Data Center Operations Specialist

Apex Systems is currently hiring a Data Center Operations Specialist with one of our DoD/ Government clients. This will be a "6 months contract to hire" opportunity. You'll work 5 days onsite each week in Alexandria, VA providing mission critical services across various network domains., As a Data Center Operations Technician you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on Data Center Operations Technician joining our team to ensure the reliability, availability, and operational readiness of bare-metal servers, storage systems, and network switches that underpin the customer's mission-critical enterprise IT services. How a Data Center Operations Technician will Make an Impact:

• Work closely with engineering, network, systems, facilities, and project management teams to rack, stack, cable, and deploy servers, storage arrays, network switches, and supporting infrastructure in alignment with documented standards.
• Collaborate with team members to diagnose and resolve hardware, cabling, and connectivity issues, escalating complex problems as needed while maintaining ownership through resolution.
• Contribute to a highly collaborative and safety-focused data center environment with clear communication, well-documented procedures, and shared accountability for uptime and performance.
• Execute hardware lifecycle activities-including refreshes, upgrades, migrations, and decommissioning-ensuring proper sanitization, disposal, and documentation so that infrastructure remains secure, compliant, and optimized for the mission.
• Apply technical expertise with bare-metal systems, TCP/IP networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, rack layout best practices, and data center cabling standards to support deployment efficiency, incident response, and continuous improvement of infrastructure operations. What You'll Need to Succeed

• Active TS/SCI clearance or Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• Bachelor's Degree
• Active Security+ Certification
• Strong understanding of data center cabling standards, rack layout best practices, and cable management.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing fundamentals, and switch connectivity.
• Experience performing hardware validation, burn-in testing, and deployment verification
• Experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and decommissioning bare-metal servers, storage systems, and network devices, * Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

Required Experience:

• 5+ years

Required Technical Skills:

• Proven experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and decommissioning bare-metal servers, storage systems, and network devices.
• Strong understanding of data center cabling standards, rack layout best practices, and cable management.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing fundamentals, and switch connectivity.
• Experience performing hardware validation, burn-in testing, and deployment verification. - Ability to perform root cause analysis for hardware failures and operational incidents, and replace field-replaceable units (drives, memory, CPUs, power supplies, NICs, etc.).
• Required Skills and Abilities:
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a production data center environment.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to identify risks, remove roadblocks, and recommend solutions as a trusted advisor for infrastructure-related initiatives.
• Proven ability to follow and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), runbooks, and change management processes.
• Physical ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs; work in raised floor data center environments; install equipment in racks and perform cable management; stand, bend, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Security+ certification (required)

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be able to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance as a condition and continuation of employment*

Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

At Apex Systems, we are proud to support those who serve. Our commitment to the military community is reflected in our robust veteran hiring initiatives, military-friendly workplace policies, and nationally recognized programs. We value the leadership, discipline, and mission-first mindset that military professionals bring to our team. Join us in continuing your mission. Why Apex is a Top Choice for Veterans and Military Talent: * Military-Friendly Employer: Recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer for multiple consecutive years. * Transition Programs: DoD Skill Bridge program with multiple pathway options. * Veteran Hiring Commitment: We actively partner with multiple veteran and military organizations that specialize in IT upskilling and certification training, helping service members and veterans transition into high-demand tech careers * Apex Military Network: Internal employee resource group supporting veterans, Guard/Reserve members, and their families., Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.