Data Center Specialist II

Data Center Specialist II

Epsilon is now part of AMERICAN SYSTEMS!

We are pleased to announce Epsilon, Inc. has joined AMERICAN SYSTEMS. Together, we're combining our expertise and expanding our resources to enhance support for our customers and create new opportunities for our employees. Epsilon will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AMERICAN SYSTEMS until December 31, 2025, transitioning fully to AMERICAN SYSTEMS on January 1, 2026. We're committed to a smooth transition and look forward to what we'll achieve together.

Read more here: AMERICAN SYSTEMS Acquires Epsilon, Inc

Benefits:
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits through a major national carrier, generous PTO, paid holidays, and immediate 401(k) contribution. Starting January 1st, 2026, you'll gain access to AMERICAN SYSTEMS' benefits package and employee ownership program-details will be shared during your recruiter conversation.

Compensation:
The wage range listed represents the potential compensation opportunities for this position. Starting salary will be thoughtfully determined by the hiring manager based on a variety of factors including candidate experience, education, relevant skills, and qualifications brought to the role. The initial offer could be any amount within the posted range, reflecting our commitment to fair and competitive compensation.

Where you'll work:
You will be working onsite at the USDA's Chicago, IL location.

Our Customer's Mission:
The USDA Digital Infrastructure Services Center (DISC) operates 24/7/365 to provide comprehensive on premises and cloud-based hosting services, including Disaster Recovery, security, and professional support services and operations to approximately 35 federal organizations. The USDA and other Federal partners depend upon DISC's highly complex and interconnected technology infrastructure to conduct their operations. The USDA DISC Chicago Data Center Facilities Group (DCFG) is committed to building strategic partnerships that connect the USDA with the global community, while setting a high standard of facilities/service delivery in line with the USDA's ongoing IT modernization efforts.

An average day:
As Data Center Specialist II, you will provide data center administration and hardware support for unsecured on-premises and cloud environments. Your responsibilities will include ensuring backup of data, daily operational support for various networks, performing standard data center monitoring activities as well as planning, installing, and supporting hardware. This position will also respond to customer tickets to resolve technical issues associated with network and routing protocols at all levels of the OSI model through the use of diagnostics and network administration tools. In this position you will:

• Install and replace network appliances such as firewalls, routers, and switches.
• Under guidance and direction, provide transition support for hardware, provide advice and guidance on the most practical technical approach to meeting customer requirements.
• Rack systems, install appropriate power sequence for systems, and install organized cabling for systems according to written standard.
• Install cabling according to cabling diagrams.
• Conduct installation of systems racks using equipment lift aids for installation of heavy hardware.
• Respond to customer tickets with professionalism and communicate complex technical information to various audiences within the customer base.
• Contribute to the development and documentation of processes and aid implementation.
• Perform level one maintenance on fiber Cat 6 Cables.
• Assist with the organization and tracking of data center equipment inventory.
• May periodically participate in hardware migrations for various customers.

Basic Qualifications:

• As a requirement of this position, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen. In accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(2)(C) , Epsilon will not consider candidates for this position who do not meet the aforementioned conditions.
• Bachelor's degree in network engineering or a relevant field preferred. Work experience can be used/combined with education.
• 3-5 years of relevant Network Administration/Data Center experience.
• Experience supporting global network systems and subsystems; troubleshooting a wide range of LAN, WAN, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), and network/service availability.
• Ability to observe data center environment (racks, servers, cabling, etc.) to identify areas of improvement and make recommendations for fixes and enhancements.
• Hands on experience with network security such as firewalls and ACL's; including multivendor Firewall and Network Security appliances such as Cisco, Palo Alto, IXIA, Juniper, and NetScaler.
• Demonstrated experience working with TCP IP protocol suite, IP subnets and masking, and routing protocols.
• Must have the ability to explain protocols, technical procedures, and processes clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with the principals of networking, storage, server, and systems operations.
• Background demonstrating the ability to operate effectively within a complex dynamic environment.
• Experience in analyzing and interpreting network, storage, application, server, and security systems monitoring logs, rules, and outputs to create actionable remediating tasks.
• Data center migration experience preferred.
• Must work well in a team environment.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass federal background investigation and obtain a Public Trust. ( This is a federal contract position and requires candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of Security Clearance or Public Trust. Adjudication of the required Security Clearance or Public Trust is determined solely by the government. If the government determines that the candidate cannot obtain and/or maintain the appropriate level of Security Clearance or Public Trust, Epsilon will be unable to place the candidate in this position.)
• Travel may be required for this position, must have the ability to travel for multiple days at a time as needed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Listed below are the physical or mental requirements necessary for the job's performance. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions:

• Prolonged periods of computer desk ork.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other computer components.
• Speaking and hearing are sufficient to converse and understand conversations, both in-person, telephone, and virtual meetings.
• The cognitive skills needed to complete tasks, including abilities such as learning, remembering, focusing, categorizing, and integrating information for decision-making, problem-solving, and comprehending.
• Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, and the ability to communicate with managers and co-workers.
• Mental aptitude to respond appropriately in high-pressure situations or deadline-driven environments.
• Maintain a professional emotional response when working with others.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Bend, stretch, squat, kneel, to move equipment, set up workstations (projectors, TV screens, computers, servers, routers, printers, tools, etc.).
• Long periods of walking/standing.
• Climb stairs and ladders.
• Work in confined areas such as server room, crawl spaces or attics.

Epsilon is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. EEO/AA: Disabled/Vets

Please click here to review your rights under EEO policy.

If you are an individual with a disability and need special assistance or reasonable accommodation in applying for employment with Epsilon, Inc., please contact our Recruiting department by phone 828-398-5414 or by email careers@epsilon-inc.com .