Data Center Engineer: Uptime, Cooling & Automation

Rentec; Setauket (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job description

Responsibilities

• conduct engineering analysis and research designs and methods of data center equipment and facilities
• ensure designs and installations meet requirements, including predicted cooling, structural, and operational concerns
• plan, execute, and document data center installations, upgrades, and maintenance projects
• install and document racks, structured cabling, servers, switches, and PDUs
• manage equipment inventory, spare parts, and coordinate logistics
• respond to facility-wide emergencies (power outages, cooling failures) and participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation
• liaise with and oversee external vendors for scheduled preventive maintenance on specialized infrastructure
• create and maintain detailed operational records and compliance documentation

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in high-availability or large colocation environments
• comprehensive understanding of data center HVAC systems and redundancy protocols
• proven experience with rack-level cooling and airflow management
• visionary who optimizes for efficiencies and never stops seeking improvements
• clear communicator who enjoys cross-team collaboration, generates ideas, communicates recommendations to senior-level executives, and drives implementation alongside technicians
• proactive problem solver with a passion for learning and evolving alongside new technologies
• highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities under minimal supervision, including high-priority tickets and numerous vendor relationships
• experience monitoring Building Management Systems (BMS) and EPMS for tracking real-time power usage and environmental metrics, and critical power systems, including UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), PDUs, and backup generators
• knowledge of scripting or automation (Python, Bash, or PowerShell) for hardware health monitoring preferred
• expertise in electrical distribution, including the ability to read one-line diagrams and circuit schedules
• strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively coordinate and align operations with remote engineering teams
• experience leading small-scale projects, such as row-level expansions or major hardware refreshes
• skilled in using specialized tools for liquid systems, with an understanding of fluid mechanics, including the impact of flow rate, pressure drops, and air entrapment on cooling performance
• demonstrated ability to analyze data to identify efficiency gaps and implement strategies for optimizing PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness)
• bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• proficient with hand tools, able to lift up to 30 lbs., and comfortable working on ladders or in confined spaces
• flexibility to work non-traditional shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, within a 24/7/365 operational environment