Data Center Operator

Salute • Hoffman Estates, IL

18h

About The Position

The Data Center Operator (DCO) is responsible for the operational integrity, commissioning, and regulatory compliance of the electrical, mechanical, monitoring, and control systems that support highly available, concurrently maintainable, fault-tolerant data center environments. The role ensures facility equipment operates efficiently and reliably to support customer uptime, including through preventive maintenance, corrective work, troubleshooting, and emergency response.

The DCO serves as a technical resource and focal point for facility operations at a data center, reporting to the Site Manager and working with Multi-Skilled Operators, management, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and internal teams. The role supports critical infrastructure such as generators, fuel systems, switchgear, UPSs, PDUs, HVAC and thermal management systems, chemical treatment systems, pumps, motors, variable-frequency drives, and building automation systems. The position may involve unusual working hours approximately once every other week for critical maintenance windows, as well as on-call emergency response.

Requirements

• Four-year degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited university.
• At least 5 years of directly related experience operating, installing, and maintaining data center critical equipment and building systems.
• In-depth technical understanding of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Strong background in operating critical mechanical and electrical systems, design review, layout, and installation.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical one-line diagrams.
• Ability to conduct power and thermal system capacity, safety, and code-compliance assessments.
• Hands-on experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial electrical systems.
• Knowledge of NFPA electrical, fire and life safety, and building codes, or applicable local regulatory equivalents.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and related compliance requirements.
• Expert knowledge of industrial safety best practices, including lockout/tagout, arc-flash protection, OSHA requirements, and state regulations.
• Understanding of data center electrical and mechanical systems, including feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS/STS units, PDUs/PMM units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units.
• Good observation skills and problem-solving ability.
• Full use of sight, hearing, voice, and motor skills.
• Ability to lift up to 23 kg (50 lb), bend, stoop, reach overhead, and stand for extended periods.
• Successful completion of a background investigation as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Military experience.

Responsibilities

• Place safety at the top of all activities and remain consistently focused on safe work.
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions of facility systems.
• Complete planned and ad-hoc preventive maintenance assignments involving electrical, mechanical, maintenance trades, and engineering disciplines.
• Inspect building systems, including HVAC and electrical distribution, and maintain mechanical equipment rooms and enclosures in clean, functional, and safe condition.
• Rapidly respond to, investigate, and manage indoor emergencies and air quality complaints, including humidity issues.
• Create, close, and track work requests; initiate or respond to work orders; and verify completed work.
• Monitor service contractor performance, note deficiencies, and recommend changes as necessary.
• Provide electrical, mechanical, integrated control, water chemistry, and related technical expertise for data center operations.
• Coordinate phased data center construction commissioning, including integration and testing of new systems while keeping critical systems online.
• Work with the Site Manager and stakeholders to track and complete preventive and predictive maintenance schedules and system commissioning.
• Analyze operating conditions, recommend technologies, and improve operational efficiency and cost reduction.
• Manage data center white-space and back-of-house electrical loading and capacity, including client installations and systems.
• Directly manage contractors and consultants for daily operations and critical maintenance, including UPS, generator, switchgear, and chiller maintenance.
• Directly manage and supervise Multi-Skilled Operators in day-to-day operations and maintenance of critical electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Respond on call to data center emergency situations.
• Coordinate customer turn-ups and process flow with customers, internal teams, installation engineers, technical consultants, and implementation personnel to support a smooth transition from installation to operation.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Eight company-paid holidays, two floating holidays, and PTO.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for enrollment starting on the first day; coverage begins the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program available to all employees, including those who do not participate in the benefits package.
• Employer-supported 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting, a 3% employer match, and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Health Savings Account access, mental health resources, and gym discounts.
• Discounted group programs for legal services, home and auto insurance, pet insurance, and identity theft protection.
• Onsite gym.

What This Job Offers

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