Chief engineer

EdgeConneX; Milano; On-site; EUR 43,602 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

EdgeConneX seeks an experienced data centre operations professional to manage all critical mechanical and electrical systems at our Milano site, ensuring 100% uptime and SLA adherence. You will lead site PM planning, create robust MOPs, and coordinate with contractors to keep equipment running safely and efficiently.

Requirements include 5+ years in data centre or critical facilities engineering, LV/HV Switch certification, power systems training, and OSHA 30 or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of data centre electrical and mechanical systems is required.
• Experience with maintenance planning, risk assessment, and safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently and communicate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain full daily operations for critical mechanical and electrical systems to meet 100% uptime and SLAs.
• Plan and execute site PPM per roadmap; develop and apply MOP documentation with risk assessment.
• Oversee testing of mission‑critical equipment; log activities in CMMS and provide guidance to vendors.
• Escalate risks to Campus Manager and respond to alarms and emergencies per plan.
• Coordinate on‑call duties and communicate progress to customers and management.
• Identify energy efficiency opportunities and maintain accurate site records and documentation.

Skills

Data centre operations

Electrical & mechanical systems

Troubleshooting

MOP development

Contractor guidance

Documentation

English & local language

Education

Bachelor's degree

LV/HV Authorised to Switch

Power systems training

OSHA 30 certification

Job description

Led by an experienced management team and supported by a strong investor group, including large and experienced institutions and strategic partners, EdgeConneX offers a dynamic, fast-paced work environment where we are bringing flexibility, proximity, power, and connectivity to some of the world’s key businesses. With major offices in Herndon, Denver, and Amsterdam, we have a global footprint and a unified team of employees committed to providing a premier customer experience and delivering the full spectrum of data center solutions, from core to edge, like no other data center provider can do. Focused on driving innovation and helping our customers define and deliver their own unique vision for the Edge, at any scale, in any market worldwide, for any requirement, we are building tomorrow’s data center infrastructure, today for some of the world’s most demanding Network, Content, and Cloud customers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain full day-to-day operational responsibility for all critical mechanical and electrical systems on the local site; ensuring 100% uptime and adherence to all customer SLAs.
• Work independently to plan, organise, and execute the site PPM schedule within the roadmap approved by the Campus Manager or designated Installation Responsible Person.
• Develop detailed Method of Procedure (MOP) documentation for all planned and corrective maintenance activities, incorporating risk assessment and site-specific adaptations Analyse and resolve complex or unexpected maintenance issues using advanced problem-solving techniques and sound technical judgment.
• Organise and oversee the testing of mission-critical equipment, ensuring all activities are conducted safely and results are accurately documented.
• Manage contractor and vendor activities, ensuring all work is logged in the CMMS and carried out in accordance with approved procedures; provide technical guidance as needed.
• Keep the Campus Manager informed of all planned and corrective maintenance activities, proactively escalating risks, issues, or deviations.
• Respond promptly to alarms and emergencies during working hours, following the site emergency response plan and maintaining clear communication.
• Participate in the on-call rota to support continuous site operations.
• Plan and coordinate customer-requested work, providing regular updates to both the customer and Campus Manager.
• Monitor site systems continuously to identify early signs of equipment degradation and recommend improvements to processes or procedures.
• Identify and implement energy efficiency initiatives to optimise site performance and reduce operating costs without impacting reliability.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the CMMS and ensure all site documentation complies with company processes and standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of data centre electrical and mechanical systems, including transformers, generators, HV/LV switchgear, UPS, ATS/STS, RPPs, chillers, and CRAC/CRAH units.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, evaluate contributing factors, and develop technically sound solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement in critical situations, and adapt established methods to resolve non-routine issues.
• Extensive expertise in method of procedure (MOP) development, risk assessment, and safe systems of work for critical infrastructure maintenance.
• Ability to provide technical guidance to contractors, colleagues, and cross-functional teams on complex operational matters.
• High attention to detail in maintenance execution, documentation, and compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief management, contractors, and stakeholders clearly and accurately.
• Fluency in both the local language and English is required.

Experience & Education

• At least 5 years of hands‑on experience in data centre operations or critical facilities engineering, supported by a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical expertise.
• A valid LV/HV Authorised to Switch certification, in accordance with local standards, is required.
• Formal training in electrical engineering, with a strong emphasis on power systems, is essential.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgement when managing high-risk maintenance activities and emergency response situations.
• Relevant local safety certification is required; OSHA 30 must be held or completed shortly after joining.
• Knowledge of local grid infrastructure would be advantageous.

Compensation

The starting salary will be no less than €43,601.88 gross per year and the final offer will be fine tuned based on gender neutral criteria of candidates, including but not limited to competencies, responsibilities, effort and work conditions.

EdgeConneX believes inclusion – of thought, backgrounds and experiences – affects all that we do, from our employees to the solutions we deliver. Our goal is to create an environment where embracing differences helps deepen the lives and work experience of our employees, enhances our innovation and creativity, and enriches our involvement in our communities. EdgeConneX is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, as well as any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

EdgeConneX offers a competitive benefits package.

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