Data Center Hardware & Equipment Specialist📣 Job Ad

About the Role

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Data Center Hardware & Equipment Specialist to join its team in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is integral to ensuring the physical infrastructure's security and operational continuity within KAUST's flagship supercomputer facility. The role involves overseeing the installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, including GPUs, within the CRAY supercomputer environment and other hosted HPC equipment such as 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 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.
• Follow 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 and perform complex software/hardware troubleshooting, patches, and re-installations.
• Manage infrastructure capacity and performance, verifying application logs and monitoring activity.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Relevant certifications preferred (*, CDCTP, DCCA, CCNP Data Center, RCDD).
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure and operations.
• Understanding of IT asset management for controlled equipment.

Essential Experience

• Detailed knowledge of HPE/CRAY supercomputer hardware infrastructure and NVIDIA supercomputer GPUs, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of supporting infrastructure.
• 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.

Core 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 the 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 ensure compliance with hardware tracking processes.
• Collaborative approach to working across teams to achieve goals.
• Ability to manage logistics of heavy equipment and work in confined spaces.

Work Environment and Location

This full-time position is based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, within KAUST's Scientific Computing Center (SCC) data center and other data centers hosting HPCs. The role is essential for maintaining the integrity and performance of critical supercomputer infrastructure, operating in a dynamic and technically advanced environment.