About the job
At Pairwise, we are a team of engineers, operators, and builders focused on enabling the next generation of technical talent to do their best work. We partner with leading technology companies to deliver high-performance engineering solutions across embedded systems, networking, semiconductors, and software. Our teams have contributed to some of the most advanced products in consumer, infrastructure, and communications technologies.
This full-time role offers the chance to work on-site with a global leader in the technology industry, contributing to impactful, technically challenging projects in a high-caliber and fast-moving environment.
About the Role
We are seeking a seasoned Principal Server Operations Engineer to lead large-scale server infrastructure operations. This role combines deep technical expertise with team leadership and process ownership across data center systems, OS deployment, automation, and hardware lifecycle management.
Responsibilities
- Plan server layouts and ensure accurate mounting and provisioning at scale.
- Lead OS installation/reinstallation efforts, resolve system anomalies.
- Oversee server maintenance, hardware diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs.
- Manage internal data systems: assets, RMAs, ticketing, racks, and server metadata.
- Coordinate remote vendors and internal teams to resolve hardware batch issues.
- Drive secure decommissioning and relocation processes (drive erasure, reconfiguration).
- Retrofit and build automation tools via scripting (Shell/Python).
- Oversee end-to-end server lifecycle management.
- Mentor and delegate tasks to team members; lead training and cross-skilling efforts.
- Standardize documentation and process templates across the team.
- Handle on-call escalations and remove operational blockers.
- Track shift coverage, review workload distribution, and host team meetings.
- Approve and process OT, leave requests, and performance evaluations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in server operations, infrastructure, or data center environments.
- Expert in Linux systems and hardware fault isolation.
- Proficient in Shell and Python scripting; capable of developing internal tooling.
- Deep understanding of PXE boot and remote OS installation at scale.
- Strong grasp of networking: TCP/IP, VLANs, Subnetting, DNS, IPv6.
- Experience with automation tools (Ansible, GitLab, Codebase).
- Familiarity with IPMI, NCSI, and lights-out server management protocols.
- Proven ability to lead teams, drive process improvements, and enforce documentation standards.
- Excellent communication skills in English (Mandarin a plus); thrives in cross-functional environments.
Ideal Candidate
You’re a hands-on leader who thrives in complex environments, excels at scale, and elevates team capability through technical leadership, process ownership, and operational rigor.
Benefits
Pairwise offers competitive compensation and access to a range of benefits for employees, including premium PPO and HMO medical insurance coverage, dental, vision, FSA, life insurance, short/long-term disability insurance, a company-matched 401k plan, and a generous PTO policy.
We are proud to work with engineers and professionals who want to make an impact through their craft. If you're looking to be part of a team that values technical excellence, autonomy, and practical problem solving - we'd love to hear from you!
Pairwise is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
