Data Center Operations Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Data Center Operations Engineer
- Company: ServiceNow
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Job Type: On-site, Full-time
- Category: Infrastructure & Operations
- Date Posted: August 1, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🚀 Role Summary
- Manage and optimize data center operations, ensuring high availability and performance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvement and automation
- Oversee vendor relationships and ensure compliance with policies and SLAs
- 📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in data center operations and a solid understanding of critical infrastructure. Familiarity with DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) tools and ITIL processes would be beneficial.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
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📝 Enhancement Note: The following responsibilities are outlined in the job description and have been structured for better readability.
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🔑 Key Responsibilities:
- Prioritize and assign trouble tickets to data center engineers
- Manage the performance of data center operations across Switzerland
- Ensure effective day-to-day management, including queue management, shift arrangement, and hardware logistics
- Serve as a subject matter expert in data center operations, especially in DCIM integrations
- Monitor and report on operational KPIs and metrics to peer teams
- Inspire and guide improvement in team processes, technology innovation, and automation
- Manage large-scale events and incident management, communicating with executive stakeholders
- Manage and build workflows for data center operations
- Recommend, document, and oversee policies and procedures to meet industry best practices and required SLAs
- Maintain the on-call schedule, coordinating absences and vacations
- Be passionate about improving the quality and quantity of services provided and continuously strive to enhance the customer experience
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience: 4+ years of experience in data center operations management
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in managing data center operations, including hardware installation, configuration, optimization, and maintenance
- Holistic experience in overseeing systems performance, monitoring equipment, and managing vendor relationships
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to multi-task several unrelated issues
- General documentation skills, with a particular emphasis on technical processes and standards
- Knowledge and experience in ITIL process methodologies (a plus)
- Proven ability to function in ambiguous situations with a record of success
- Excellent communication, customer focus, problem-solving, conflict management, time management, and interpersonal skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with DCIM tools
- Familiarity with sustainability and compliance standards
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on data center operations, a traditional web portfolio is not required. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with data center infrastructure, vendor management, and process improvement projects.
Project Case Studies:
- Prepare case studies demonstrating your experience in managing data center operations, highlighting your approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Include any relevant metrics or success stories that showcase your impact on data center performance and availability
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CHF 90,000 - 120,000 per year (based on market research for mid-senior level data center operations roles in Geneva)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Global well-being days and flexible working culture
- Parental leave programs, childcare, and caregiving benefits
- Learning experience platform and tuition reimbursement program
- Global cross-functional mentoring program
- Team building activities, employee belonging groups, volunteering, and community outreach programs
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations and potential overtime during large-scale events or incidents
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS), Enterprise IT Service Management
Company Size: Large (8,100+ employees globally)
Founded: 2004
Team Structure:
- The data center operations team is responsible for managing and maintaining ServiceNow's global data center infrastructure
- The team works closely with cross-functional teams, including IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management, to ensure high availability and performance
- The Geneva data center is one of ServiceNow's primary facilities, supporting critical business operations
Development Methodology:
- ServiceNow follows ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) best practices for data center management
- The company emphasizes continuous improvement, automation, and innovation in data center operations
Company Website: https://www.servicenow.com/
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: Mid-Senior level data center operations engineer, responsible for managing and optimizing data center infrastructure and ensuring high availability and performance
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Data Center Operations Manager and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management
Technical Impact: The data center operations engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the availability and performance of ServiceNow's global data center infrastructure, directly impacting the company's ability to deliver cloud-based services to its customers
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Growth: Deepen expertise in data center infrastructure, DCIM tools, and ITIL processes
- Leadership Growth: Develop team management and architecture decision-making skills, with the potential to advance to a data center operations management role
- Career Transition: Explore opportunities in related fields, such as cloud architecture, IT service management, or vendor management
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
Office Location(s): Geneva, Switzerland
Workspace Context:
- The Geneva data center is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to meet the highest standards of security, redundancy, and efficiency
- The data center operations team works in a collaborative environment, with access to the latest tools and technologies for data center management
- The team interacts regularly with cross-functional teams, including IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management, to ensure high availability and performance
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations and potential overtime during large-scale events or incidents
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills and cultural fit (30 minutes)
- Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of your data center operations experience, focusing on problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication (60 minutes)
- On-site/Video Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager and other team members to assess your fit for the role and the team (60-90 minutes)
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Prepare case studies demonstrating your experience in managing data center operations, highlighting your approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Include any relevant metrics or success stories that showcase your impact on data center performance and availability
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Familiarize yourself with ServiceNow's data center infrastructure and ITIL processes
- Brush up on your knowledge of data center best practices, including hardware installation, configuration, optimization, and maintenance
- Prepare for questions about your experience with vendor management, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
ATS Keywords: Data Center Operations, Data Center Management, ITIL, DCIM, Infrastructure, Vendor Management, Process Improvement, Problem Solving, Stakeholder Communication, Data Center Engineer, IT Service Management
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Data Center Infrastructure:
- Hardware: Dell, HP, Cisco, Arista, Juniper, etc.
