HVAC Operations & Maintenance Engineer (Data Center)

Private Advertiser; Kulai; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser is seeking an HVAC Operations & Maintenance Engineer to manage end-to-end O&M of data center cooling systems, including chillers, PAC units, and BMS, ensuring reliable IT cooling.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree, 3+ years in large-scale data centers, and Mandarin proficiency to coordinate with China-based partners. On-site role in Kulai, Malaysia with energy efficiency focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Diploma in Building Environment & Energy Engineering, Refrigeration, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Mandarin proficiency preferred for China-based communications.
• 3+ years HVAC operations and maintenance experience in a large-scale water-cooled data center.
• Knowledge of centrifugal and screw chillers, chilled water systems, BMS, and free cooling.
• Familiarity with GB50174 or equivalent data center standards is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Take end-to-end responsibility for O&M of data center cooling plant and HVAC systems (chillers, plate heat exchangers, cooling towers, PAC units, free cooling, water supply and drainage, BMS).
• Monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, differential pressure) and respond to emergencies; perform root cause analysis.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans; supervise third-party contractors and manage spare parts inventory.
• Optimize operating strategies based on weather and IT load to maximize free cooling and improve PUE.
• Prepare and update SOP/MOP/EOP; organize emergency drills and support audits and inspections.
• Oversee upgrades and expansions; ensure safety compliance and assist with on-site activities.

Skills

Mandarin

Documentation

Cross-functional communication

Troubleshooting HVAC

Education

Bachelor's/Diploma in Building Environment & Energy Engineering / Refrigeration / Mechanical & Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Job description

HVAC Operations & Maintenance Engineer (Data Center)

Take full responsibility for the end-to-end operations and maintenance (O&M) of the data center cooling plant and HVAC systems, including chillers, plate heat exchangers, cooling towers, precision air conditioning (PAC) units, free cooling systems, water supply and drainage systems, and the Building Management System (BMS), ensuring reliable and continuous cooling for critical IT environments.

Monitor environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and differential pressure within the data hall. Perform routine inspections, maintain operational logs and equipment records, and respond promptly to equipment failures, overheating incidents, water leaks, and other emergencies. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Develop and implement annual preventive maintenance plans, coordinate internal and external maintenance activities, supervise third-party contractors to ensure quality standards, and manage HVAC spare parts inventory.

Optimize HVAC operating strategies based on outdoor weather conditions and IT load requirements to maximize the use of free cooling, improve Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), and eliminate localized hot spots within the data center.

Prepare, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Method of Procedure (MOP), and Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP). Organize and conduct emergency response drills.

Support HVAC system upgrades and expansion projects, oversee on-site activities, ensure compliance with safety requirements for high-risk work (e.g., hot work and confined space entry), and assist with data center compliance audits, certifications, and inspections.

Perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the immediate superior from time to time.

Job Requirements:

Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Building Environment & Energy Engineering, Refrigeration, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.

Proficiency in Mandarin is preferred as the role requires regular communication and coordination with China-based clients and business partners.

Minimum 3 years of HVAC operations and maintenance experience in a large-scale water-cooled data center.

Strong knowledge of centrifugal and screw chillers, chilled water systems, free cooling systems, and Building Management Systems (BMS).

Familiarity with GB50174 – Code for Design of Data Centers or equivalent international data center standards is an advantage.

Proven ability to independently troubleshoot HVAC systems and respond effectively to emergency situations. Experience in PUE optimization and energy efficiency improvement is preferred.

Possession of a Low Voltage Electrical License and/or Refrigeration Equipment Technician certification is an advantage.

Good documentation, report writing, and cross-functional communication skills.

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunity to work in a mission-critical data center environment.

Career development and technical training opportunities.

Exposure to advanced cooling technologies and energy-efficient data center operations.