Data Center Engineer

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Data Center Engineer at Akuna:

Akuna is seeking a Data Center Engineer, based on the East Coast, to join our IT Infrastructure team. In this high-impact role, you will contribute to supporting and evolving a high-performance and sophisticated multi-data center environment, while driving projects that aid in the expansion to new markets and asset classes. In this role, you will: 

• Oversee the building, organizing, and maintaining our data center infrastructure at colocation facilities in Secaucus, Carteret, Mahwah, and other East Coast US locations.
• Collaborate with our IT Infrastructure team to lead the scheduling of daily East Coast Data Center Operations activities in support of our trading systems at multiple Exchange colocation facilities.
• Install, replace, upgrade, and move cables and equipment, including switches, servers, and hardware components. Advanced knowledge of cabling standards, including fiber breakout cables, is essential.
• Work with our IT Infrastructure and Development teams to plan and execute data center moves and re-organization, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Partner with our Asset Manager on tracking and reporting, including warranties, service contracts, hardware, and software.
• Maintain a local inventory of cables and equipment.
• Use monitoring tools to detect and respond to critical issues. Understand and own the escalation of problems (HVAC, Power) with facility operators.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and respond in a timely manner to hardware failures.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors for support and remote hands.
• Develop and maintain documentation of data center procedures and deployments.
• Liaise with the IT Infrastructure team to ensure our data centers have the necessary space, power, and cooling, and that we have appropriate monitoring of the same.
• Lead by example by demonstrating sound DCO principles and practice. 

Qualities that make great candidates:

• 3+ years of data center experience, with a desire to work with a high performing team supporting our critical infrastructure.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of data center procedures (hardware racking, network cabling, etc.) and experience working in a modern, large-scale data center.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to executing plans accurately and timely.
• Understanding network hardware (switches, SFP’s), servers (memory, hard drives), and cabling (fiber optic cabling standards / types).
• Proven ability to diagnose a problem quickly and identify solutions that ensure the uptime of the system.
• Highly motivated and organized self-starter, with a strong sense of ownership.  
• Basic familiarity with Linux systems operation (PXE, Hardware & Software Raid, User Management, boot processes) is a plus.
• Exposure to multiple infrastructure areas, hardware support, cable management, and low latency networking are a plus.
• Understanding of data center cabinet power distribution / power management.
• Ability to clearly communicate detailed instructions both verbally and written.
• Strong appreciation for teamwork, and the ability to work and contribute as part of a high-performance IT Infrastructure Team.  
• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role.

Additional requirements:

• Willingness to travel out-of-state and occasionally work outside of core business hours and on weekends.
• Ability to commute to critical data centers in the New Jersey metro area (and other regions occasionally as needed) – must have own transportation and valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note that level/title, as well as team placement, will be determined upon the conclusion of the interview process. If you are a current student or recent graduate, please take a look at our Entry Level and Intern positions. 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $100,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.