Critical Infrastructure Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Salute; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 company-paid holidays

Day 1 benefits enrollment

401(k) with employer match

HSA and gym discounts

Life & AD&D insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Salute is seeking a Mechanical, Electrical, Controls & Building Management Systems (BMS) Subject Matter Expert to support our data center facility operations. As the senior technical authority, you will guide maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance improvements across critical systems.

Based in Atlanta, GA, this full-time role requires deep technical knowledge, leadership, and the ability to work with operations, engineering, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Experience in mission-critical infrastructure and operation of data centers.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to lead maintenance and project execution.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical expert for critical mechanical, electrical, controls, and BMS infrastructure.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for operational issues affecting facility performance and uptime.
• Develop, review, and improve maintenance procedures, operating practices, and emergency response protocols.
• Support commissioning, retrofits, capacity expansions, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Train and mentor operations teams on system functionality, troubleshooting methodologies, and best practices.
• Review system trends and analytics to identify opportunities for efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders to support operational objectives and project execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Skills

Data Center Systems

BMS

SCADA/PLC

Electrical Power

HVAC/DX systems

Facilities Operations

Troubleshooting

Project Oversight

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology

Job description

Critical Infrastructure Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Full Time Dedicated Atlanta, GA, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 2431

Job Description

Salute is a leading provider of cutting-edge Data Center Infrastructure Services, dedicated to serving data center clients worldwide. We pride ourselves on delivering sustainable solutions, unparalleled reliability, and outstanding customer service. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Mechanical, Electrical, Controls & BMS Subject Matter Expert to join our team and support mission-critical operations across our data center portfolio.

Searching for Data Center Mechanical, Electrical, Controls & BMS Subject Matter Experts (SME)

Salute Mission Critical is currently seeking a Mechanical, Electrical, Controls & Building Management Systems (BMS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our Data Center Facility Operations team. Our data centers serve as the critical infrastructure that powers our customers' business operations, requiring exceptional reliability, efficiency, and operational excellence.

As a key member of the facility operations team, the SME serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical, electrical, controls, and building automation systems within the facility. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of mission-critical infrastructure and is responsible for driving maintenance excellence, troubleshooting complex system issues, supporting operational readiness, overseeing technical projects, and providing training and mentorship to site teams.

The SME works closely with operations, engineering, commissioning, vendors, and customers to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency across all critical systems. Success in this role requires a commitment to continuous learning, strong ownership and accountability, and the ability to lead technical decision-making in high-availability environments.

Salute Benefits That Put You First

We know life doesn’t stop when work begins, that’s why we offer perks designed to support your well-being, your family, and your future:

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy 8 company-paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and PTO so you can rest, celebrate, and take care of what matters most.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including Medical, Dental, and Vision that you can enroll in starting on Day 1. Coverage begins the first of the month following 30-days of employment.
• Peace of Mind: The Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees, even if you do not participate in the benefits package.
• Your financial future matters: Enjoy our employer-supported 401(K) with immediate 100% vesting, plus a 3% employer match and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Wellness Support: Access to HSA, mental health resources, and gym discounts—because your health matters.
• Extra Protection & Perks: Through discounted group programs, such as legal services, home & auto insurance, pet insurance, and ID theft protection for life’s unexpected moments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties and responsibilities listed below with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical expert for critical mechanical, electrical, controls, and BMS infrastructure.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for operational issues affecting facility performance and uptime.
• Develop, review, and improve maintenance procedures, operating practices, and emergency response protocols.
• Support commissioning, retrofits, capacity expansions, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Train and mentor operations teams on system functionality, troubleshooting methodologies, and best practices.
• Review system trends and analytics to identify opportunities for efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders to support operational objectives and project execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Technical Expertise

The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated expertise in a broad range of critical infrastructure technologies, including:

• Chilled water systems and central plant operations
• Evaporative and adiabatic cooling systems
• DX cooling systems
• HVAC equipment and air distribution systems
• Water treatment and distribution systems
• Electrical distribution systems including switchgear, UPS systems, generators, PDUs, and associated controls
• Emergency diesel generators and fuel systems
• Fire detection and suppression systems
• Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS)
• SCADA, PLC, and industrial controls platforms
• Networked controls, automation systems, and integration platforms
• Data center monitoring and alarming systems

The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to support the safe and reliable operation of mission-critical facilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment, up to 40lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders and multiple flights of stairs to access elevated equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time in various work environments.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for equipment related tasks.
• Basic physical fitness to respond quickly to emergency situations and navigate areas quickly.
• Ability to move quickly and efficiently within various work environments to troubleshoot issues or respond to emergencies.
• Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity for working with small components and connectors.
• Clear vision, with or without correction, to perform tasks requiring attention to detail and precision while wearing safety glasses.
• Ability to differentiate between color-coded warning signs, labels, and cables.
• Ability to work in environments with a wide variety of temperatures inside a facility.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, or snow.
• Capability to work in environments with elevated noise levels while wearing hearing protection.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license for work-related travel, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology.
• Possession of a Trade Certification or state license in Mechanical (HVAC)
• Chiller, CRAH, RTU, DOAS, split system, and diesel generator certifications issued by the OEM.
• Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA) or Certified Mission Critical Operator (CMCO)
• Familiarity with NFPA standards
• Familiarity with ASHRAE standards
• Familiarity with the International Mechanical Code
• Background in the data center industry

If you are a motivated and results-driven individual with a passion for data center services and a knack for building strong client relationships, we want to hear from you. Join us in revolutionizing the data center industry and apply today!

Compensation & Benefits Disclosure

The base salary range for this role is $133,200.00 annually. This range reflects a good‑faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay upon hire, based on factors such as skills, experience, education, and market/location. Our comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), gym discount, mental health, Discounted Group Life & AD&D, Discounted Group Short & Long-term Disability, 401(k) retirement matching, PTO/paid holidays, and parental leave. Final compensation will be determined by job‑related factors consistent with applicable law.

Salute is an equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees, and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants; if you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department at [e-mail] for more information. For recruiting specific questions, please contact [e-mail])