Data Center Mechanical Subject Matter Expert

Salute Inc. • Afton, TX

6h • $155,000 - $170,000 • 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, the SME ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operation of cooling, water distribution, fire suppression, and mechanical support systems across facilities. The role provides expert support to operations, maintenance, and engineering teams and advances continuous improvement, compliance, and customer satisfaction through technical leadership and program excellence.

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

The SME provides hands-on technical leadership, develops and oversees mechanical procedures and safety programs, supports troubleshooting and maintenance, and oversees system changes and quality control. The role also ensures regulatory, safety, and client compliance; supports audits and incident investigations; reviews mechanical designs; evaluates technologies and performance trends; trains and mentors facility staff; and collaborates with clients, vendors, project teams, and internal stakeholders.

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.
• Proficiency interpreting 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 for 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 within 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.
• Ensure collaboration between the local facility team and applicable 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, consistent with client and Salute standards.
• Plan, author, and approve procedures for mechanical troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance, with emphasis on personnel and operational risk mitigation.
• Conduct or oversee hands-on troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance of mechanical equipment and systems.
• Oversee mechanical system configurations, upgrades, and component replacements, maintaining system integrity and compliance with 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, develop after-action documentation, and track improvement initiatives.
• Review and approve mechanical designs, specifications, and shop drawings for standards compliance and operational readiness.
• Evaluate new 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 to align 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 initiatives and organizational skill and knowledge development.

Benefits

• Eight company-paid holidays, two floating holidays, and PTO.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage; 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.
• Employer-supported 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, and gym discounts.
• Discounted group programs for legal services, home and auto insurance, pet insurance, and identity theft protection.
• 10% annual bonus.
• Discounted Group Life & 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