Critical Environment Engineer (CEE)

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington Information Technology seeks a Critical Environment Engineer to ensure the operational integrity of the CES, overseeing computing, storage and network infrastructure. You will monitor, design and optimize space, power and cooling while leading internal projects and supporting external collaborations.

The role requires final on-call duties, strong cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on work in a data center environment. Hybrid work arrangement is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 4+ years of experience in critical environmental systems maintenance and data center operations.
• Ability to work independently and translate complex requirements into practical designs.
• Strong written and verbal communication and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily checks of data center facilities to ensure sustainable operations.
• Act as SME for data center projects and coordinate staff efforts to meet goals.
• Develop basis of design for renovations and new construction.
• Create site profiles of electrical, HVAC, and aging infrastructure.
• Manage data center projects and provide rack/cabinet layout designs for efficiency.

Skills

Building monitoring

Data center ops

Project coordination

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

BMS software

DCIM tools

Electrical distribution

Job description

Job Description

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) has an outstanding opportunity for Critical Environment Engineer (CEE) to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to a Director, the Critical Environment Engineer (CEE) is responsible for the operational integrity of the CES supporting the University of Washington's Information Technology capabilities, including computing, storage and network infrastructure. This person will participate in the review of system design requirements to effectively utilize all available space, power and cooling capacities in the CES and develop and operate monitoring and management systems to provide performance metrics, real-time alarm and alerts, and long-term trend analysis.

This position will lead in internal projects and may represent Data Center Strategy and Operations (DCSO) on external projects. This includes establishing clear priorities, expectations, and schedules.

This position participates in a on-call rotation, and will the primary contact for the team in 1 week periods.

The salary information provided below is for a full-time position.

Key Responsibilities

• 30 % Performs daily checks for all Research and other data center and telecommunication facilities assigned, using the building management system to ensure the sustainable operations of the Research platform.
• 25% Be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Data Center Research Projects enabling the rapid expansion of Research computing capabilities. Coordinate staff members effort to meet project goals.
• 15 % Work with stakeholders to develop the basis of design for all major renovation and subsequent construction projects.
• 10% Develop facility site profiles including structural type and age, electrical size and type, electrical distribution and age and HVAC system type and related equipment and age.
• 5% Manage projects related to Data Center, as required.
• 5% Provide special designs for rack and cabinet layout within the data centers and mission critical facilities using industry best practices for air and electrical distribution efficiencies.
• 5% Provide UWIT staff training on site specific equipment and monitoring techniques to better help understand how the systems function and interact.
• 5% Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Technical degree or related field, or experience.
• Minimum of 4 or more years of experience in Critical Environmental Systems maintenance support and management.
• Experience includes performing complex tasks and responsibilities for operations and maintenance of data centers or similar support systems.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently with minimal supervision in conjunction with learning quickly and applying new technologies.
• Demonstrates ability to develop creative solutions for planning in constrained space, power and cooling environments.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a professional manner in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment, across different customer populations with different client and technical teams.
• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills, and personal interaction abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multiple building management software systems (BMS) for controlling environmental air, alarm point and general building systems.
• Experience designing and implementing electrical direct current (DC) systems including troubleshooting, distribution and circuit overload protection devices.
• Strong skills working with data center management databases, metrics, capacity planning, infrastructure monitoring, and strategic direction.
• Data-Center-specific credentials, such as Certified Data Center Management Professional (CDCMP), or similar.
• Familiarity with the ITIL framework and implementation.
• Familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools.

Working Conditions

Hybrid, open office environment. The person in this position will be required to work in a data center type environment which is a noisy, cool and clean room type of environment. This person will, on occasion, need to work with hand tools and in crouched positions in and around computer room raised floors. This person will be required to operate a motor vehicle safely and in accordance with UW Transportation Services Motor Pool policies and procedures. This person will be required to move some computing equipment and other such equipment using various types of lifting devices.

• Required to be in an on-call rotation and to respond in a timely and appropriate fashion while on call.
• Travel to and from UWIT’s various data centers and communications facilities will be required. Other travel may be required for training and professional enrichment as required by the position.
• This is an essential position and is required to report to work remotely when UW suspends operations.

About The Team

UW-IT is the central IT organization for the University of Washington, providing critical technology support to all three campuses, UW medical centers and global research operations. UW-IT collaborates with University partners to advance teaching, learning, innovation and discovery at the UW. The DCSO team within UW-IT, provides Operations and Maintenance supporting large-scale data centers and multiple smaller network and telecommunications facilities with emphasis on Research customer platforms. Much of the daily activities will be focused on monitoring and servicing Research customers platforms to ensure adequate operational and maintenance support is utilized to ensure operational integrity of the Research IT platform, and planning and designing sustainable solutions to ensure this capability in the future.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$79,404.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$119,100.00 annual

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.