Assistant Manager - Programmable Technology

About The CompanyTata Communications Redefines Connectivity with Innovation and IntelligenceDriving the next level of intelligence powered by Cloud, Mobility, Internet of Things, Collaboration, Security, Media services and Network services, we at Tata Communications are envisaging a New World of CommunicationsPosition Title Data Center Engineer - Programmable Technology Location: Wall Township, NJ (on-site, critical lab presence) Role Overview We are seeking a motivated and technically curious Data Center Engineer to join our Programmable Technology team. The team explores and validates emerging technologies with strong potential business impact, focusing on programmable networking, automation, and cloud platforms. This role supports the on-site data center and lab infrastructure where all software development, testing, and integration activities take place. The Data Center Engineer works closely with software developers, platform engineers, and DevOps teams to ensure development environments, test platforms, CI/CD pipelines, and security scans operate reliably and securely. This is a hands-on, on-site role well suited for a junior-to-mid level engineer who wants to deepen skills across Linux, networking, virtualization, and infrastructure automation while supporting real production-grade development workflows. Key Responsibilities -Provide on-site operational support for data center/lab environments, assisting with incident response, troubleshooting, and recovery activities. -Install, cable, label, and maintain compute, storage, and network equipment, including basic DC power and AC power awareness, following established data center standards and documentation practices. -Support development and test infrastructure, helping ensure availability and stability for build pipelines, automated testing, and validation environments. -Work alongside software development and DevOps teams to prepare, maintain, and reset environments as needed for development and testing activities. -Assist with the deployment and day-to-day operation of OpenStack-based private cloud infrastructure on x86 servers. -Perform Linux system administration tasks, including OS installs, patching, user access, monitoring, and basic system hardening. -Help ensure systems are patched, secured, and compliant, supporting vulnerability remediation efforts and scheduled security scans. -Create and enhance basic automation scripts (Python/Shell) to simplify routine operational tasks such as provisioning, VM management, and environment cleanup. -Support deployment and testing of virtual network functions (VNFs) and lab-based service stacks. -Maintain accurate documentation and inventories, including rack layouts, cabling maps, IP addressing, and as-built diagrams. -Collaborate with network, security, and platform teams to resolve infrastructure-related issues impacting development workflows. -Learn and apply operational tooling and best practices to improve reliability, repeatability, and overall lab efficiency. Technical Focus Areas -Data Center Fundamentals: Rack & stack, cabling, power awareness, physical troubleshooting -Linux & Virtualization: OS administration, patching, KVM, private cloud concepts -Networking Basics: L2/L3 networking, VLANs, routing fundamentals, firewalls -DevOps Enablement: Infrastructure support for CI/CD, testing, automation (not application development) Candidate Requirements -4-8 years of hands-on experience supporting data center, lab, or infrastructure environments. -Working knowledge of Linux system administration (Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, or similar). -Foundational understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, and routing. -Exposure to virtualization or private cloud platforms (OpenStack experience is a plus, not required). -Basic scripting experience using Python and/or Shell, or strong interest in learning automation. -Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and how infrastructure supports development pipelines. -Awareness of system patching, security updates, and vulnerability management processes. -Ability to follow documented procedures and contribute to improving them over time. -Strong troubleshooting mindset, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. -Good communication skills and comfort working closely with software and platform engineering teams. Mandatory Skills -Linux Administration (foundational to intermediate) -Networking fundamentals (VLANs, routing basics) -Infrastructure troubleshooting -Basic scripting or automation exposure -On-site data center or lab experience Preferred Skills -Exposure to OpenStack or private cloud environments -Configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible) -Infrastructure as Code concepts or tools (e.g., Terraform) -Familiarity with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, Git-based workflows) -Experience assisting with security scans or compliance-related tasks -CCNA or equivalent practical networking experience Base Salary Range: $101,409 - $127,775. The salary may be adjusted within this range based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific needs of the position Benefits Summary: We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage, as well as a 401k plan, and paid leave under our policies. Other Compensation: The position is eligible for a discretionary bonus