Lead Associate Principal

What You'll Do

Under the direction of the Manager, Data Center Engineering, this role will be responsible for the delivery and maintenance of high quality, reliable, and cost-effective services in order to support and operate OCC's Data Centers and Network Infrastructure products and services. In addition, the role will provide support and maintenance of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software such as Sunbird dcTrack, Nlyte, or Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT, Video Management Systems (VMS), and other tools supporting OCC's Data Centers and Network Infrastructure rooms.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

• Provide engineering services to meet business strategic needs based on holistic understanding of Data Center Operations (Facilities, Operations, IT systems, SAN, NAS, Network, Database, systems administration, incident, and DR practices).Install cable tray, ladder rack and grounding and bonding

• Provide Data Center capacity management, scalable architectures, automation, data center tools, physical security, monitoring, and trending.Decommission and removal of retired equipment

• Configure and maintain monitoring and alerting systems for data center infrastructure, responding to alerts and implementing proactive measures to prevent service disruptions.

• Administer and manage the video surveillance platform including Video Management System (VMS) such as exacqVision, Milestone XProtect, or Genetec Security Center and associated cameras, ensuring optimal performance, system availability, and integration with Data Center physical security infrastructure.

• Manage, operate, and continuously improve Systems, Database, and Tools Infrastructure that support OCC's Data Centers and Network Infrastructure rooms in a 24/7 environment.

• Develop and maintain engineering and operations processes, procedures, and documentation associated with DCIM (Sunbird dcTrack, Nlyte, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT), VMS, and other supporting tools.

• Participate in disaster recovery planning and testing, including developing and maintaining procedures for business continuity, conducting regular DR drills, and ensuring compliance with recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO).

• Follow and support change management processes to ensure all modifications to data center infrastructure are properly documented, reviewed, approved, and implemented with minimal risk to operations.

• Maintain active and direct interaction with customers and stakeholders to gather and understand global, regional, divisional, and site business requirements and ensure our OCC's Data Center strategic initiatives align with business strategies.

• Installation and validation of data center infrastructure including: servers, network infrastructure, and supporting hardware within a mission critical datacenter.

• Installation, testing, and labeling of cable (CAT5-CAT7) and fiber (SM and MM) in accordance with industry standard data center protocols (ANSI/TIA/BICSI).

• Decommission and removal of retired equipment

• Provide professional and prompt responses to customer requests, effectively resolving concerns and communicating project status with customers and the Data Center Engineering team.

• Create, review and interpret technical plans, specifications, and documentation for data center infrastructure projects.

• Conduct project kickoff meetings (Method of Procedure) with customers and team members.

• Collaborate effectively with all levels of internal staff, customers, and external vendors.

• Manage work priorities through the ticketing system in coordination with the Manager, Data Center Engineering and team members.

• Diagnose hardware issues and replace failed components to maintain system availability.

• Conduct root cause analysis for incidents and outages, documenting findings and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure accurate data entry and maintenance in DCIM (Sunbird dcTrack, Nlyte, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT), VMS, and other supporting tools.

• Ensure the Data Center and Network Infrastructure rooms are clean and well-organized.

• Manage Data Center shipping and receiving operations, coordinating with Shipping and Receiving personnel.

• Provide On-Call duties on assigned weeks, which may include response to customers' needs during overnight or weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Qualifications:

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

• [Required] Excellent technical written, diagramming, and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with IT professionals and management.

• [Required] Demonstrate initiative and dependability with experience supporting Data Center and mission-critical services 24/7, including responding to service interruptions at any time.

• [Required] Strong experience with DCIM tools (Sunbird dcTrack, Nlyte, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT) and Video Management Systems (VMS) including development, management, operation, data quality assurance, training of operators, and administration of platforms such as exacqVision, Milestone XProtect, or Genetec Security Center. Knowledge of IP-based video surveillance systems, including camera configuration, network integration, and troubleshooting.

• [Required] Demonstrate accountability with strong focus on customer service and maintaining high system availability.

• [Required] Work independently with minimal supervision, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact service.

• [Required] Must be able to function well under pressure with multiple priorities.

• [Required] Experience conducting quality assurance procedures and validating final deliverables.

• [Required] Strong knowledge of high availability best practices and implementation.

• [Required] Experience designing, deploying, and integrating infrastructure solutions including servers, storage, virtualization technologies, and hardware components across multiple vendors in a heterogeneous environment. Skilled in data center plant installation processes.

• [Required] Able to lift hardware components (up to 50lbs).

• [Required] Strong organizational skills.

• [Required] Excellent attention to detail.

