Critical Facilities / M&E Data Center Operations

The Critical Facility Technician is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mission-critical infrastructure within the data center. This role covers all aspects of energy isolation, switch activity, and facility rounds, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational procedures. The Critical Facility Technician reports directly to the Critical Facility Shift Manager and works as part of a larger team that strives for excellence through teamwork and accountability. This is a shift-based role requiring flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as part of a 24/7 operations team

Responsibilities:

• Operations & Rounds
• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled facility rounds, inspecting all critical systems (electrical, mechanical, HVAC, fire/life safety, and security) for proper operation and signs of abnormality.
• Monitor Building Management System (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS), and other automation platforms for alarms and alerts; respond promptly per SOPs.
• Maintain accurate logs of alarms, operational events, isolations, and shift activities.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Energy Isolation & Switch Activity
• Execute all energy isolation procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Perform and document all switchgear operations, including breaker racking, transfer switches, and panel isolations.
• Verify isolation and de-energization prior to work; ensure proper signage, barricading, and communication.
• Coordinate with vendors and other teams for planned and emergency isolations.
• Maintain records of all isolation activities, including authorization, verification, and restoration.
• Respond to alarms, system notifications, and abnormal conditions; perform initial diagnostics and escalated as needed.
• Support incident response efforts, including root cause analysis and after-action reporting.
• Participate in emergency procedures, including system recovery and safe shutdowns.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all work is performed per approved Method of Procedure (MOP), Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP).
• Maintain up-to-date documentation for rounds, isolations, switch activities, and maintenance tasks.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and risk reduction.
• Participate in training and periodic program reviews.
• Support development and review of procedures and playbooks.
• Collaborate closely with team members, sharing knowledge and supporting a culture of accountability and mutual respect.

Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification (electrical, mechanical, HVAC, or related field) preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in mission-critical environments (data center, hospital, industrial plant, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with energy isolation, LOTO, and switchgear operations.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, including UPS, generators, switchgear, PDUs, CRAC/CRAH units, and fire/life safety systems.
• Proficiency in BMS/EPMS platforms and alarm management.
• Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs.
• Safety & Compliance
• Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA 70E, and other relevant safety standards.
• Experience performing LOTO and energy isolation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong teamwork and accountability mindset.
• Completely required training modules (e.g., advanced electrical safety, incident response, vendor coordination).
• Gain experience in increasingly complex maintenance and isolation tasks.
• Earn relevant certifications (e.g., Data Center Operations Professional, advanced manufacturer training).
• Demonstrate leadership in rounds, troubleshooting, and procedure development.
• Take on mentoring responsibilities for junior staff.
• Consistently meet performance standards and receive positive feedback from the Shift Manager.
• Progression may lead to roles such as Senior Technician, Lead Technician/Supervisor, or other leadership positions within the critical facilities team.