Senior Data Center Solutions and Operations Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Founded with the mission that every person, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Data Center Solutions and Operations Engineer at the Gates Foundation, you will play a crucial role within the IT Infrastructure team, significantly impacting the infrastructure that supports the foundation's global operations. This position provides a unique opportunity to lead major projects focused on the design and optimization of data centers, ensuring they operate efficiently and sustainably in alignment with the foundation's strategic objectives. You will report to the Senior Manager of the Infrastructure team and will be responsible for overseeing the complexities of IT operations, vendor management, and infrastructure services. Your role will involve defining, tracking, and leading significant operations and cross-functional projects that affect various operational teams related to data centers, data closets, and cable plants. This position will require both domestic and international travel as you oversee operations across the Seattle campus and regional/affiliate offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of all data center activities, including data cabling infrastructure and telecommunications equipment. You will review and approve hardware installation plans to ensure compliance with physical requirements such as space, rack mount, power, and cooling. Your responsibilities will include inspecting hardware installations, implementing and maintaining data and cabling standards, and engaging in capacity planning by monitoring electrical power demand and equipment cooling loads. You will serve as the lead technical resource for data center expansions or new construction projects, identifying and resolving recurring problems while developing new techniques to enhance operating environments. Additionally, you will train and oversee team members involved in data space deployments and establish excellent working relationships with vendors. You will utilize your knowledge of co-location and self-hosting infrastructure to evaluate and negotiate potential data center spaces and conduct business analysis to translate needs into functional requirements and project plans. Managing external vendors conducting work within foundation data spaces will also be part of your duties, along with modernizing data centers by applying industry advancements and focusing on hybrid infrastructure. You will collaborate with IT support, Physical security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and Facilities staff to manage data centers according to local regulations and cultural contexts.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a B.S. in Computer Science or a related discipline, along with 5-7 years of experience in a data center environment. Demonstrated leadership expertise is essential, as well as in-depth knowledge of managing a multi-system operations environment. Familiarity with network server gear, Storage Area Networks, Uninterruptible Power Supplies, generators, air handlers, and environmental management systems is required. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of ITA/IEEE/BICSI cabling standards and ASHRAE/NFPA/NEC guidelines for data and technical spaces. Strong interpersonal, customer service, communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of data center operations and IT infrastructure management.

Experience:
Candidates should have 5-7 years of relevant experience in a data center environment. This experience should include demonstrated leadership capabilities and a thorough understanding of managing operations in a multi-system environment, which is crucial for overseeing the various aspects of data center management and operations.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the international scope of the foundation's operations. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly for candidates who will be engaging with regional offices and affiliates in diverse cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally. Candidates must be able to obtain a valid US Passport and meet the requirements for obtaining Business Visas for travel to all current and potential foundation Regional Offices and Affiliates. The salary range for this role is between $127,400 to $191,200 USD, with higher ranges for positions located in Seattle and Washington D.C. New hires typically fall between the range minimum and midpoint, depending on their job-related skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.