Data Center Operations Technician

As a Data Center Operations Technician at xAI, your main responsibilities include monitoring and troubleshooting servers and networks within our data centers, managing operations tickets in Jira, and ensuring the efficient operation of the equipment. You will also handle inventory management, rack and stack networking gear, and document standard operating procedures to drive operational efficiencies.

To be considered for the Data Center Operations Technician role at xAI, applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with at least 6 years of hands-on experience in server and networking hardware. Proficiency in troubleshooting and repair, inventory management, and a solid foundation in Linux is also highly preferred to ensure success in the role.

At xAI, the work environment for Data Center Operations Technicians is dynamic and often fast-paced, as you will be addressing critical operations needs and ensuring optimal performance of our IT infrastructure. You'll be working in close quarters, sometimes at elevated heights, and may also experience exposure to noise. Therefore, being adaptable and comfortable in a variety of conditions is essential.

xAI is committed to fostering the professional growth of its Data Center Operations Technicians by providing ongoing training opportunities, access to the latest technologies, and encouragement to explore new skills and competencies within the data center environment. Our collaborative, curious culture promotes continuous learning, allowing our technicians to advance their careers.

As a Data Center Operations Technician at xAI, you will work with various tools and technologies including Jira for ticket management, Linux systems for server administration, and inventory management applications for asset oversight. Additionally, hands-on experience with networking equipment, structured cabling, and power and cooling systems will be crucial for your day-to-day responsibilities.

When responding to this question, make sure to highlight specific tools and systems you've used in the past. Discuss any relevant projects where you diagnosed issues, resolved them, and perhaps even improved efficiency in the network operations.

Provide a real-world scenario where you encountered a significant challenge. Discuss the steps you took to address the issue while demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and impact. Outline any systems you use to keep track of multiple tasks, such as checklists or digital tools, and stress the importance of communication with your team.

Discuss your understanding of safety protocols, including working at elevated heights and handling heavy equipment. Share any personal experiences regarding safety measures and your commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.

Highlight your background in managing inventory, including the tools you've used for tracking, receiving, and dispatching equipment. Mention any specific instances where you optimized inventory processes to improve operations.

Explain any previous situations where you managed vendor returns. Detail the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, and how you ensured compliance with warranty agreements.

Identify key metrics such as MTTD and MTTR, explaining why they are crucial for effective operations. Provide examples of how addressing these metrics can directly impact data center performance.

Articulate your approach to staying informed, whether through online courses, webinars, professional groups, or industry publications. Discuss specific resources you use to continue learning about data center innovations.

List your Linux skills, such as navigating directories, file manipulation, and package management. Offer examples of how you've applied these skills in past roles to manage server functions effectively.

Convey your motivation for joining xAI, including any admiration for the company’s mission, its culture of innovation, and how you see your skills contributing to its objectives. Personalize your answer based on your career goals and the values you share with xAI.