Data Center Hardware & Equipment Specialist📣 Job Ad

About the Role

KAUST is seeking a Data Center Hardware & Equipment Specialist to join its Scientific Computing Center (SCC) in Makkah. This full-time position is integral to the operational continuity and security of the university's flagship supercomputer facility, including the CRAY supercomputer environment and other hosted equipment.

Role Overview

The Data Center Hardware & Equipment Specialist is responsible for overseeing the physical infrastructure of the data center. This includes the installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, GPUs, and other critical IT equipment. The role ensures meticulous hardware tracking, asset register updates, and compliance with procurement and regulatory standards, maintaining high levels of security and operational efficiency within the SCC data center and other hosting facilities, including those for Shaheen III.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, including GPUs.
• Ensure compliance with hardware tracking processes and update the asset register.
• Perform regular inspections and maintenance of data center hardware.
• Monitor the physical conditions of servers and other IT infrastructure.
• Manage network cables, server hardware, and other equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors to proactively manage backup part inventory to ensure uptime.
• Work with compliance officers to ensure accurate accounting of controlled equipment.
• Adhere to data center access protocols to ensure system security and prevent unauthorized removal of parts.
• Respond to alarms and incidents, providing immediate resolution.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to acquire necessary equipment.
• Ensure adherence to export control regulations and NIST SP 800-53 standards.
• Maintain detailed records of hardware assets and track equipment status.
• Oversee or perform complex software/hardware troubleshooting, patches, and re-installations.
• Manage infrastructure capacity and performance, verifying application logs and monitoring activity.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in managing HPC hardware and data center equipment/infrastructure.
• Detailed knowledge of HPE/CRAY supercomputer hardware infrastructure and NVIDIA supercomputer GPUs, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience working in data centers, managing large-scale hardware deployments, and ensuring uptime and reliability.
• Proven track record in overseeing the installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers and data center equipment.
• Familiarity with hardware tracking processes and asset register management.
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure and operations.
• Understanding of IT asset management for controlled equipment.
• Relevant certifications are preferred (*, CDCTP, DCCA, CCNP Data Center, RCDD).

Essential Competencies

• Expertise in managing and maintaining HPE/CRAY supercomputer hardware infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, and networking equipment.
• Proficiency in handling GPUs and optimizing infrastructure performance within a supercomputer environment.
• Strong understanding of HPC systems and architectures.
• Effective communication with stakeholders.
• Ability to use monitoring tools to optimize supercomputer infrastructure performance.
• Analytical skills for troubleshooting and resolving hardware issues.
• Flexibility to adapt to new technologies and changing business needs.
• Ability to manage logistics of heavy equipment and work in confined spaces.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, within KAUST's Scientific Computing Center. The role involves working within data center environments that host high-performance computing systems.