Data Centre ICT Lab Engineer in Gillingham

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Data Center ICT Lab Engineer to join a Global technology company within their IT Infrastructure team. This person will need to support on-prem test labs including:

• Pre Production build & test
• Managing IP addresses
• Networks / SANs
• Ensure Cabling is in place
• Systems have power
• Cable tracing / auditing
• Documentation - Jira
• Installation / demises / kit-nives
• VMware experience (enterprise virtualisation environments)
• Firewall technologies
• Juniper networking
• Enterprise switches
• Block storage and enterprise storage technologies
• Compute virtualisation

Documentation and Inventory Management:

• Audit, update and maintain accurate records of all data center assets, including equipment location, status, and configuration details.
• Ensure that all changes to the lab environment, including equipment additions, removals, and relocations, are accurately reflected in documentation such as asset management systems.
• Assist in maintaining and improving documentation standards and processes.

Capacity Planning and Monitoring:

• Assist in the monitoring of power, cooling, and space utilization to ensure optimal lab performance and to anticipate future needs.
• Collaborate with the IT Infrastructure team to plan for future capacity requirements, including new deployments and upgrades.

Compliance and Best Practices:

• Ensure that all work adheres to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and follow best practices including cable management, equipment labeling, and environmental monitoring.

Collaboration and Support:

• Work closely with network, server, and storage teams to support their needs within the data center, including provisioning of space and power.
• Provide hands-on support for equipment installations, demises, moves, and troubleshooting as needed.
• Assist with audits and inspections to ensure the lab remains compliant with all relevant standards and regulations.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in data center operations role, with hands-on experience in equipment decommissioning, space optimization, and infrastructure documentation.
• Familiarity with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools and asset management software.
• Experience with physical network and server hardware, including installation, cabling, and troubleshooting.
• Good knowledge of on-prem IT Infrastructure including x86 hardware, Windows, Linux and Virtualization platforms, security, networking and storage technologies.
• Familiarity with out-of-band management platforms (iLO, iDRAC, XCC, Redfish).
• Understanding of Firmware lifecycle management.
• Experience creating run book documentation.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in reading and updating technical documentation, including floor plans and network diagrams.
• Knowledge of data center best practices, including power and cooling management, cable management, and environmental monitoring.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Good understanding of lab testing best practices.
• Automation tools experience.

Certifications:

• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Data+ Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP), or similar are a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) as needed. Some walking and standing in a data center/lab environment.
• Work Environment: Remote, office and data center/lab environment.