• [Required] Ability to adapt to changing environments and priorities

• [Required] Understanding of regulatory compliance standards and data center best practices such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST frameworks, and financial industry regulations.

• [Required] Experience with data center capacity planning, resource allocation, and forecasting to support business growth and technology upgrades.

• [Required] Experience managing relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers, including oversight of service level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics.

• [Preferred] Experience with project management methodologies and coordinating infrastructure projects from planning through implementation.

• [Required] Must be able to work a variety of shifts.

• [Required] Strong team player.

Technical Skills:

• [Required] Expert knowledge of Data Center terminology and traditional Data Center solutions.

• [Required] Proficiency with standard business software (Windows, Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint); Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools such as Sunbird dcTrack, Nlyte, or Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT; and ticketing software (ServiceNow/Remedy/Jira).

• [Required] Working knowledge and experience with network test equipment for electrical and optical transport methods (CAT-6, Coaxial, Multi-Conductor, Single Mode and Multi-Mode Fiber, DS-1/3s, OC-3/OC-192, GIG-E, Fast Ethernet).

• [Required] Training and experience with Data Center industry standards (NEC, DCIM, EIA, ANSI/TIA-942-A, ANSI/BICSI 002-20XX).

• [Required] Understanding of AC/DC power, grounding principles, and Ohm's Law.

• [Required] Knowledge of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and ability to troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity issues.

• [Required] Extensive knowledge and experience in the installation and termination of a wide variety of cabling types (CAT-6, Coaxial, Multi-Conductor, Single Mode and Multi-Mode Fiber).

• [Required] Proficiency with Video Management System (VMS) platforms such as exacqVision, Milestone XProtect, or Genetec Security Center, including system configuration, user management, and integration with physical security systems. Understanding of video surveillance technologies including IP cameras, network video recorders (NVR), and video analytics.

• [Preferred] Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell) and automation tools (Ansible, Terraform) to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual tasks.

• [Preferred] Knowledge of virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) to support hybrid infrastructure environments.

Education and/or Experience:

• [Required] Bachelor's degree and 6 years of related experience; or high school diploma (or equivalent) with 10 years of related experience.

• [Required] 8+ years of Data Center experience in a large enterprise mission-critical data center environment.

• [Required] 6+ years of experience with telecom equipment installation

• [Required] 6+ years of experience working with (208V AC), and (48V, 24V DC) power systems

• [Required] 6+ years of experience in the communications industry, financial services/trading industry, or in a MTSO/Central Office environment.

Certificates or Licenses:

• [Required] Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) certification such as Sunbird dcTrack Certified Professional, Nlyte Certified Professional, Schneider Electric Data Center Certification, or equivalent training and experience.

• [Required] Video Management System (VMS) certification such as exacqVision Certified Professional, Milestone Certified Integration Technician (MCIT), Genetec Certified Professional, or equivalent

• [Preferred] BICSI Installer certification (or equivalent training and experience)

• [Preferred] Manufacturing certifications (Panduit, Hubbell, TE)

• [Preferred] CompTIA Server+ or CompTIA Data Center Technician certification

• [Preferred] CNET Training or Uptime Institute certifications such as Certified Data Center Design Professional (CDCDP), Certified Data Center Management Professional (CDCMP), Accredited Operations Specialist (AOS), or Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS)

• [Preferred] EXIN Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) or equivalent foundational data center certification

About Us

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Founded in 1973, OCC is dedicated to promoting stability and market integrity by delivering clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions. As a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU), OCC operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. OCC has more than 100 clearing members and provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms. More information about OCC is available at www.theocc.com.

Benefits

A highly collaborative and supportive environment developed to encourage work-life balance and employee wellness. Some of these components include:

• A hybrid work environment, up to 2 days per week of remote work
• Tuition Reimbursement to support your continued education
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Technology Stipend allowing you to use the device of your choice to connect to our network while working remotely
• Generous PTO and Parental leave
• 401k Employer Match
• Competitive health benefits including medical, dental and vision

Visit https://www.theocc.com/careers/thriving-together for more information.

Compensation

• The salary range listed for any given position is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. If hired at OCC, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, experience and/or education.
• In addition, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
• We typically do not hire at the maximum of the range in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a substantial benefits package as noted on www.theocc.com/careers
• All employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Discretionary bonuses are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, company and individual performance and are not guaranteed.

Salary Range

Incentive Range

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award, for which the target range is listed above (see Incentive Range). The amount of such award, if any, will be based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.

Step 1
When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please complete the application and attach your resume.  

Step 2
You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application.

Step 3
If you are called in for an interview, a representative from OCC will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. 

For more information about OCC, please click here.

OCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer