Critical Operations Manager

Meta; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 143,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Meta is seeking a Critical Operations Manager to lead our Data Center Operations team. The role focuses on safe, efficient operation, maintenance, and modernization of 30–70 MW facilities, managing a team of engineers, and driving continuous improvement.

The position requires 8+ years in critical facilities, 3+ years of leadership, and strong CMMS/EAM expertise. Occasional travel is expected, with a competitive package including bonus, equity, and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in critical facilities operations.
• 3+ years of experience in team management.
• Proficient with maintenance management programs, CMMS/EAM.
• Regularly walk on flat and uneven terrain, work at varying heights from ladders, lift 45 pounds+.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute plans to safely operate, maintain, and modernize physical infrastructure.
• Lead a team of Lead Building Engineers, Critical Facility Engineers, and Facility Project Manager.
• Review and approve procedures based on internal standards and industry best practices.
• Investigate incidents, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with other COMs to ensure consistency in strategy and delivery.
• Maintain partnerships with technical and support teams to maximize uptime and operations.
• Support EHS programs and Meta safety policies.
• Inspect buildings and equipment to identify and correct issues.
• Ensure compliance with CMMS/EAM and industry standards.
• Develop incident response and business continuity plans.
• Support data center construction projects (new & retrofit).
• Occasional travel (<10%), more during onboarding.

Skills

Team leadership

Operations management

Critical facilities

Site safety awareness

Tools

CMMS/EAM systems

Job description

Meta is seeking a Critical Operations Manager to join our Data Center Operations team. Our data centers serve as the foundation upon which our software operates to meet the demands of our customers. The Critical Operations Manager (COM) is responsible for the safe and effective operations, maintenance, and modernization of a ~30-70 MW data center. This person must be familiar with equipment utilized in critical environments, maintain a focus on continuous improvement as well as operational rigor, and experience managing a team.

Critical Operations Manager Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute tactical and strategic plans to safely and effectively operate, maintain, and modernize physical infrastructure
• Manage a team of Lead Building Engineers, Critical Facility Engineers, and Facility Project Manager through effective leadership, coaching, and performance management
• Review and approve procedures based on internal standards and industry best practices
• Investigate incidents, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve operations
• Collaborate with peer Critical Operations Managers to ensure consistency in strategy, approach, and delivery of critical operations
• Maintain partnerships with technical and support teams to achieve maximum uptime and ensure seamless operations
• Support the environmental, health and safety (EHS) program and ensure adherence to Meta Safety Policies and Procedures
• Routinely inspect buildings, grounds, and critical equipment to identify potential issues and implement corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with work management processes, including CMMS and EAM, and industry standards
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive incident response program, including emergency operating procedures and business continuity plans
• Support construction project execution (new & retrofit) in the data center, ensuring adherence to construction processes while supporting the critical operations environment

Occasional travel as required (<10%), with more travel possible during onboarding

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in critical facilities operations
• 3+ years of experience in team management
• Proficient with maintenance management programs
• Regularly walk on flat and uneven terrain
• Work at varying heights and from ladders
• Lift and/or move 45 pounds or more regularly
• Use hands and fingers for various tasks, including reaching/pushing/pulling with hands/arms/shoulders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling

Preferred Qualifications:

• Equipment field service engineering experience
• Trade Certification or state license in Mechanical (HVAC)
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• 7+ years of experience in a data center or other critical environment
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].

$143,000/year to $198,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.