Data Center Process Engineer (Technical Writer)

Fluidstack•Austin, TX

15h

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient Technical Writer to join our Operations team. In this role, you will serve as the critical bridge between complex vendor documentation and frontline operational staff. You will analyze, interpret, and transform OEM manuals, vendor specifications, engineering drawings, and product data sheets into clear, accurate, and actionable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and maintenance procedures tailored for operations personnel. The ideal candidate possesses both strong writing ability and a deep technical aptitude — someone who can read a vendor manual, understand the engineering intent behind it, and translate that knowledge into step-by-step procedures that operators can execute safely and efficiently. A strong understanding of data center critical infrastructure systems — including power, cooling, fire suppression, and building management — is essential to success in this role.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Engineering Technology, Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field — OR equivalent combination of education and hands-on technical experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience in technical writing, with a demonstrated focus on industrial, manufacturing, energy, utilities, oil & gas, chemical, or similar operations-heavy environments.
Proven ability to read and interpret engineering documents including P&IDs, one-line electrical diagrams, equipment data sheets, mechanical drawings, and vendor IOM (Installation, Operation & Maintenance) manuals.
Strong working knowledge of procedure writing standards such as INPO AP-907, ANSI/ASSE Z244.1, or equivalent industry frameworks.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Visio) and at least one document management system.
Familiarity with safety standards including OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), NFPA 70E (electrical safety), NFPA 72 (fire alarm), NFPA 75/76 (data center fire protection), and site LOTO/LOTOTO programs.
Working knowledge of data center operational standards and frameworks including Uptime Institute Tier Standards, ASHRAE thermal guidelines (A1–A4 classifications), and TIA-942.
Familiarity with data center critical infrastructure systems: UPS, generators, ATS/STS, PDUs, CRAC/CRAH units, chillers, cooling towers, and BMS/DCIM platforms.
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting capital projects during construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
Familiarity with structured authoring tools (e.g., MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, Oxygen XML).
Knowledge of DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) or similar content management methodologies.
Certifications such as STC (Society for Technical Communication) membership, Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC), or equivalent.
Experience supporting data center commissioning (Cx) programs, including writing and executing Integrated Systems Tests (ISTs), functional test scripts, and commissioning checklists.
Experience authoring MOPs, EOPs, and AOPs in a Tier III or Tier IV data center or mission-critical environment.
Familiarity with DCIM tools (e.g., Nlyte, Sunbird, Schneider EcoStruxure, Vertiv Trellis) and EPMS platforms.
Certifications such as Uptime Institute ATD (Accredited Tier Designer) or AOS (Accredited Operations Specialist), BICSI DCDC, or CDCP (Certified Data Centre Professional) are a strong plus.
Experience with CMMS platforms (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, MP2) for linking procedures to work orders and asset records.
Background as a field operator, technician, or engineer prior to transitioning into a technical writing role is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Author, edit, and maintain the full suite of operational documentation — SOPs, work instructions, LOTO procedures, startup/shutdown procedures, EOPs, AOPs, preventive maintenance task lists, and MOP/Energized Electrical Work Permit documentation — by reviewing and interpreting vendor manuals, OEM documentation, P&IDs, technical specifications, and engineering drawings.
Work closely with engineers, equipment vendors, SMEs, and operations supervisors to validate procedure accuracy and completeness; participate in commissioning activities, FATs, SATs, and operational walkthroughs; attend PSSRs and MOC reviews to capture and document procedural changes.
Manage the full document lifecycle — creation, review, approval, revision, and archiving — within the site DMS; maintain revision history, version control, and change logs; apply consistent formatting and style guide standards; conduct periodic reviews to ensure continued accuracy as equipment or processes change.
Develop and maintain procedures for critical facility infrastructure including power systems (utility feeds, transformers, switchgear, generators, ATS/STS, UPS, PDUs), cooling systems (chillers, cooling towers, CRACs/CRAHs, CDUs, economizers), and monitoring and controls platforms (EPMS, BMS/SCADA, DCIM, environmental monitoring).
Create supporting visuals — process flow charts, annotated photographs, equipment schematics, and diagrams — using tools such as Visio, AutoCAD, or Snagit; partner with Training to convert procedures into job aids and competency assessments, and support new hire onboarding by ensuring documentation is accessible and current.
Support change management processes by documenting as-built conditions following infrastructure modifications, equipment replacements, or system upgrades; develop and maintain energy capacity and load management documentation including circuit labeling standards, breaker schedules, and stranded capacity tracking procedures.