Data Center Operator

Salute Inc. • Austin, TX

just now • $34 - $35

About The Position

The Data Center Operator is responsible for the operational integrity, commissioning, and regulatory compliance of electrical power, mechanical, monitoring, and control systems, and for processes that maximize customer uptime cost-effectively in highly available, concurrently maintainable, fault-tolerant mission-critical data centers. The role ensures electrical, mechanical, and fire/life-safety equipment operates efficiently and reliably through planned preventive maintenance, corrective work, and emergency response.

The position provides hands-on troubleshooting and technical expertise across facility systems and is a focal point for facility operations at a data center. It works with the Site Manager, Facility Technicians, management, clients, contractors, consultants, and vendors. The operator may supervise Facility Technicians and directly manage contractors and consultants in daily operations, maintenance, and commissioning while keeping critical systems online. The role also supports operational efficiency, capacity planning, customer installations, and emergency response. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional unusual hours approximately once every other week for critical maintenance windows and 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 operating critical mechanical and electrical systems and in design review and 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, including medium-voltage switchgear; 480/277-volt and 208/120-volt generation and distribution; 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/STS units, PDU/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 long periods.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 40 lb; climb ladders and multiple flights of stairs; stand for extended periods; and bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for equipment-related tasks.
• Basic physical fitness and ability to move quickly and efficiently to respond to emergencies and troubleshoot issues.
• Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity for working with small components and connectors.
• Clear vision, with or without correction, to perform precise work while wearing safety glasses; ability to distinguish color-coded warnings, labels, and cables.
• Ability to work across a wide range of indoor temperatures, outdoors in varying weather including extreme temperatures, rain, or snow, and in elevated-noise environments while wearing hearing protection.
• Valid driver's license for work-related travel, as required.

Nice To Haves

• Military experience.

Responsibilities

• Place safety first in all work and maintain consistent focus on safe practices.
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions in facility systems.
• Complete planned and ad hoc preventive maintenance assignments across electrical, mechanical, maintenance, 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 follow up to verify completion.
• Monitor service contractors' 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 construction commissioning, including integration and testing of new systems while keeping critical systems online.
• Work with Facility Technicians and other stakeholders to track and complete preventive and predictive maintenance schedules and system commissioning.
• Analyze operating conditions and recommend technologies and improvements that increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• 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 of UPS systems, generators, switchgear, and chillers.
• Directly manage and supervise Facility Technicians in day-to-day operations and maintenance of critical electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Remain on call to respond to data center emergencies.
• Coordinate with customers, internal teams, installation engineers, consultants, and implementation personnel on customer turn-ups and process flow 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 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, 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 (HSA), mental health resources, and gym discounts.
• Discounted group legal services, home and auto insurance, pet insurance, and identity-theft protection.
• Discounted Group Life and AD&D coverage.
• Discounted Group Short- and Long-term Disability coverage.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

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