Data Center Critical Operations Engineer — Uptime & Reliability

Darwin Recruitment; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment seeks a Critical Operations Engineer I to support data centers nationwide, focusing on reliable operation of electrical, mechanical, cooling, and life-safety systems. You will monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot critical facility infrastructure, working with engineers, contractors, and customers to ensure high availability.

The role involves power distribution, generators, UPS, HVAC and related systems, with opportunities for site-based placements near your location.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in data center facilities or similar engineering role.
• Hands-on with electrical and mechanical systems in mission-critical environments.
• Knowledge of generators, UPS, switchgear, PDUs, and power distribution.
• Experience with HVAC, chilled water, CRAC/CRAH units, pumps and VFDs.
• Familiarity with BMS/BAS, PLC controls, and monitoring systems.
• Experience with preventative maintenance, alarms, and incident reporting.
• Understanding of NEC, NFPA 70E/Bas, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, OSHA requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with engineers, contractors, and customers.
• High school diploma; military electrical/HVAC training welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain electrical, mechanical, cooling, and fire/life safety systems.
• Respond to alarms, troubleshoot issues, and assist with upgrades.
• Support infrastructure installations and power distribution upgrades.
• Maintain documentation, safety compliance, and incident reporting.
• Support rack installations and customer infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with teams, contractors, vendors, and customers in a high-availability environment.

Skills

Data center operations

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

HVAC systems

Fire/life safety

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CMMS

BMS/BAS

Test equipment

PLC basics

Job description

Darwin Recruitment seeks a Critical Operations Engineer I to support data centers nationwide, focusing on reliable operation of electrical, mechanical, cooling, and life-safety systems. You will monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot critical facility infrastructure, working with engineers, contractors, and customers to ensure high availability.

The role involves power distribution, generators, UPS, HVAC and related systems, with opportunities for site-based placements near your location.