Data Center Operator

Salute • Red Oak, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Data Center Operator (DCO) is responsible for the operational integrity, commissioning, and regulatory compliance of electrical power, mechanical, monitoring, and control systems in mission-critical data centers. The role helps maximize customer uptime cost-effectively and ensures electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment operates efficiently and reliably. Work includes preventative maintenance, daily corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and responding to emergencies.

The DCO is a hands-on technical resource and focal point for facility operations at a data center. The position reports to the Site Manager and works with Multi-Skilled Operators, management, internal departments, clients, contractors, consultants, and vendors. The role supports equipment such as generators and fuel systems, switchgear, UPSs, PDUs, AHUs, thermal management systems, chemical treatment systems, pumps, motors, VFDs, and building automation systems. Mission-critical equipment is expected to maintain better than 99.999% uptime.

The position may require unusual work hours approximately once every other week to accommodate critical maintenance windows and scheduling, and requires on-call response to data center emergencies. Employees must successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of employment.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of directly related experience operating, installing, and maintaining data center critical equipment and building systems, with in-depth technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Strong background operating critical mechanical and electrical systems and in 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 medium-voltage switchgear; 480/277-volt and 208/120-volt generation and distribution systems; diesel AC generators; static and dynamic rotary UPS systems; flooded-cell batteries and monitoring systems; static switches; PLC and relay logic controls; power monitoring systems; and data center power distribution and management systems.
• Current knowledge of NFPA electrical, fire and life safety, and building codes, or local regulatory equivalents.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and related compliance issues.
• Expert knowledge of industrial safety practices, including lockout/tagout, arc-flash protection, OSHA requirements, and state regulations.
• Strong understanding of critical data center electrical and mechanical systems, including feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU 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 lbs), bend, stoop, reach overhead, and stand for long 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 focused on safe work practices.
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions in 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 keep mechanical equipment rooms and enclosures clean, functional, and safe.
• Respond rapidly to indoor emergencies and investigate and manage air quality complaints, including humidity concerns.
• Create, close, and track work requests; initiate or respond to work orders; and follow up to verify completion.
• Monitor service contractor performance, note deficiencies, and recommend changes as necessary.
• Provide electrical, mechanical, integrated control, and water chemistry technical expertise for the data center.
• Interface with management, contractors, and consultants on 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 systems, generators, switchgear, and chillers.
• Manage and supervise Multi-Skilled Operators in day-to-day operations and maintenance of critical electrical and mechanical facility 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 ensure 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 Day 1; 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%.
• HSA 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
• Education Level: No Education Listed