Data Center Support Engineer

About the role

As a Data Center Support Engineer, you will make an impact by providing on-site, hands-on support for data center and lab environments, including hardware installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational tasks. You will help ensure a safe, organized, and efficient data center environment while supporting the broader engineering team worldwide. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team and work collaboratively with the Associate Director.

In this role, you will

• Support quality management and compliance activities in alignment with ISO 9001 and other applicable ISO standards, ensuring adherence to established processes, policies, and procedures.

• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA), implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and support risk assessment and mitigation initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Track and analyze quality metrics, maintain accurate operational data, identify trends, and prepare reports to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Perform equipment moves, installations, and setup within and across lab and data center environments

• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and network issues (break/fix tasks)

• Support decommissioning, disposal, and maintenance of data center equipment

• Install, configure,and upgrade servers,routers, switches, and operating systems (Windows, Linux, IOS)

• Deploy and configure VMware ESXi and manage Power Distribution Units (mPDUs)

• Perform network troubleshooting across Layers 1–3

• Maintain accurate asset records and labeling for equipment, components, and devices

• Ensure lab cleanliness,safety,and compliance with site policies and SOPs

• Provide basic testbed and lab environment support

• Respond to emergency support requests as required

• Follow SOPs, policies, and procedures, contributing to process improvement initiatives

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Milpitas, California.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Experience with intra- and inter-lab equipment and rack moves

• Ability to safely operate manual forklifts and other lifting equipment

• Strong cable management skills, including routing, organizing, labeling, and cleaning up network cables

• Hands-on troubleshooting and break-fix experience with hardware and networking equipment

• Installation, configuration, and upgrade of servers, routers, switches, and operating systems

• VMware ESXi installation and upgrade experience

• Experience replicating or building configurations based on customer requirements

• Installation and networking of managed Power Distribution Units (mPDUs)

• Rack, stack, and PDU installation experience

These will help you stand out

• Experience with accurate labeling and inventory maintenance within a data center environment

• trong adherence to SOPs, policies, and procedures with contributions toward continuous improvement

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until November 4, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $50,500 - $59,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.