Lead Data Center Technician

We are currently looking for a Lead Data Center Technician to join our team. Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, the Lead Data Center Technician will support IREN network infrastructure and customer IT infrastructure in a leading-edge data center facility. The role will oversee a shift team of data center technicians who respond to customer requests for support. They will be responsible for the safety, security, and reliability of people and tools supporting customer-owned equipment. The ideal candidate will have 3-5+ years of data center IT operations experience; they will be a self-starter and can express themselves clearly in both written and spoken forms. Experience working with high powered computing systems is a huge plus Job requirements Desired Skills, Qualifications and Competencies include: • 3-5+ years of data center IT operations experience • Bachelor's degree in a technical field is preferred but not required. • Prior experience and knowledge of direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems and integration into high-density colocation data centers a huge plus. • Proven experience leading or supervising data center or technical operations teams in a high-performance culture, including shift scheduling, performance management, and mentoring in a high-uptime environment • Demonstrated knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance • Fiber Cable Testing & Patching - Experience with fiber-optic cable certification, optical loss testing, and OTDR analysis. Experience using BERT on SONET equipment a plus. • Infrastructure - Experience working with liquid-cooled server racks, rear door heat exchangers, cooling distribution units, and supporting network cabling and switches. • Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving - Experience troubleshooting server hardware and storage systems, capable of identifying fiber-optic signal loss, and network connectivity issues. • Data Center Operations - Managing power, cooling, airflow, and fiber-optic infrastructure to ensure efficiency in critical systems. • Security & Compliance - Familiarity with industry regulations, environmental standards, and cybersecurity protocols for critical data center facilities. • Vendor Coordination - work with hardware OEMs and third party service providers to coordinate RMA replacements, troubleshoot liquid cooling systems, repair power shelves, and replace fiber-optic transceivers. • Automation & Monitoring - Utilizing AI-driven monitoring tools to track thermal performance, fiber-optic signal integrity, and system health. • Emergency Response - respond to customer escalated IT incidents, server and network equipment failures, network provider outages, and maintain and document recovery procedures. Participate in the root cause analysis (RCA) and implement improvements. • Certifications that could make this role effective: Comptia+, Linux Essentials, BICSI or TIA-942, Data Center professional certifications. Key Attributes: • Strong understanding of HPC systems, server hardware, storage arrays, networking, and operating systems. • Proven ability to lead a team, delegate tasks, mentor junior technicians, and oversee project execution. • Detail-oriented focus, ensuring systems are both robust and efficient. • Quick and effective at diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues in a high-pressure environment. Other important requirements: • Pre-employment screening, including background check and substance testing may be required according to company policies. • Must provide own steel-toed work boots; other PPE will be supplied. • Must be able to reliably commute to the work site daily or have plans to relocate before starting work. • Must be able to lift up to 49 lbs. • A clear Criminal Record Check is required. This role requires availability for a 4-on-4-off rotational shift schedule including day and night shifts. Candidates must be comfortable working overnight and maintaining productivity during off-peak hours Job responsibilities The Lead Data Center Technician will focus on the following as well as other job-related duties and/or projects as assigned. • Oversee daily operations of the HPC data center, including customer smart hands request queue, infrastructure system performance, network equipment uptime, and physical infrastructure availability. • Lead, mentor, and schedule a team of data center technicians, ensuring consistent performance, clear communication, and ongoing development through training and coaching. • Act as the primary escalation point for technical issues and team-related matters, coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure efficient resolution and service delivery. • Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all safety protocols, conducting regular audits [and drills, and leading incident investigations] and corrective actions. • Responsible for IT hardware installation, fiber cable testing, troubleshooting, compliance, and performance monitoring to ensure high-density computing environments operate at peak efficiency. • Support the maintenance, optimization, and security of the colocation facility leveraging liquid-to-chip cooling technology and the latest fiber-optic infrastructure. • Coordinate with vendors and utilize reporting and automation tools to improve operational workflows. • Document procedures, system configurations, and troubleshooting guides to ensure operational continuity and knowledge transfer. • Respond to escalated incidents, execute root cause analysis, and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence. • Maintain accurate inventory records for all HPC hardware and associated components. Job benefits At IREN, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term success. Our Canada package for hourly paid positions includes: Compensation • The hourly rate of pay range for this position is $45-48/hour • Total package may be inclusive of a night shift premium for rotational shift positions • Relocation assistance (as appliable and based on successful candidate circumstances Health & Wellness • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage - 100% company paid for employees and dependents • Company-paid life and disability insurance • Voluntary life and critical illness coverage available • Employee Assistance Program and virtual health care platform Financial Well-Being • RRSP with company match • Voluntary TFSA Growth & Development • Opportunities for advancement and internal mobility • Training and personal development opportunities Lifestyle & Culture • Company events and team-building activities