionality, and a variety of operations and business critical software solutions.

Integrate software to enable usage, support, monitoring, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance of various hardware and software technologies. Develop and maintain routine work procedures and define standard installation and upgrade methodologies. Responsibilities may include evaluation, acquisition, installation, integration testing, upgrading components and performance monitoring.

The Sr IT Critical Infrastructure Analyst role will focus on supporting IT infrastructure within the clients Corporate & CIOPS Data Centers along with Colocation sites. In addition, the position will assist with enterprise-wide data center tasks and project efforts including but not limited to all Sr. level responsibilities (defined below) while ensuring operational reliability and compliance to the companies standards/policies, Cybersecurity standards, and NERC/CIP and TSA standards and regulations.

General Responsibilities
* Plans, designs, installs and/or supports critical computer systems in highly regulated and secure environment. Facilitates technical and business planning for upgrades in coordination with key business functions and control centers. Provides technical and compliance guidance related to critical infrastructure support software and hardware to members of the IT staff.
* Develops (or assists in developing) functional standards for critical infrastructure software and hardware. Assists in the design and implementation of required systems that meet functional and compliance requirements for critical control center operations
* Integrates critical infrastructure software and hardware configurations to maximize operational reliability and performance, and maintain regulatory compliance
* Coordinates critical infrastructure hardware and software upgrades with control centers, business support teams and other areas of IT or other business units.
* Prepares activity and progress reports regarding individual and project activity
* Keeps abreast of new hardware, software, and compliance developments, evaluates alternative approaches, and recommends new hardware technologies, software or upgrades which enhance operational reliability and process efficiencies.
* Track, calculate, and trend the power and cooling metrics for 1) usage and growth planning for multiple critical sites, and 2) to monitor data center environment for problematic progressions with temperatures, power usage, and various capacities and be proactive with negative trends, and 3) to compile information into a graphical presentation for management.

Installation:
* Servers, blade chassis, network appliances, telecom equipment, etc.
* Server racks/cabinets
* Fiber and copper infrastructure (trunks, panels, enclosures, etc.)
* Fiber and copper patch cables
* Inspection and cleaning of fiber cables
* Labeling for all equipment and cables

Proactive Measures:
* Monitor data center environment for abnormalities such as high temperatures, cooling issues, high amperage usages, obvious alerts such as LEDs and audible alarms, etc.
* Monitor rack/cabinet capacity in the data center.
* Monitor switch port capacities in the data center.

Troubleshooting:
* OSI Layer 1 connectivity
* Knowledge/understanding of fiber and copper cable connectivity issues
* Experience using fiber and copper cable testers

Applications:
* Proficient in Word and Excel
* Service Now experience
* Experience with Agile-based workflow such as Kanban; applications such as JIRA

Knowledge:
* Understand how the OSI Layer 1 works and applies to troubleshooting cable issues.
* Knowledge of transceivers such as SFPs, QSFPs, etc.
* Knowledge of the various types of copper and fiber connectors/cables: Cat5, Cat7, MPO, LC, SC, Twinax, etc.
* Knowledge of the basics of power calculations. i.e. wattage and amperage, to determine usage limits on power circuits within server cabinets.

Basic/Required Qualifications
* Bachelors degree in computer science or a related discipline or equivalent direct work-related experience.
* In lieu of a degree, 8 years related business experience.
* Work experience in addition to a degree: 3-4 years.
* Job-specific knowledge, skills or abilities: Practical experience with Operating Systems, Software and Hardware. General computer usage and support skills.

Desired Qualifications
* A+ Service Technician and/or CompTIA Server+ and/or CompTIA Network+
* Ability to thoroughly document work processes, communicate, and adhere to processes.
* Strong oral and written communication skills.
* Facilitate meetings and provide direction to others.
* Strong inter-personal skills (listening, conflict management, approachability, negotiations).
* Ability to build working relationships with different levels within the organization.
* Displays maturity in approach and ability to effectively handle stress and frustration.
* Ability to effectively prioritize activities and focus team efforts based-on priority.
* Ability to work/research independently with very little direct supervision, multi-task, and meet deadlines under tight timeframes.
* Ability to work effectively in a work plan driven/team environment.
* Ability to resolve complex issues.
* Ability to present information on technically complex subjects in an understandable manner in both oral and written form to senior management and any other necessary audience.
* Recognizes appropriate times to raise issues and provide status updates.
* Demonstrates the ability to absorb change and continue with positive results.
* Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements (NERC CIP, TSA)
* 3-5-year practical experience working within Data Center environment and/or IT Infrastructure Support
* Demonstrated ability to absorb change and continue to deliver positive results

Working Conditions:
* Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a company facility.
* Working within Data Center environment
* Ability to lift 45lbs
* PPE Requirements – Safety Shoes, Eye protection, Hand protection (gloves)

Specific Requirements:
* IT and OT Hardware, CIOPS Network architecture and security; NERC CIP and TSA requirements and implementation

Dexian is a leading provider of staffing, IT, and workforce solutions with over 12,000 employees and 70 locations worldwide. As one of the largest IT staffing companies and the 2nd largest minority-owned staffing company in the U.S., Dexian was formed in 2023 through the merger of DISYS and Signature Consultants. Combining the best elements of its core companies, Dexian’s platform connects talent, technology, and organizations to produce game-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals.

Dexian’s brands include Dexian DISYS, Dexian Signature Consultants, Dexian Government Solutions, Dexian Talent Development and Dexian IT Solutions. Visit https://dexian.com/ to learn more.

Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.