Hardware Engineer

At Connection, a Hardware Engineer is responsible for providing onsite support in the Data Center and Co-Location. This includes managing daily activities, capacity planning, installing and removing cabling and hardware, troubleshooting and monitoring systems, and ensuring appropriate documentation is maintained. You'll also be involved in inventory management and decommissioning hardware when necessary.

While prior experience in an enterprise environment is preferred for the Hardware Engineer position at Connection, it’s not strictly necessary. Basic skills in troubleshooting and a good grasp of data center operations will be beneficial. Familiarity with Network+ and Server+ certifications is ideal, but candidates without these qualifications are still welcome to apply.

As a Hardware Engineer at Connection in Lake Forest, your work week will typically run from Monday to Friday, with hours from 7 AM to 4 PM. However, be prepared for an on-call rotation that will require you to be available for after-hours support about one week out of every month.

Yes, there might be occasional light travel required for the Hardware Engineer position at Connection, primarily between the Lake Forest Data Center and our Elk Grove Village Colocation. However, this will not be a frequent requirement.

As a Hardware Engineer at Connection, you can expect competitive pay within the range of $33-$36 per hour, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package and paid time off (PTO). This role provides a great opportunity to enhance your skills and advance your career in a supportive environment.

When answering this question, highlight any specific server environments you have worked with, the types of setups you have managed, and any processes you followed. Be specific about your role in the setup process and how you ensured optimal configuration and functionality.

Discuss a systematic approach to troubleshooting, such as checking cables, verifying power, and checking configurations. Include examples of past situations where you effectively diagnosed and resolved hardware issues, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.

Documentation is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency. Explain your methods for keeping records organized, such as using software tools or spreadsheets, and provide examples of the type of documentation you maintain.

Highlight your understanding of factors like current resource utilization, projected growth, and hardware performance metrics. Discuss any experiences you have in assessing existing capacity and planning for future needs.

Choose a specific example where you dealt with a critical hardware failure, explaining how you prioritized tasks, communicated with the team, and resolved the issue efficiently. Stress your ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.

Discuss the systems or tools you have used for tracking inventory, your approach to inventory audits, and how you ensure accurate records. Mention any experience you have with software tools or database management that assists in inventory tracking.

Provide details about your experiences with various types of cabling, how you ensure proper installation, and tips you follow for organization and safety. You might also mention any challenges you have faced and how you overcame them.

Share your practices for continuing education, such as attending industry conferences, participating in online forums, or obtaining relevant certifications. Emphasize the importance of staying updated in the fast-paced IT environment.

Provide a concrete example where your initiative led to improvements in efficiency or productivity. Be specific about the changes you introduced and the measurable outcomes it produced.

Mention specific software and tools you have experience with, such as monitoring systems, asset management tools, or ticketing systems. Highlight your proficiency and how you have utilized these tools to enhance operations.