Senior Data Center Engineer

**Introduction** IBM is seeking a Senior Data Center Engineer to join our team in Bratislava. This role is designed for an experienced, curious, and technically strong engineer who thrives in complex environments, contributes beyond their individual scope, and actively drives automation and operational excellence across data center and cloud networking platforms. **Your role and responsibilities** As a Senior Data Center Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, implementation, automation, and operation of IBM’s global data center and PoP network infrastructure supporting IBM Cloud services. You will work closely with architects, SREs, automation engineers, capacity planners, and operations teams across regions to ensure highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructure. Key Responsibilities * Design, deploy, and operate data center and PoP network infrastructure supporting IBM Cloud services (hybrid and multi‑cloud). * Lead and contribute to network architecture and design discussions for new PoPs, expansions, and refreshes. * Operate and troubleshoot large-scale routed and switched networks using vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, and other leading platforms. * Own and improve network reliability, performance, and availability across global locations. * Work on integration of network platforms with IBM Cloud services, including compute, storage, and security layers. * Participate in on-call rotations and act as a senior escalation point for complex incidents. * Collaborate with security teams to ensure compliance with IBM security, risk, and governance standards. * Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing and documentation. * Continuously evaluate new technologies, vendors, and operational practices to improve scalability and efficiency. In line with applicable pay transparency requirements, we are sharing the starting annual base pay (gross per year). This amount is the starting pay for the position, based on a full-time schedule over a full calendar year. The final offer may vary depending on your skills, qualifications, and experience, as permitted under applicable local law. At IBM, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes o Opportunities for personal and career development o Additional paid time off o Comprehensive health coverage, including critical illness, life, and disability insurance, plus access to a medical center o 100% paid sick leave for up to 60 days o MultiSport card o Exclusive IBM discounts on sports, travel, cultural activities, shopping, health, beauty, and dining If you are successfully selected for offer, we will share the full details of the compensation package and benefits with the offer letter. **Required technical and professional expertise** * 7+ years of hands-on experience in data center or large-scale network engineering roles. * Strong expertise in routing and switching technologies (BGP, OSPF, IS‑IS, EVPN, VXLAN). * Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, and/or other enterprise or service provider network vendors. * Proven experience operating mission-critical, high-availability infrastructure. * Solid understanding of cloud networking concepts, preferably within IBM Cloud, hybrid cloud, or hyperscale environments. * Experience with automation and scripting, including: * Ansible * Terraform * Python or similar scripting languages (preferred) * Experience working with Points of Presence (PoPs), interconnections, or global backbone networks. * Ability to troubleshoot complex, multi-layer network issues under pressure. Personal Attributes * Senior-level mindset with strong ownership and accountability. * Team player who collaborates effectively across global, multicultural teams. * Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and technologies. * Curious and continuously learning, with a strong interest in automation-first approaches **Preferred technical and professional experience** n/a IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.