Cloud Data Center Operations Team Leader

Job Description:

Cloud Data Center Operations encompass the management and maintenance of data center infrastructure in cloud environments. Here are the key roles and responsibilities typically associated with this area:

Infrastructure Management

• Deployment and Configuration: Setting up and configuring physical and virtual servers, storage, and network components.
• Capacity Planning: Analyzing current usage and forecasting future resource needs to ensure optimal performance.

Monitoring and Performance Optimization

• System Monitoring: Utilizing monitoring tools to track performance metrics, system health, and resource utilization.
• Performance Tuning: Identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks to optimize data center operations.

Security Management

• Implementing Security Protocols: Enforcing security policies, including access controls, firewalls, and encryption.
• Compliance Audits: Ensuring adherence to regulatory and compliance standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

Incident Response and Troubleshooting

• Issue Diagnosis: Quickly diagnosing hardware and software issues affecting data center operations.
• Disaster Recovery: Developing and testing disaster recovery plans to ensure data integrity and availability.

Backup and Data Management

• Data Backup: Implementing regular backup processes to secure critical data and systems.
• Data Lifecycle Management: Managing data storage, retention, and archiving according to business policies.

Collaboration and Documentation

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with development, DevOps, and IT teams to support application deployment and maintenance.
• Documentation: Keeping detailed records of system configurations, operational procedures, and changes made.

Cost Management and Optimization

• Budget Management: Monitoring operational costs and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Resource Optimization: Implementing strategies to optimize resource usage and reduce waste.

Hardware and Software Maintenance

• Regular Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on servers, storage, and network equipment.
• Patch Management: Keeping software and firmware up to date to address vulnerabilities and improve performance.

Capacity and Scalability Planning

• Resource Scaling: Evaluating and implementing scalable solutions to accommodate growth.
• Forecasting Needs: Assessing trends to ensure the data center can handle future demands.

Training and User Support

• Technical Support: Providing support and troubleshooting assistance to users and other teams.
• Knowledge Sharing: Training team members on best practices, tools, and technologies.

Sustainability and Efficiency

• Energy Management: Implementing energy-efficient practices to reduce the environmental impact of data center operations.
• Efficiency Improvements: Identifying and adopting technologies that enhance operational efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluating and improving processes for better efficiency and effectiveness.
• Staying Current: Keeping abreast of new technologies, trends, and best practices in cloud data center operations.

Job Qualifications

A Cloud Data Center Operations Engineer is responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing cloud-based and physical data center environments. This role combines expertise in cloud platforms, physical infrastructure, and operational processes to ensure seamless data center operations. Below are the typical qualifications, skills, and certifications required for this position:

Degree (preferred but not always mandatory):

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Electrical or Electronics Engineering

• Related technical fields

• Bachelor's Degree in:

• Equivalent experience may be accepted in lieu of a formal degree.

Certifications:

• AWS: AWS Certified Solutions Architect or SysOps Administrator
• Azure: Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator

• Google Cloud: Google Professional Cloud Architect or Operations Engineer

• CompTIA Server+ or CompTIA Cloud+

• Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP)

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer/Professional

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent.

• ITIL Foundation Certification for operational processes.

• Cloud Platforms:

• Data Center & Infrastructure:
• Networking:
• Monitoring and IT Operations:

Technical Skills:

Cloud Expertise:

• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or others).
• Managing cloud-based resources such as virtual machines, storage, and networking.
• Monitoring cloud services and optimizing for performance and cost.

Data Center Management:

• Server installation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Power and cooling systems management.

• Rack and cable management.

• Hands-on experience with physical data center infrastructure:

• Understanding of hardware troubleshooting (servers, storage devices, networking hardware).

Networking:

• TCP/IP, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, and routing protocols.

• Knowledge of SDN (Software-Defined Networking) in cloud environments.

• Solid understanding of network concepts:

• Managing physical and virtual network devices.

Monitoring and Automation:

• Proficiency in using monitoring tools like Nagios, SolarWinds, or cloud-native tools (AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor).
• Automating routine tasks with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell).
• Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation.

Security and Compliance:

• Ensuring physical and cloud infrastructure security.
• Familiarity with compliance standards (ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, etc.).
• Managing Identity and Access Management (IAM) in cloud environments.

Backup and Disaster Recovery:

• Setting up and managing backup solutions for data center and cloud workloads.
• Knowledge of disaster recovery (DR) planning and execution.

1. Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot hardware, network, and cloud issues quickly and efficiently.
2. Communication: Strong ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and explain technical problems to stakeholders.
3. Attention to Detail: Essential for managing critical infrastructure.
4. Adaptability: Must stay updated with evolving technologies and tools.
5. Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in collaborative environments.

• Mid-level: Typically requires 3-5 years of experience in cloud or network operations.

Job-Specific Expectations:

• Monitoring and maintaining the health of cloud and on-premises data center infrastructure.
• Managing deployments, migrations, and upgrades of physical and cloud resources.
• Ensuring high availability and redundancy for critical systems.
• Optimizing energy consumption and operational costs.
• Collaborating with security teams to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with hybrid cloud setups.
• Familiarity with edge computing and distributed data centers.
• Hands-on knowledge of SD-WAN technologies.
• Know how to drive manual cars
• Works 24/7 including holidays and weekend
• On call as needed
• Willing to extend working hours