Data Center Mechanical Subject Matter Expert

Salute • Afton, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the primary technical authority for mechanical infrastructure and building systems in a mission-critical data center environment. Reporting to the Data Center Manager, this onsite role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of cooling, water distribution, fire suppression, and other mechanical support systems. The SME provides expert support to operations, maintenance, and engineering teams and advances continuous improvement, compliance, and customer satisfaction through technical leadership and program excellence.

The position is onsite in Afton, Texas. Relocation assistance is available. The schedule is Monday through Friday during normal business hours. The base salary is $155,000–$170,000 per year, with a 10% annual bonus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field; equivalent experience or trade certification may be considered.
• 7–10 years of experience in mechanical system operations, maintenance, or design, preferably in a mission-critical or industrial environment.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of chillers, evaporative cooling, DX systems, water treatment, and fire suppression systems.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, trend charts, and mechanical plans and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, review, and implement MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs for mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), control theory, and equipment sequencing.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE standards, mechanical codes, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Experience with QA/QC of construction projects and retrofit activities.
• Strong collaboration skills in cross-functional, client-facing environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and maintenance management software.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and move safely through mechanical and operational spaces during inspections or maintenance activities.

Nice To Haves

• Trade certification, HVAC license, or professional engineering credential.
• Experience in data center operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the onsite technical resource for mechanical infrastructure systems and equipment, emphasizing practical field operation.
• Coordinate across the local facility team and relevant regional or global teams.
• Contribute to and maintain the site’s mechanical safety program.
• Develop and maintain mechanical procedures, including EOPs, SOPs, MOPs, and drills, in alignment with client and Salute standards.
• Plan, write, and approve procedures for mechanical troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance, with attention to personnel and operational risk.
• Conduct or oversee hands-on troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance of mechanical equipment and systems.
• Oversee mechanical system configurations, upgrades, and component replacements while maintaining system integrity and following best practices and change-control processes.
• Provide QA/QC oversight of mechanical construction and maintenance activities.
• Lead or participate in root-cause analyses related to mechanical system performance or incidents.
• Manage vendor relationships for mechanical maintenance and retrofit work.
• Provide feedback on global mechanical maintenance strategies and system design improvements.
• Ensure mechanical operations, retrofits, and maintenance comply with safety, regulatory, and client requirements.
• Participate in audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews; identify deficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Support incident investigations, prepare after-action documentation, and track improvement initiatives.
• Review and approve mechanical designs, specifications, and shop drawings for standards compliance and operational readiness.
• Evaluate mechanical technologies, materials, and systems for efficiency and sustainability improvements.
• Track and document equipment trends, performance data, and service reports to identify reliability and process improvements.
• Partner with project management teams to ensure new installations meet lifecycle and maintainability standards.
• Train Critical Facility Engineers and cross-functional teams on mechanical systems, equipment, procedures, and updates.
• Develop and deliver technical training materials covering mechanical, fire/life safety, and industrial water systems.
• Mentor onsite staff to strengthen mechanical competency and operational safety awareness.
• Collaborate with client representatives and internal teams on procedures, training programs, and reporting processes.
• Participate in customer governance and performance meetings to align mechanical operations with client expectations.
• Support broader data center operational readiness and organization-wide skill and knowledge development.

Benefits

• Eight company-paid holidays, two floating holidays, and PTO.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; enrollment is available starting on Day 1, with coverage beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program available to all employees.
• 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting, a 3% employer match, and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Mental health resources.
• Gym discounts.
• Discounted group legal services, home and auto insurance, pet insurance, and identity theft protection.
• Discounted group life and AD&D insurance.
• Discounted group short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Parental leave.
• Relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior