Data Center Operator

Salute•Austin, TX

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, along with processes that maximize customer uptime cost-effectively in highly available, concurrently maintainable, fault-tolerant data center environments. The role ensures electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment operates efficiently and reliably through planned preventative maintenance, corrective work, and emergency response. This hands-on technical role troubleshoots electrical and mechanical equipment and serves as a technical resource for facility operations. It supports mission-critical data center equipment, including generators and fuel systems, switchgear, UPSs, PDUs, air-handling and thermal-management equipment, chemical treatment systems, pumps, motors, variable-frequency drives, and building automation systems. The posting also describes interaction with the Site Manager, Facility Technicians, management, clients, contractors, consultants, and vendors, and includes direct management and supervision of Facility Technicians and contractors. The role is scheduled Monday through Friday, on day shifts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It may require unusual hours approximately once every other week for critical maintenance windows, and the operator is on call for data center emergencies. The stated base salary range is $34.00–$35.00 per hour.

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, with in-depth technical understanding of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
Strong background operating critical mechanical and electrical systems and reviewing designs, layouts, and installations; 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 battery strings and monitoring systems; static switches; PLC and relay logic controls; power monitoring; and data center power distribution and management systems.
Current knowledge of NFPA electrical, fire and life safety, and building codes, or the applicable local regulatory equivalent.
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 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 and carry heavy equipment, climb ladders and stairs, stand for extended periods, and bend, stoop, kneel, and reach.
Ability to work in varied facility temperatures and outdoors in different weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, or snow.
Ability to work in elevated-noise environments while wearing hearing protection.
Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity for working with small components and connectors; clear vision, with or without correction, for detailed work while wearing safety glasses; and ability to distinguish color-coded warning signs, labels, and cables.
Basic physical fitness and ability to move quickly and efficiently to troubleshoot issues or respond to emergencies.
Valid driver’s license for work-related travel.

Nice To Haves

Military experience would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

Place safety first in all work and remain focused on assigned tasks and activities.
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 maintain mechanical equipment rooms and enclosures in clean, functional, and safe condition.
Respond rapidly to indoor emergencies and air-quality complaints, including humidity issues; investigate and manage the situations.
Create, close, and track work requests; initiate or respond to work orders, follow up, and verify completion.
Monitor service contractors’ performance, note deficiencies, and recommend changes as needed.
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 integrating and testing new systems while keeping critical systems online.
Work with Facility Technicians and stakeholders to track and complete preventive and predictive maintenance schedules and system commissioning.
Analyze operating conditions, recommend technologies, and improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Manage electrical loading and capacity in data center white space and back-of-house areas, including client installations and systems.
Manage contractors and consultants for daily operations and critical maintenance, including UPS, generator, switchgear, and chiller maintenance.
Directly manage and supervise Facility Technicians in day-to-day operations and maintenance of critical electrical and mechanical facility equipment.
Remain on call to respond to data center emergencies.
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 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.
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.
Discounted home and auto insurance.
Pet insurance.
ID theft protection.
Discounted group life and AD&D insurance.
Discounted group short- and long-term disability insurance.
Parental leave.