- Storage: NetApp, EMC, HPE, etc.
- Power: APC, Eaton, etc.
- Cooling: Liebert, Stulz, etc.
- Security: Biometric access, CCTV, etc.
DCIM Tools:
- Preferred: Sunbird, Nlyte, Data Center Knowledge, etc.
- Acceptable: Schneider Electric, Siemens, etc.
IT Service Management:
- Preferred: ServiceNow, BMC Remedy, HP Service Manager, etc.
- Acceptable: JIRA Service Desk, Zendesk, etc.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Data Center Operations Values:
- High Availability: Prioritize data center uptime and minimize service disruptions
- Performance Optimization: Continuously improve data center efficiency and reduce costs
- Process Improvement: Streamline data center operations and drive automation
- Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure high availability and performance
- Customer Focus: Understand and address customer needs, both internal and external
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management teams to ensure high availability and performance
- Code Review Culture: Regularly review and update data center processes and best practices
- Knowledge Sharing: Share expertise and learn from colleagues to drive continuous improvement
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
Office Location(s): Geneva, Switzerland
Workspace Context:
- The Geneva data center is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to meet the highest standards of security, redundancy, and efficiency
- The data center operations team works in a collaborative environment, with access to the latest tools and technologies for data center management
- The team interacts regularly with cross-functional teams, including IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management, to ensure high availability and performance
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations and potential overtime during large-scale events or incidents
📝 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Data Center Infrastructure: Describe your experience with data center hardware, storage, power, cooling, and security systems. How have you ensured high availability and performance in your previous roles?
- DCIM Tools: Discuss your experience with DCIM tools and their role in data center management. How have you used DCIM tools to optimize data center infrastructure and improve operational efficiency?
- IT Service Management: Explain your understanding of ITIL processes and their application in data center management. How have you used ITIL to drive process improvement and ensure compliance with policies and SLAs?
Company & Culture Questions:
- Data Center Operations: How do you approach data center operations management, and what makes you an effective data center operations engineer?
- Teamwork: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, including IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management. How have you collaborated to ensure high availability and performance in data center infrastructure?
- Problem-Solving: Share an example of a complex data center challenge you've faced and how you approached it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Case Studies: Prepare case studies demonstrating your experience in managing data center operations, highlighting your approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Metrics: Include any relevant metrics or success stories that showcase your impact on data center performance and availability
- Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage the interview panel and bring your data center operations experience to life
🛠 Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Data Center Infrastructure: Stay up-to-date with the latest data center hardware, storage, power, cooling, and security systems. Continuously improve your knowledge of data center best practices and industry trends
- DCIM Tools: Deepen your expertise in DCIM tools and their application in data center management. Explore new tools and technologies to drive process improvement and automation
- IT Service Management: Enhance your understanding of ITIL processes and their application in data center management. Seek out opportunities to drive process improvement and ensure compliance with policies and SLAs
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skills: Pursue certifications and training in data center operations, DCIM tools, and IT service management to deepen your expertise and advance your career
- Leadership Skills: Seek out mentorship and coaching opportunities to develop your team management and architecture decision-making skills
- Career Progression: Explore opportunities to transition into a data center operations management role or pursue related fields, such as cloud architecture, IT service management, or vendor management
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Data Center Infrastructure: Describe your experience with data center hardware, storage, power, cooling, and security systems. How have you ensured high availability and performance in your previous roles?
- DCIM Tools: Discuss your experience with DCIM tools and their role in data center management. How have you used DCIM tools to optimize data center infrastructure and improve operational efficiency?
- IT Service Management: Explain your understanding of ITIL processes and their application in data center management. How have you used ITIL to drive process improvement and ensure compliance with policies and SLAs?
Company & Culture Questions:
- Data Center Operations: How do you approach data center operations management, and what makes you an effective data center operations engineer?
- Teamwork: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, including IT, Facilities, and Vendor Management. How have you collaborated to ensure high availability and performance in data center infrastructure?
- Problem-Solving: Share an example of a complex data center challenge you've faced and how you approached it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Case Studies: Prepare case studies demonstrating your experience in managing data center operations, highlighting your approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Metrics: Include any relevant metrics or success stories that showcase your impact on data center performance and availability
- Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage the interview panel and bring your data center operations experience to life
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this data center operations engineer position at ServiceNow:
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your data center operations experience, focusing on problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Prepare case studies demonstrating your experience in managing data center operations, highlighting your approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Review the Job Description: Thoroughly review the job description and be prepared to discuss your fit for the role and the team
- Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on your data center operations experience and problem-solving skills
- Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with ServiceNow's data center infrastructure, ITIL processes, and company culture to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role
Application Requirements
Candidates should have 4+ years of experience in data center operations management and a solid understanding of critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a passion for sustainability.