About the job

Google isn't just a software company, we build the physical internet. The Hardware Operations team is the boots-on-the-ground crew responsible for the equipment behind Google's technology.

As an Engineer on our team, your job is to keep the hardware and networks physically connected and running smoothly in our data centers. You will install, configure, and troubleshoot physical servers, network switches, and cabling. When something breaks, you’ll be the one diagnosing the hardware issue and making the repair. You’ll also step up to help lead projects during major facility upgrades and new equipment rollouts.

A normal day involves using tools, manually moving server racks, and navigating a large-scale industrial environment. You don't need to know our specific software to succeed here. If you have a foundation in skilled trades, equipment maintenance, or IT support, and you love taking things apart just to see how they work, we can teach you the rest.

Find out more about working at Google Data Centers.

Responsibilities

• Unpack, rack, wire, and bring new physical hardware, servers, and network equipment online.

• Diagnose hardware issues as they happen by following clear procedures to figure out what’s broken and get the equipment back up and running.

• Safely handle sensitive storage hardware; track, securely erase, old hardware in accordance with security standards to ensure data is not at risk.

• Dismantle outdated equipment that has reached the end of its life, salvaging usable components and recycling the rest.

• Perform routine checks and physical maintenance on servers, networking equipment, and infrastructure to prevent problems before they start.

Minimum qualifications

• Experience with diagnosing and troubleshooting operating systems, computer hardware and server hardware.

• Experience with the assembly of mechanical or electrical systems, or performing component-level repairs and troubleshooting on technical equipment.

• Experience with networking protocols.

• Ability to lift/move up to 23kg of equipment and ability to exert yourself physically over extended periods of time, including frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, pushing/pulling and lifting.

• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

• 4 years of experience in maintenance and monitoring of server systems.

• Experience with performing component-level repairs and troubleshooting on IT equipment or in a similar role (e.g. Systems Administration, Network Deployment Engineer, Help Desk Technician, etc).

• Experience working within a data center or network operation center environment.

• Experience with Linux operating systems.