Data Center Engineer

Proton seeks a Senior Data Center Engineer in Zurich to maintain and scale its private cloud infrastructure. The role involves hands-on hardware management, troubleshooting, and coordination within a fast-paced, onsite environment.

This position sits within the Data Center and Hardware Team at Proton. The primary objective is to guarantee the reliable operation, expansion, and upkeep of the company's private cloud infrastructure. This infrastructure spans several data centers and regions, relies heavily on open-source solutions, and experiences a doubling of scale every year.

Responsibilities

• Install and cable servers within data center facilities.
• Conduct hardware selection validation, performance tuning, and benchmarking tests.
• Troubleshoot and perform basic repairs on servers and network equipment.
• Diagnose and fix defective network fiber links and interfaces.
• Coordinate logistics for procuring new hardware and spare parts.
• Oversee remote hands contractors and manage the execution of work orders.
• Manage material inventory and coordinate purchases with procurement teams.
• Monitor the overall data center environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience in racking and cabling servers to high standards.
• Strong background in hardware troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of data center infrastructure, including racks, cabling, power, and cooling.
• Knowledge of computer hardware architecture.
• Basic familiarity with configuration management tools and version control systems.
• Ability to track and communicate project status effectively.
• Capacity to thrive in an extremely fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Willingness to travel to various locations for short-term projects.
• Proficient command of English.

Nice to have

• Experience as a Linux user or administrator, including scripting skills.
• Advanced hardware repair experience.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with DCIM as a user or administrator.
• Background in hardware provisioning, burn-in, and validation.
• Electrical engineering background.

What the company offers

• Office-first culture with collaboration in person and up to 30% remote work.
• Provision of all devices and software needed for the role.
• Daily lunch and snacks provided at offices.
• Support for transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces.
• Stock options for all employees.
• Flexible working hours defined by the employee, subject to team meetings.
• Learning opportunities including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.

About the company

Founded by CERN scientists in 2014, Proton provides free and open-source technology based on the principle that privacy is a fundamental human right. The company is profitable, not reliant on venture capital, and supports over 100 million user accounts funded solely by subscriptions. Proton values intelligence, learning potential, and ambition, preferring smaller teams of exceptional talent. The organization operates with a global mindset, startup heart, flat structure, and empowerment, maintaining a community-first approach.

• Privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy.
• Founded by scientists from CERN in 2014, providing free and open-source technology.
• Profitable company not reliant on VC funding, supporting over 100 million user accounts.
• Hiring is highly selective, with less than 1% of candidates hired.
• Values intelligence, learning potential, and ambition; believes smaller teams of exceptional talent prevail.
• Global mindset, startup heart, flat structure, empowerment, and flexibility.
• Community-first organization, revenue from user subscriptions only.