Critical Support Specialist, NA - Chiller Engineer, NA

Vantage Data Centers Management Company LLC; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 203,444,000 - 214,906,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Data Centers Management Company LLC in Santa Clara, CA seeks a hands-on Critical Support Specialist (HVAC/Chiller Engineer) to support mission-critical data center systems onsite, with 15-20% travel across North America.

Expect 8+ years of experience in maintenance, strong schematics literacy, and the ability to develop SOPs/MOPs. The role emphasizes mentorship, reliability, and superior customer service in a fast-paced facility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years (10+ years preferred) of hands-on experience in maintenance and repair within mission-critical environments.
• Extensive knowledge of maintenance practices for HVAC, low voltage, medium voltage, UPS, and generators.
• Proven ability to read and interpret technical schematics, blueprints, and manuals.
• Strong technical writing capabilities for SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs.
• Travel up to 15-20% within North America for training and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed, specialized maintenance and troubleshooting within area of expertise to ensure uninterrupted data center operations.
• Independently manage complex maintenance projects and system enhancements with minimal supervision.
• Respond effectively to safety incidents and emergency situations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors/partners across multiple levels.

Skills

HVAC systems

Low voltage electrical

Medium voltage electrical

UPS systems

Generators

Maintenance & troubleshooting

Education

Formal specialized training programs in UPS/Generators/Chiller

Job description

About Vantage Vantage powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well‑known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Site Operations Department

The Site Operations Department is responsible for the overall health of all mechanical and electrical systems, building maintenance, and performance of all data modules in our data centers. The team is staffed 24 x 7 onsite with Critical Facility Engineers (CFEs) on each shift. This team is the face of Vantage to our customers and the first line of defense regarding the uptime of our campus as well as the performance of our customer installations. Using a Critical Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to plan and track work needed, the Site Operations department performs all preventative and corrective maintenance. Our culture expects and rewards team performance that engages directly with the customers and the facility infrastructure. This is a team that does most of the actual work versus calling upon vendors. As a result, we provide superior service that is faster and more cost effective.

Position Overview

Critical Support Specialist roles are SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and highly-trained in specific areas within the data center electrical/mechanical space. See specialization list below. This particular CSS is available for a Hands‑on Chiller Tech‑Engineer / Commercial‑Industrial HVAC to be a Subject Matter Expert for our Santa‑Clara, CA or Reno, NV campuses. This role will be working onsite Monday - Friday day shift. This role additionally will travel 15-20% in North America, mostly in the United States data center campuses. We are looking for a Critical Support Specialist who knows what best‑in‑class service looks like and can make that a reality.

This role is a crucial member of our facilities team, managing some of the most efficient and cost-effective data center facilities in the industry. The successful candidate for this role will work with a team of other electrical and mechanical‑focused engineers performing maintenance and repair for our data center infrastructure. We take our customer requirements for uptime seriously and keep our facilities maintained to a very high standard to ensure uninterrupted service for our customers.

If you enjoy working on critical data center systems (UPSs, PDUs, Diesel Generators, ATS equipment and Building Controls), as well as industrial electrical equipment and systems that include power distribution components/wiring, electronic components, and lighting systems, know the importance of getting it right the first time and not disrupting mission critical data centers, and enjoy delighting customers with superior service, then please read on!

Essential Job Functions

Perform detailed, specialized maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational tasks within your area of expertise, ensuring uninterrupted data center operations. Independently manage complex maintenance projects and system enhancements with minimal supervision. Respond effectively to safety incidents and emergency situations, maintaining a secure work environment. Exercise discretion and judgment in adapting workflows to shifting priorities. Collaborate frequently with internal teams across multiple organizational levels and externally with vendors and technical partners. Additional duties as assigned by Management.

