Chief Engineer

About the role

Responsible for the operational management, effective daily leadership, and administration of the Operator team to safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively operate infrastructure and systems. This includes managing the scheduling of facilities operators to ensure required coverage across all shifts and locations.

The Mission Critical Lead Facilities Operator must ensure the highest level of professionalism while meeting client needs and achieving 100% uptime reliability for Mission Critical Facilities. This role requires skills to direct Mission Critical Facilities Operators and perform preventative maintenance, repair, and upkeep of building infrastructure systems. Responsibilities include protecting and improving the value of client assets and ensuring building systems perform their intended functions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage facilities operators and maintenance staff, including training and personal development.
• Direct vendor personnel or teams performing site infrastructure technical support, such as annual OEM preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, system upgrades, and replacements.
• Provide direction to Mission Critical Facilities Operators and self-perform repair, maintenance, and service for continuous operation of building infrastructure, including:
  • Electrical systems (UPS, ATS, STS, PDU, generators, fuel systems, switchgear, transfer gear, paralleling gear, lighting, and energy conservation).
  • Mechanical systems (boilers, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, water treatment, AHUs, CRAC, CRAH, and plumbing).
  • Fire/life safety and suppression systems (dry/wet pipe, gaseous, early warning fire detection, VESDA).
  • Environmental control systems (BMS, DDC, CMMS, pneumatics).
  • Construction tasks (painting, doors, locks, walls, ceilings).
  • Digital systems (fire alarm, building security, card access, CCTV).
• Serve as a subject matter expert for mission-critical systems, including HVAC, standby emergency power, UPS, computer room air conditioning, and associated infrastructure.
• Interpret and update design and construction documents for critical sites, spaces, and systems.
• Present complex technical information clearly and quickly to clients.
• Solve technical problems and evaluate options in varying situations using advanced analytical and quantitative skills.
• Make effective presentations to internal teams, employees, clients, and management.
• Maintain composure during service emergencies.
• Work on-call 24/7, 365 days a year.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent or technical training/degree (required).
• Certified Mission Critical Operator (CMCO) certification (desired).
• 7+ years of related work experience, including supervisory experience as a Lead Facilities Operator or Assistant Lead Facilities Operator in a dedicated data center/mission-critical environment (desired).
• Operating Engineer or other applicable licenses and Universal CFC license (required).
• Strong understanding of mission-critical system operations, maintenance, engineering, and design principles.
• Ability to think strategically and articulate a vision for best-in-class performance of mission-critical facilities.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, email).
• Solid grasp of mathematics, physics, and chemistry as they relate to facilities management and mission-critical operations.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid state driver’s license (required).
• Compliance with client vaccination requirements for on-site attendance (required).

Physical Work Requirements

• Lifting up to 80 lbs.
• Working from heights and frequently climbing, bending, lifting, kneeling, stooping, and working/extending overhead.
• Working in adverse conditions (e.g., extreme cold or heat).
• Driving for long periods of time.
• Climbing ladders up to 30 feet.
• Sitting and typing for extended periods.