Data Center Administrator

About the role

SpaceX is seeking a professional to oversee and maintain our critical data center infrastructure. You will manage the full lifecycle of hardware, ensure system performance, and collaborate on operational strategies to support our mission of space exploration. The role requires a hands-on approach to maintaining the physical and operational integrity of our facilities. You will be responsible for the reliability and efficiency of the core systems that support our engineering and manufacturing efforts. This position demands a high level of accountability and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that improve stability and scalability. Your work will directly contribute to the uptime and resilience of the systems that enable our most complex missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute incident response procedures to resolve hardware, infrastructure, and operational issues across multiple sites with minimal downtime.
• Drive the end-to-end lifecycle management of equipment, tracking each asset from initial deployment through eventual decommissioning and disposal.
• Perform essential physical infrastructure tasks, including racking, cabling, and organizing storage for incoming hardware to ensure orderly environments.
• Conduct rigorous quality assurance testing on systems and components to identify and address recurring technical issues before they escalate.
• Plan and manage detailed maintenance schedules while maintaining accurate rack layouts, port maps, and up-to-date documentation for infrastructure assets.
• Monitor critical environmental factors such as power, cooling, and humidity to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential failures.
• Perform in-depth hardware diagnostics, replacing failing components like memory, storage drives, and CPUs to restore systems to full operation.
• Configure and operate both Linux and Windows servers, ensuring they are aligned with operational standards and security policies.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, event logs, and operational procedures to support audits, troubleshooting, and knowledge transfer.
• Liaise with purchasing and procurement teams to acquire new hardware, validate deliveries, and ensure proper integration into the existing infrastructure.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in a STEM field and possess 1 year of data center experience, or have 3 years of data center experience without a degree.
• Demonstrate a professional background working with IT hardware or within a data center environment in a relevant capacity.
• Show the ability to work weekends and extended hours to address server or network errors that occur outside standard business times.
• Meet ITAR requirements by being a U.S. citizen, national, green card holder, refugee, or asylee to perform this role.
• Possess a strong understanding of data center operations and the physical components that support enterprise computing environments.
• Exhibit reliability and a commitment to safety in all aspects of hardware handling and maintenance procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to data center operations.
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment on infrastructure status and changes.

Nice to have

• Hold industry certifications such as CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Network+, or CCNP to validate technical expertise.
• Demonstrate proficiency with DCIM tools for monitoring and controlling utilization of power, cooling, and space within the facility.
• Bring experience with power and cooling capacity planning to support future infrastructure growth and upgrades.
• Show familiarity with server management tools such as Cisco CIMC, HPE iLO, and Dell iDRAC for remote administration and diagnostics.
• Highlight strong troubleshooting and analytical abilities when resolving complex infrastructure issues under pressure.
• Have a background in managing multiple vendor hardware architectures and integrating diverse technologies into a cohesive environment.

Skills & tools

• Expert-level proficiency with the Linux OS, including command-line operations and system configuration.
• Advanced knowledge of Windows OS administration, including patch management, user permissions, and system services.
• Comprehensive understanding of data center hardware, including servers, switches, storage arrays, and network appliances.
• Proven capability in hardware diagnostics, using both software tools and manual inspection to identify faults.
• Mastery of rack and cable management techniques to maintain organized, efficient, and safe infrastructure layouts.
• Experience with inventory management and asset tracking systems to ensure accurate records of hardware and accessories.
• Familiarity with network protocols, virtualization platforms, and backup systems to support a robust infrastructure.
• Commitment to continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and suggesting enhancements to existing processes.

Practical notes

Compensation includes base salary, potential long-term incentives like stock options or cash awards, and discretionary bonuses. Benefits cover medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave. Employees receive 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays, and accrued sick leave. SpaceX is an equal opportunity employer. This position is based in Hawthorne, Canada, and requires full-time on-site availability. Candidates must be able to commit to extended work hours when necessary to resolve critical infrastructure issues. There may be limited business travel required between facility locations as determined by operational needs. Applicants must meet all specified requirements and documentation will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.