Duties by Specialization

• This particular role will be for HVAC/Chiller Engineer / Commercial‑Industrial HVAC to be a Subject Matter Expert for our Santa‑Clara, CA or Reno, NV campuses.
• HVAC Systems Specialist: Oversee comprehensive operations and detailed maintenance of critical HVAC infrastructure systems, including chilled water and condenser water systems, computer room air handlers (CRAH), computer room air conditioners (CRAC), humidity control systems, leak detection, commercial AC systems, constant and variable airflow systems, boilers, and air compressors. Provide technical leadership focused on optimization, innovation, and operational excellence within HVAC systems. Develop and implement detailed preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, integrating advanced techniques and data‑driven decision‑making. Act as an HVAC subject matter expert, leading efforts to resolve complex operational issues, overseeing major system upgrades, and consistently optimizing energy efficiency. Mentor junior personnel and contribute significantly to the development of industry standards, training programs, and technological advancements.
• Low Voltage Electrical Specialist: Operate, maintain, and repair critical low voltage electrical infrastructure including substations, utility switchgear, transformers, feeders and distribution systems, power metering, power generators, automatic transfer switches (ATS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), batteries, power distribution units (PDUs), static transfer switches (STSs), remote power panels (RPPs), and associated controls. Conduct comprehensive inspections and preventive maintenance, implementing detailed solutions to enhance reliability and operational effectiveness. Act as a subject matter expert in low voltage electrical systems, providing detailed technical guidance, training, and mentoring junior team members. Lead complex troubleshooting efforts, document findings, and contribute significantly to procedural documentation and training materials.
• Medium Voltage Electrical Specialist: Manage and maintain medium voltage electrical systems such as substations, utility switchgear, transformers, feeders and distribution systems, and protection and control circuitry. Oversee preventive maintenance schedules, detailed system inspections, and extensive repairs, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory and safety standards. Act as a technical leader, providing detailed expert‑level troubleshooting, resolution of complex electrical issues, and mentoring junior personnel. Document comprehensive technical procedures and collaborate with engineering teams on system enhancements and updates.
• UPS Systems Specialist: Perform detailed preventive and corrective maintenance tasks, including major component replacements and complete system recalibrations. Independently manage critical UPS system maintenance schedules, ensuring tasks are prioritized effectively. Independently apply advanced troubleshooting skills to identify and rectify intricate UPS issues, such as rectifier or inverter failures. Collaborate closely with engineering teams on detailed UPS system upgrades, modifications, or enhancements based on operational requirements. Provide technical insights and recommendations for improving UPS efficiency, reliability, and overall system performance.
• Generator Specialist: Perform comprehensive maintenance and operational tasks for generator electrical and mechanical systems, including routine and corrective maintenance. Provide technical leadership and oversight for generator operations and maintenance, including the development and implementation of preventive maintenance schedules and strategies. Serve as the lead technical expert on major generator projects, planning and executing system upgrades and maintenance initiatives. Ensure strict compliance with industry regulations, codes, and standards related to generator operations, contributing to regulatory audits and adherence to safety and environmental protocols. Act as a mentor and trainer, imparting expert knowledge to junior technicians and other staff.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 8 years (10+ years preferred) of direct hands‑on experience specializing in maintenance and repair within mission‑critical environments, specifically in your area of expertise.
• Extensive knowledge of maintenance practices and operational standards relevant to your specialization (Low Voltage, Medium Voltage, UPS, Generators, HVAC).
• Proven ability to read and interpret technical schematics, blueprints, and operational manuals.
• Strong technical writing capabilities, with experience creating and updating method of procedures (MOPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
• Completion of formal specialized training (e.g., UPS systems, generator maintenance, chiller systems).
• Current professional licensure or certification relevant to your technical specialization.
• Occasional travel (less than 5%) for training and professional development. This may increase as the business evolves.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Travel expected to range from 15-20% within North America (US / Canada).
• Physical Demands and Special Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to stand 1/3 – 2/3 of the time Ability to walk 1/3 – 2/3 of the time Ability to sit 1/3 – 2/3 of the time Ability to climb and balance 1/3 – 2/3 of the time Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl 1/3 – 2/3 of the time Ability to reach with hands & arms 1/3 – 2/3 of the time Ability to smell, talk & hear Ability to use hands to type, handle & feel Ability to reach with hands and arms Ability to see at close and distance ranges and the ability to see color Must be comfortable working in a high stress, fast paced environment with shifting priorities Must be willing to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, holidays, and on‑call support Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 1/3 of the time.

Additional Details

Salary Range: $71-75/hour + annual bonus. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your location, qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vantage does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage.