Chief, Critical Facilities (AUS)

Prime Data Centers • Lockhart, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief, Critical Facilities Engineer (CE) is an individual-contributor and leadership role responsible for electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment at a data center. Equipment includes standby diesel generators, switchgear, UPSs, PDUs, AHUs, chillers, cooling towers, chemical treatment systems, pumps, motors, VFDs, building automation systems, and related equipment. The role includes planned preventative maintenance, daily corrective work, emergency response, and serving as a technical resource while coordinating with onsite operations and third-party vendors.

The CE works independently and collaborates with external support and engineering, automation, processing, and finance teams in local and global settings. The role is responsible for establishing and delivering key milestones, obtaining and tracking quotes for required costs, and documenting project results for potential implementation at other facilities.

Requirements

• Technical college degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
• At least 4 years of data center experience or equivalent experience.
• Obtain CPR/First Aid and NFPA 70E certifications during employment.
• Strong background in electrical and mechanical systems design review, layout, installation, commissioning, and operations.
• Expert knowledge of NFPA electrical, fire and life safety, and building codes; NEC; NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, and NFPA 25; and related compliance issues.
• Expert knowledge of industrial safety best practices, including lockout/tagout, arc flash protection, OSHA, and state regulations.
• Experience with data trending, tracking, and analysis, and ability to rapidly learn and use PC-based integrated critical monitoring systems.
• Strong supervisory skills and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Extensive hands-on experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial mechanical and electrical systems, including 480V electrical distribution systems; chilled/condenser water pumps; CRACs, CRAHs, and DSE; diesel generators; domestic water systems and backflow prevention devices; EPMS/BMS systems; fuel/oil systems, day tanks, and storage tanks; HVAC equipment; sprinkler and dry standpipe systems and emergency fire pumps where applicable; medium-voltage switchgear; PLC and relay logic controls; STS/ATS; UPS systems; VFD drives; VRLA/Li-Ion batteries and monitoring systems; water treatment systems; and well/vault or sump pumps.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Ability to train electrical and mechanical teams on systems and procedures.
• Ability to conduct power and fire system capacity, safety, and code compliance assessments.
• Ability to operate in and promote a rigorous, process-driven team environment.
• Ability to logically analyze and solve problems, multitask across multiple projects, and maintain attention to detail.
• Meet the stated physical requirements, with reasonable accommodations available.

Nice To Haves

• At least 6 years of related experience in data centers or a similar environment, such as critical facilities or the military.
• At least 2 years of experience leading or managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance of data center mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Operate independently with limited direct management.
• Serve as an escalation point for facilities-related issues in the data center and escalate to the Critical Facility Manager as needed.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures.
• Troubleshoot and report facility and data server-level events within internal SLA.
• Create and deploy standard practices for Critical Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams.
• Provide training and guidance to Critical Operations Technicians.
• Ensure vendor and PDC employees adhere to safety procedures.
• Communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Plan preventative maintenance, perform daily corrective work, and respond to emergent issues.
• Coordinate with onsite operations and third-party vendors, as well as engineering, automation, processing, and finance teams.
• Create and deliver key milestones, obtain and track quotes for necessary costs, and document project results for future implementation at other facilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range and performance bonus program.
• Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 4%, fully vested upon enrollment.
• Employer-paid employee premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• More than 4 weeks of paid time off, plus sick time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree