Senior Hardware Technician

Job Function Overview

The Senior Hardware Specialist is responsible for guiding and advancing the day‑to‑day installation process of medium to large‑scale data‑center computer and network hardware under the direction of the Hardware Manager. The Senior Hardware Technician handles upgrades to servers and network hardware, compatibility testing of new hardware before it is put into production, and maintains and upgrades components such as network cards, cables, routers, NIC cards, and other connectivity devices. The role requires deep knowledge of computer and network hardware design, including CPUs, motherboards, power supplies, memory, and all associated components used in a data center.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and advance computer hardware and network installations, develop processes, and serve as client interface for rack‑mounting servers and peripherals on raised‑floor cabinets; perform fiber and copper cable management within server cabinets.
• Work with clients to perform computer upgrades (memory, disk, CPUs, peripheral cards) following strict change‑control processes.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a proactive problem/event management process; create processes, techniques, and training programs to strengthen Facilities Services and Hardware department adherence to strict control practices in a mission‑critical datacenter.
• Log, analyze, and promptly resolve or escalate problems experienced by internal and external clients, focusing on root‑cause analysis and future problem reduction.
• Maintain total control of raised‑floor management and installations; define equipment locations in cabinet layouts.
• Perform, supervise, and maintain copper and fiber cable plants (including FICON, ESCON, Fibre Channel, Gigabit Ethernet) using sub‑floor and overhead conveyance.
• Coordinate electrical installations and participate in cabinet and raised‑floor power requirements, procurement, installation, electrical hookup, and cooling capacity planning.
• Understand hardware cooling requirements and work with hot/cold air containment, floor‑tile cuts, and vent tiles to ensure proper cooling.
• Participate in procurement of all required equipment (copper/fiber patch panels, cables, power strips, cabinet rail kits, shelves) for cabinet build‑outs and readiness.
• Define and manage appropriate types of copper and fiber patch cables attached to servers.
• Execute server installations using standard MAP (Methods and Procedures) and cabling standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external clients to proactively identify capacity requirements and recommend enhancements to reliability, availability, and performance of the computer center.
• Develop and maintain documentation and processes that reflect up‑to‑date and accurate system infrastructure capacities at all times.
• Maintain a high level of proficiency and in‑depth knowledge related to hardware team activities on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

• Must pass FBI background check upon hire.
• Proficient working knowledge of raised‑floor management, computer, and network installations in medium to large‑scale computer‑center environments; ability to define physical cabinet layouts for servers, network hardware, disk, tape, and related technology.
• Knowledge of legacy and current fiber and copper cable technologies and infrastructure.
• Ability to coordinate electrical installations with Facility Technicians.
• Associate to bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and technical work experience preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in a medium to large‑scale computer‑center environment, including experience in a lead role within large‑scale operations and hardware.
• Training and experience working with the internals of computer hardware required.
• A+ certification; advanced certification in server and networking desired.

Location & Travel

100% onsite at the customer headquarters in Madison, WI. Regular travel to a local co‑location data center for hands‑on work, and up to 30% travel to our Minnesota location, including overnight stays.

Schedule & Availability

Modified daytime shift: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. On‑call required for after‑hours emergency support. Flexibility to work extended hours as needed for scheduled changes after hours.

Benefits

• Unlimited Paid Days Off
• Three health plan options
• 401(k) with company match
• Eligibility for dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts
• Family Forming Benefit including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement
• Paid child‑bearing and paternal leave
• Education reimbursement, student loan assistance, or 529 college funding
• Sabbatical leave
• Wellness program
• Flexible work schedule

Pay

Current pay scale: $66,216 – $105,773 annually (full‑time). Placement within the range varies based on skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus based on company and individual performance and an equity grant under the Associate Equity Appreciation Program.