Server Engineer | Data Center Operations, Data Center Operations at Amazon

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Server Engineer | Data Center Operations
Company: Amazon
Location: Tokyo, Tōkyō, Japan
Job Type: On-site
Category: Server Administration, Data Center Operations
Date Posted: June 25, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

Manage the on-site hardware lifecycle of IT infrastructure in Amazon's data centers
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high availability and scalability of AWS services
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware-related issues in a large-scale, high-density data center environment
Contribute to process improvement initiatives and documentation to enhance data center operations

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves hands-on management of hardware lifecycle in Amazon's data centers, requiring a strong background in server administration, networking, and hardware maintenance. The ideal candidate will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Hardware Lifecycle Management: Install, configure, and maintain server racks, servers, networking devices, and other hardware components in Amazon's data centers
Troubleshooting and Resolution: Diagnose and resolve hardware-related issues that impact data center operations, ensuring minimal downtime and high availability of AWS services
On-Call Support: Provide 24/7 on-call support to address critical issues and ensure data center uptime
Change Management: Participate in change management activities, including scheduled maintenance and updates, to minimize disruption to data center operations
Documentation and Process Improvement: Contribute to technical documentation and process improvement initiatives to enhance data center operations and hardware lifecycle management

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, on-call environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

Experience: At least 3 years of hands-on experience maintaining and servicing technical systems, with a strong background in server administration, networking, and hardware maintenance

Required Skills:

Proven experience with Linux/Windows systems, PC/Server hardware, and basic networking
Familiarity with data center operations, including server rack installation, hardware maintenance, and troubleshooting
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, on-call environment
Excellent communication skills in Japanese and English
Ability to work non-standard hours, including shift-based schedules (e.g., 8:00-18:00, 12:00-22:00, 21:45-08:15)

Preferred Skills:

Experience with ticketing systems, escalation procedures, and data center facilities
Understanding of maintenance windows and change management processes
Linux certifications (RHCSA, CCNA, or equivalent) and scripting skills (Bash, Python, etc.)
Familiarity with AWS services and infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred candidate will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule. Familiarity with AWS services and infrastructure is a plus, as this role plays a critical part in ensuring the high availability and scalability of AWS services.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A well-documented portfolio showcasing your experience with hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution in large-scale data center environments
Examples of successful on-call support and change management activities, demonstrating your ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations
Evidence of your strong problem-solving skills and ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives

Technical Documentation:

Detailed technical documentation outlining your approach to hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution in large-scale data center environments
Examples of your contributions to process improvement initiatives and documentation, demonstrating your ability to enhance data center operations

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves hands-on management of hardware lifecycle in Amazon's data centers, your portfolio should highlight your experience with server administration, networking, and hardware maintenance. Include examples of successful on-call support and change management activities to demonstrate your ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ¥5,000,000 - ¥7,000,000 per year (Based on experience and market research for the Tokyo area)

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care plans
Retirement savings plans with company match
Generous vacation and paid time off policies
Employee stock awards and restricted stock units
Maternity and parental leave policies
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
On-site services and amenities, including fitness centers, cafes, and transportation benefits

Working Hours: Shift-based schedules, including 8:00-18:00, 12:00-22:00, and 21:45-08:15 shifts, with a 1-hour break per 10-hour shift. Typically, engineers work 4 days on and 3 days off in a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on market research for the Tokyo area and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills. Amazon offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, retirement savings, and generous paid time off policies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, e-commerce, and cloud services

Company Size: Large (over 1,000 employees)

Founded: 1994 (Amazon.com) and 2006 (Amazon Web Services)

Team Structure:

The Data Center Operations team is part of the larger AWS Infrastructure Services (AIS) organization, which is responsible for the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure
The team consists of hardware, software, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles
The team collaborates closely with other AWS departments to ensure the highest standards for safety, security, and customer satisfaction

Development Methodology:

AWS follows Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and infrastructure management
The team uses code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure the reliability and scalability of AWS services
AWS employs automated deployment strategies, including CI/CD pipelines, to ensure rapid and consistent infrastructure updates

Company Website: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/jobs/3017953

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations play a critical role in ensuring the high availability and scalability of AWS services. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level to senior server administration and data center operations roles

Reporting Structure: The Data Center Operations team reports directly to the AWS Infrastructure Services (AIS) organization, with a matrix reporting structure to other AWS departments for specific projects and initiatives

Technical Impact: The team's work directly impacts the availability, scalability, and performance of AWS services, ensuring that customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of data center operations, such as hardware lifecycle management, network architecture, or security
Team Leadership: Grow into a leadership role, mentoring junior team members and contributing to the development of best practices and processes
Architecture and Design: Contribute to the design and architecture of AWS data centers, ensuring their continued scalability and efficiency

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the Data Center Operations team. The ideal candidate will be eager to take on new challenges and contribute to the continuous improvement of AWS data center operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Large, on-site data center facilities with a focus on security, efficiency, and employee well-being

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan

Workspace Context:

Security and Access Control: Strict security protocols and access controls ensure the safety and integrity of AWS data centers and customer data
Collaboration and Communication: The team uses various collaboration tools and communication platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among team members and other AWS departments
Training and Development: Amazon provides regular training and development opportunities to help employees grow their skills and advance their careers

Work Schedule: Shift-based schedules, including 8:00-18:00, 12:00-22:00, and 21:45-08:15 shifts, with a 1-hour break per 10-hour shift. Typically, engineers work 4 days on and 3 days off in a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations require a high degree of security, efficiency, and collaboration. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess your communication skills and cultural fit
Technical Phone Screen: A deeper dive into your technical skills and experience, focusing on hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution
On-site Interview: A full-day on-site interview, including a tour of the data center facility, technical deep dives, and meetings with the team and hiring manager
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on your performance throughout the interview process

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution in large-scale data center environments
Include examples of successful on-call support and change management activities, demonstrating your ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations
Showcase your strong problem-solving skills and ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution in large-scale data center environments
Familiarize yourself with Amazon's data center operations and the specific hardware and software used in their facilities
Prepare for questions about your experience with on-call support, change management, and process improvement initiatives

ATS Keywords: Hardware Maintenance, Linux Systems, Windows Systems, Networking, Troubleshooting, Technical Documentation, Team Collaboration, On-call Support, Change Management, Customer Service, Problem Solving, Inventory Management, Data Center Operations, Safety Procedures, Root Cause Analysis, Shift Work, Scripting, AWS Services, Infrastructure Management

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit within Amazon's data center operations. The ideal candidate will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Hardware and Software:

Servers: Amazon's data centers use a variety of server hardware, including rack-mountable servers, blade servers, and high-density storage systems
Networking: The team uses a combination of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking protocols, with a focus on high availability, low latency, and scalability
Storage: Amazon's data centers employ a mix of block, file, and object storage solutions, with a focus on performance, scalability, and data durability
Power and Cooling: The team uses advanced power and cooling technologies to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of data center infrastructure

Management and Monitoring Tools:

IT Service Management (ITSM): The team uses ITSM tools to manage incidents, problems, and changes, ensuring minimal downtime and high availability of AWS services
Monitoring and Alerting: Amazon's data centers employ advanced monitoring and alerting systems to proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact service availability
Configuration Management: The team uses configuration management tools to ensure the consistency and reliability of data center infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations require a strong understanding of hardware lifecycle management, networking, and storage technologies. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working with a variety of server hardware, networking protocols, and storage solutions in large-scale data center environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Reliability: Ensure the high availability and scalability of AWS services, minimizing downtime and maximizing customer satisfaction
Innovation: Continuously improve data center operations through process improvement initiatives, automation, and the adoption of emerging technologies
Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure the success of AWS services and initiatives
Customer Obsession: Focus on the needs of AWS customers, ensuring that data center operations meet their expectations and requirements

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: The team works closely with other AWS departments, including software development, infrastructure management, and customer support, to ensure the success of AWS services and initiatives
Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages knowledge sharing and mentoring, with a focus on continuous learning and skill development
Continuous Improvement: The team is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on process optimization, automation, and the adoption of emerging technologies

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations require a strong commitment to reliability, innovation, collaboration, and customer obsession. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Hardware Lifecycle Management: Manage the hardware lifecycle of IT infrastructure in Amazon's data centers, ensuring minimal downtime and high availability of AWS services
Troubleshooting and Resolution: Diagnose and resolve hardware-related issues in a large-scale, high-density data center environment, minimizing downtime and maximizing customer satisfaction
On-Call Support: Provide 24/7 on-call support to address critical issues and ensure data center uptime
Change Management: Participate in change management activities, including scheduled maintenance and updates, to minimize disruption to data center operations

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skills Development: Develop expertise in specific areas of data center operations, such as hardware lifecycle management, network architecture, or security
Leadership Development: Grow into a leadership role, mentoring junior team members and contributing to the development of best practices and processes
Architecture and Design: Contribute to the design and architecture of AWS data centers, ensuring their continued scalability and efficiency

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development. The ideal candidate for this role will be eager to take on new challenges and contribute to the continuous improvement of AWS data center operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Hardware Lifecycle Management: Describe your experience with hardware lifecycle management in large-scale data center environments, including installation, maintenance, and decommissioning
Troubleshooting and Resolution: Walk through a complex hardware-related issue you've faced in the past, explaining your approach to diagnosis, resolution, and documentation
On-Call Support: Discuss your experience with on-call support, including how you prioritize and resolve critical issues in a high-pressure environment
Change Management: Explain your understanding of change management processes, including maintenance windows, risk assessment, and rollback strategies

Company & Culture Questions:

Data Center Operations: Describe your understanding of data center operations, including the specific hardware, software, and networking technologies used in Amazon's data centers
AWS Services: Explain your familiarity with AWS services and how data center operations support their high availability and scalability
Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, including software development, infrastructure management, and customer support

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Hardware Lifecycle Management: Highlight your experience with hardware lifecycle management in large-scale data center environments, including installation, maintenance, and decommissioning
Troubleshooting and Resolution: Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose and resolve complex hardware-related issues
On-Call Support: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, on-call environment, prioritizing and resolving critical issues
Change Management: Explain your understanding of change management processes, including maintenance windows, risk assessment, and rollback strategies

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit within Amazon's data center operations. The ideal candidate will have experience working in large-scale data center environments and be comfortable working in a shift-based schedule.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Server Engineer | Data Center Operations position at Amazon:

Update Your Resume: Highlight your experience with hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution in large-scale data center environments
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Explain your interest in Amazon's data center operations and your qualifications for the role
Prepare for Technical Phone Screen: Brush up on your knowledge of hardware lifecycle management, troubleshooting, and resolution in large-scale data center environments
Prepare for On-site Interview: Familiarize yourself with Amazon's data center operations, the specific hardware and software used in their facilities, and the company's culture and values
Follow Up: After your interview, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview with Amazon

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Server Engineer | Data Center Operations, Data Center Operations