In the heart of the Ireland lies a thriving industry that powers our digital world—the data center. These unassuming buildings, often tucked away in industrial estates, play a pivotal role in our interconnected lives. But what draws professionals to these data centre jobs? Why do they choose to work amidst racks of servers, blinking lights, and the hum of cooling systems?
In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons why a data centre jobs in Ireland is not only practical but also promising. From job stability to environmental impact, let’s explore the compelling factors that make data center jobs an attractive choice for many.
Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets behind Ireland’s data center boom and discover why these centers are more than just brick-and-mortar structures—they’re gateways to a future fueled by data center jobs.
What are the effects Data Centres have on the environment?
Data Centres run servers 24/7. Servers create a lot of heat, but need to be cool to run smoothly. So, Air Conditioning units run which increase the requirement on the electrical grid. In order for a Data Centre to get planning permission, it must show how it will get electricity. Data Centers use nearly a fifth of Ireland’s electricity. A 400% increase since 2015.
Most of these data centres will have huge flexibility on their energy, meaning if the grid is under pressure, they can turn on their generators (some battery, others diesel) to ease the pressure. With advances in Wind, Solar and Hydro energy they will get more efficient. Plus, they are using the generated heat in alternative ways. Amazon for example is heating many thousand homes as they have been extracting the generated heat since 2020.
What jobs are available in a Data Centre?
Let’s start at a Data Centre Operative, this would be considered entry level IT job. You fix servers, exchange components, test components and similar tasks of that nature. I have placed many people into these roles in the past and those can stick out the noise and heat can go on and make a great career. If you stick with it, those who remain determined and eager to learn more day by day. Naturally as they get more and more experienced the role can get a little monotonous. It’s around this point where they are either hired directly by our client or the contract comes to a conclusion.
With the experience gained they generally land on their feet in other large multi-nationals. So why become a Data Centre Operative? Well for our site teams we look for that natural hunger to succeed and love of IT hardware. With these traits it provides a wonderful foundation to learn and progress within our clients. You will work on some of the largest and cutting edge servers with more power then you thought possible. If that doesn’t float your boat, the shirr scale of the place will. It’s a fantastic place to learn and network with more senior peers and assist (even an Operative level) in finding the next innovations in IT hardware.
Facilities Engineers jobs
Another area we work closely with, a hugely important part of a Data Centre and the Electrical and Mechanical side of the business. The innovation that comes with this role is nothing short of spectacular. In some Data Centres they are storing the excess heat that is created by the servers and used to heat homes in the local area. As sustainability goes that is as cutting edge as its gets.
There are environmental concerns with Data Centres in how much power they use. Electrical Engineers and Mechanical Engineers are tasked with ways of making Data Centres more sustainable, the above-mentioned example is only the top of the iceberg in how Electrical and Mechanical Engineers are making the best use of energy consumed by those power-hungry servers that we all need for our daily obsession with Data.
Data Centre Engineer jobs
We have placed Data Center Engineers all over the EU with some of the largest businesses in the world. In the US we have largely focused on markets businesses based, Virginia. I see common themes of career satisfaction in each. Firstly, what does a Data Centre Engineer do, and what backgrounds suit this type of role?
Breaking down the role at a high level, a DC Engineer will ensure a Data Centre is operationally running perfectly, looking for faults in servers, facilities, designs and looking for improvements consistently.
In some roles you will work hand in hand with Network Engineers, Facilities Engineers and Systems Engineers in the monitoring of the Data Centre and ensure the data centre equipment are working efficiently. Yes that sounds like a lot and is a lot. Rarely do I hear a Data Centre Engineer is not run off their feet. It’s a very busy role and only getting busier.
Who suits a Data Centre job?
The skills people need to work in a Data Center vary alot. Someone needs to manage the large batterys, generators, Air Conditioning units. The list goes on. Electrical Engineers are best suited to this type of work.
On the IT side, Data Centers are built to house lots of Servers. In the thousands. People need to maintain those Servers. This job is best suited to someone who fixes Servers or PC’s or a strong Level 2 Technical support or Systems Administration. If you have a solid understanding on how a server works. If you can wire them up and understand the cabling that goes with that. You would be a great fot for a Data Center Technican.
How to excel in a Data Centre job?
A strong understanding of electrical, Support, Network or Systems background is key. Any job you start at a lower level and you will move up the career ladder pretty fast. The more ambition you have the higher your career will go. One of the best reasons to work as a Data Center Engineer would be the innovation and career prospects. In a Data Center job, you can earn anything from €40k to €150k.
Conclusion
Working in a Data Center is rewarding, busy and you will be always learning. If you’re not, time for a promotion or moving on to the next level elsewhere, that’s where we come in. Do contact us if you’re getting itchy feet.
Data Centres are one of the most essential services today. Without them we simply wouldn’t have the same level of technology progression. Generative AI is a major driver for growth in the Data Center sector at the moment. The chips that are added to the servers to allow the likes of Co-Pilot or ChatGPT to run the huge data requirements they need are developing all the time. Nvidia are at the forefront of this technology to allow Generative AI platforms perform the amazing things it can do. It is no wonder that the likes of Amazon, Apple, Meta and Google have huge orders with Nvidia. Is there any wonder Nvidia is breaking sales records month after month.
Here are a few other blogs we have written on Data Center career prospects.
Most In-Demand Data Center Roles – See our Live Jobs Here
- Data Center Technician
- Data Center Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Alarm Engineer (Fire & Security)
- Electrical & Mechanical Engineer
- Facilities Engineer
- IT Support/Infrastructure Specialist