Brian Arndt

Led Operational management for the buildout of 200+ MW of data center capacity through three Availability Domains across the Chicagoland region in support of over 100 OCI Cloud services, from initial construction through full production readiness.

• Managed and maintained a 250,000 sq' 32 MW facility (T5 Chicago) as a home base with 100% uptime. Oversaw the deployment of 2,100+ server racks and subsequent expansion phases through vendor management and colocation coordination
• Oversaw internal badge system and colo portal, ensuring accurate verification and revocation of access for 100+ monthly visitors.
• Managed critical infrastructure change events, including rack single sourcing, UPS/generator testing, power cutover and HVAC failure mitigation, ensuring zero unplanned downtime through effective MOP compliance.
• Developed and implemented standardized Change management documentation that was adopted region-wide. Change documentation lowered service downtime to less than 1%, based on new pre-change risk assessment checks, safety reviews and execution coordination across cross-functional teams.
• Coordinated on-site escalation across internal teams, colocation partners, and vendors for structured cabling, rack and stack, fiber optics testing, HAC, and power and grounding, fitting out 40+ data center rooms and providing 400+ new network blocks of storage.
• Led the region's Metro dark fiber deployment testing and turn up. 26 new spans, connecting 19 sites. Documented and worked with Oracle's internal Optical team to create a virtual class that was implemented and made mandatory company wide for OTDR, light meter and scope testing.
• Maintained accurate infrastructure inventory records and implemented a robust tracking system that reduced stock discrepancies significantly through internal Jira tool dashboards.
• Delivered training sessions for 80+ technicians on change management, cabling standards, data center best practices, and safety standards; coordinated with Exfo for multi-day technical certification sessions for regional teams.
• Conducted technical and behavioral interviews influencing hiring decisions

Managed 70+ POP sites across North America, ensuring timely vendor management and successful cabling installations.

• Coordinated with vendors on large-scale structured cabling installs, cage build-outs, and rack stacking to ensure project completion and quality standards.
• Collaborated with internal NOC on the Badge system to grant vendor and Remote Hands techs. Monitored security cameras to oversee Remote Hands tech work in cages.
• Coordinated energizing of racks with service providers to ensure system readiness. Managed colocation power installations and conducted failover testing, ensuring service reliability during transitions.
• Performed network troubleshooting with OTDR, light meter, VFL and scope. Performed fiber, trunk cable, copper, cable raceway, raised floor and HAC installation. Break fix on motherboard, GPU, CPU, PSU, NIC, fan, PDU replacement. Server, switch, router installation. Configured and upgraded network switches for various platforms to enhance performance.
• Directed large-scale decommission events across U.S., overseeing server removals and ensuring compliance with AWS safety guidelines.
• Conducted technical and behavioral interviews to influence hiring decisions.
• Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing overall team performance through knowledge sharing.

• Led daily data center operations including remote hands support, troubleshooting, and work order execution in a 24/7 environment.
• Managed installation, testing, and maintenance of fiber and copper circuits, including rack and stack, decommissioning equipment, and installation of five data center rooms with ladder rack and cable raceways, ensuring seamless connectivity for customers.
• Troubleshot network and hardware issues across cabling, servers, routers, and optical transport systems for 70+ customers, ensuring reliable service delivery.
• Coordinated project planning, budgeting, and vendor management for infrastructure builds, including ladder rack grids, containment, and raised floor systems, enhancing operational efficiency and project delivery.
• Constructed basement Meet Me Room by assembling 4-post racks, installing patch panels, racking loose gear, running cabling, and powering up devices to enhance connectivity.
• Responded to service requests over nine years, providing consistent support and ensuring reliable service delivery.
• Provided security oversight for MMR and PoP installations, safeguarding sensitive areas and equipment.