Critical Mechanical System Specialist, Operations Engineering

About the role

We are seeking a Critical Mechanical Systems Specialist, Operations Engineering to support the readiness, reliability, and operational performance of mechanical infrastructure across CyrusOne data center sites. This role focuses on bridging design, construction, commissioning, and operations by validating that mechanical systems are safe, functional, and ready to support IT load from Day 1 onward. The role is highly autonomous, remote based, and requires regular travel to data center sites across the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Support and oversee commissioning activities for critical mechanical systems, including chiller plants, cooling towers, CRAH/CRAC units, heat-rejection systems, and controls/BMS
• Validate mechanical system performance, sequences of operation, and operational readiness prior to customer load deployment
• Conduct site inspections, audits, and operational health checks focused on mechanical reliability, efficiency, and risk
• Identify operational gaps or risks, document findings, and support mitigation and close-out activities
• Act as a bridge between design/construction teams and site operations to ensure documentation, procedures, and training are complete for turnover
• Provide feedback and lessons learned to improve standards, processes, and future data center builds

Requirements

• Experience supporting mechanical systems in mission-critical or industrial environments (data centers, oil & gas, healthcare, manufacturing, military, etc.)
• Exposure to commissioning activities from an operations, validation, or oversight perspective (ownership not required)
• Working knowledge of mechanical cooling systems such as chillers, cooling towers, CRAH/CRAC units, and heat-rejection systems
• Able to work independently in a remote, highly autonomous environment
• Must be able to travel up to 50%, including week-long site visits

Preferred

• Familiarity with ASHRAE TC 9.9 thermal guidelines as an operational reference
• Experience working with operational tools such as CMMS, DCIM/BMS, or participating in incident response or RCA processes
• Experience performing system audits, inspections, or readiness assessments
• Data center experience (not required)

Work Environment

• Standard business hours with occasional after-hours support if needed; role is not primary first-line response
• This role requires travel of up to 50%
• Willingness to be on-call for emergencies or after-hours troubleshooting
• Ability to work in a physically demanding, high-stress environment during critical situations

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field (preferred) or equivalent work experience