Critical Environments Operator (Level 1-4)

CyrusOne; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Cutting-edge work

Global scale

Award-winning culture

Customer-focused service

Job summary

CyrusOne is seeking Critical Environments Operators to support 24/7/365 operations in our Lombard, Illinois data centre. You will monitor, operate, and maintain electrical, mechanical, and HVAC/R systems while upholding safety, workmanship, and customer service standards.

We welcome candidates across experience levels, with a clear path for growth from associate to lead operator. The role demands vigilance, strong teamwork, and a proactive safety mindset.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety — always.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including on-call and extended hours during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate data centre mechanical, electrical, and HVAC/R systems to ensure uptime and reliability.
• Respond to building system alarms, prioritising critical load protection and fault analysis.
• Execute Preventive Maintenance work orders following SOPs/MOPs/EOPs/MMRs.
• Use CMMS to track work orders, labour hours, and PMs.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors; enforce safety protocols.
• Perform equipment and system operational modifications, including critical switching.
• Maintain compliance with company, government, and client policies and EH&S requirements.
• Senior level: mentor junior operators, lead switching events, and assist capacity planning.

Job description

About The Role

We are building a pipeline of talented Critical Environments Operators across all experience levels — from associates just starting their careers in data center operations to seasoned lead technicians ready to mentor others and drive operational excellence.

About The Role

We are building a pipeline of talented Critical Environments Operators across all experience levels — from associates just starting their careers in data centre operations to seasoned lead technicians ready to mentor others and drive operational excellence.

As a Critical Environments Operator at CyrusOne, you will be part of a 24/7/365 Operations & Maintenance team responsible for keeping mission-critical data centre infrastructure running at peak reliability. You will operate, monitor, and maintain electrical, mechanical, and HVAC/R systems while upholding the highest standards of safety, workmanship, and customer service.

Whether you are early in your career or bringing years of hands-on experience, there is a place for you here — and a clear path forward.

What You Will Do

• Monitor and operate data centre mechanical, electrical, and HVAC/R systems to ensure continuous uptime and reliability
• Respond to building system alarms, prioritising critical load protection, equipment preservation, and root cause analysis
• Execute Preventive Maintenance work orders and follow SOPs, MOPs, EOPs, and MMRs as appropriate
• Use a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, labour hours, and PMs
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors; enforce Lockout/Tagout and other safety protocols
• Perform equipment and system operational modifications, including critical switching and safe working area set-up
• Maintain awareness of and compliance with all company, government, and client policies, procedures, and EHS requirements
• At senior levels: provide mentorship to junior operators, lead critical switching events, and participate in capacity planning and reporting

Levels & Experience

This is an evergreen posting that supports hiring across four levels. The right level for you will be determined based on your experience and qualifications during the interview process.

• Level I: No prior data centre experience required. Ideal for candidates eager to learn data centre O&M, with 0–2 years in operations, maintenance, or customer service roles. Strong safety mindset and willingness to learn are the most important qualities.
• Level II: 3–5 years of experience in Tier 2, 3, or 4 data centres or a technical facility maintenance role. Entry-level skills in electrical, mechanical, or HVAC/R disciplines — whether through a degree, trade programme, or hands-on work experience. Familiarity with CMMS and work order processes a plus.
• Level III: 5–7 years of data centre or building engineering experience. Journeyman-level skills in electrical, mechanical, or HVAC/R. Ability to operate independently, troubleshoot systems, stabilise operations during incidents, and guide less experienced team members.
• Level IV: 7+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise at the journeyman or master level. Active HVAC certification or Journeyman/Master Electrician licence preferred. Proven ability to lead operational activities, manage vendor relationships, and support team development.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong commitment to safety — always
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Solid problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including on-call rotation and extended hours during emergencies
• Team-first mindset — promotes collaboration and shared success
• Desire to provide the highest levels of service to internal and external customers

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced, physically active data centre environment. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, perform considerable walking, bending, and standing, and be available for 24/7/365 shift work including after-hours emergency response.

Why CyrusOne?

• Career growth — a defined progression from Associate through Lead Operator and beyond, with ongoing investment in your development
• Cutting-edge work — support AI, hyperscale, and cloud infrastructure for some of the world's most demanding customers
• Global scale — be part of a team operating across North America, EMEA, and APAC
• Award-winning culture — 2026 Top Workplaces USA National Award winner, recognised for our people-first environment
• Values-driven — everything we do is grounded in CARE: Commitment, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence

As part of our commitment to a safe and secure work environment, all offers of employment for this role are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

CyrusOne is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

CyrusOne provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state or local laws. We will respond to requests for reasonable accommodations to assist you in applying for positions at CyrusOne, or to submit a resume.