Data Center Facilities Engineer II

Element Critical; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Critical is seeking a Data Center Facilities Engineer to oversee operations and maintenance of a mission-critical data center in Houston. You will respond to system issues, guide real-time problem management, and work under facilities leadership.

The role requires 2+ years at a critical infrastructure facility, hands-on experience with electrical gear, AHUs, chillers, BAS, and building automation, plus strong safety and communication skills; on-call and 24/7 coverage are expected.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience at a critical infrastructure facility.
• Willingness to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation.
• Experience with power, cooling, and building automation equipment.
• Adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Strong communication and technical problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections and operational readings of equipment and facilities.
• Operate and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Participate in rotating on-call schedule for after-hours support.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshooting.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed while performing work.
• Use CMMS to record and track work and equipment readings.
• Operate mechanical and electrical systems and perform maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with vendors for preventive/repair activities when needed.
• Maintain up-to-date building drawings and regulatory compliance records.

Skills

24/7 operations experience

On-call rotation experience

Strong communication

Safety procedures knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Technical training or Associate degree

Licenses: DC II/III or Stationary Engineering License

Tools

Stand-by diesel generators

Switchgear

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

Power Distribution Units (PDU)

Air Handling Units (AHU)

Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRACs)

Chillers

Pumps

Building Automation System (BAS)

Fire Detection & Fire Suppression

Leak Detection systems

Job description

Shift: M - F, 8 AM - 5 PM– 24/7 Coverage Needed

Reports to: Operations Facility Manager

Element Critical is seeking to add a Data Center Facilities Engineer who aligns with our company values of accountability, integrity, grit, and problem-solving.

This position participates in a 24/7 operational support model. DC Facilities Engineers share responsibility for after-hours support through a weekly rotating on-call schedule that is distributed to all participating onsite team members and managed on a monthly rotation basis.

This role has the responsibility for the operations and maintenance at the data center and will take daily direction from facilities leadership. DC Facilities Engineers must be able to immediately recognize system shortcomings, respond to operational and emergency situations, and provide technical guidance and direction during real time problem management.

Responsibilities include the support of all data center engineering, facility, and grounds maintenance, along with other site support functions. This role will be part of a team that is accountable for the operational performance readiness, reliability, and integrity of the mission-critical infrastructure systems which include (but are not limited to) the following: Electrical Distribution Gear, ATS, Generators, Fuel Pumps and Fuel Storage, UPS Units, PDU Units, UPS Backup Batteries, Chillers, Pumps, CRACs, Air Handling Units (AHU’s), Rooftop Units, Fire Detection, Fire Suppression, BAS, and Leak Detection systems.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Perform routine inspections and operational readings of equipment and facilities.
• Operate and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, providing after-hours support as needed. The on-call assignment rotates weekly among all DC Facilities Engineers, with the rotation schedule updated monthly to ensure balanced coverage across the team.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshooting of facility events.
• Ensure all safety procedures are adhered to while performing work.
• Utilize internal processes and Standard Operating Procedures to manage data center work.
• Ability to perform work autonomously with little to no supervision.
• Record and track work in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Perform the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems.
• Perform general facility related maintenance work including plumbing repairs, replacement of lamps/ballasts, door hardware and other maintenance tasks.
• Perform predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance, maintenance routines and equipment rounds, and service requests as directed.
• Inspects and repairs pumps, fans, valves, and motors ensuring proper operation of the facility equipment and systems.
• Track electrical/mechanical loads for all critical systems.
• Support vendors on preventive and repair activities that cannot be performed in house.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner and in accordance with established work standards and practices.
• Perform emergency or preventative maintenance repairs off hours as directed on nights and weekends as needed.
• Understand and work within a Computerized Maintenance Management System.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to act in a consulting capacity on projects and new design.
• Identify safety hazards within the building and incorporate the remediation of such hazards to ensure that the building’s staff and occupants work in a safe environment.
• Ensure all infrastructure and compliance documentation for the building is maintained and up to date, including up-to-date building drawings and single-lines as well as documentation mandated for the purpose of maintaining regulatory compliance with Federal, State or Local law.
• Responsible for updating records of buildings rounds and readings, all engineering logs and engineering data sheets.
• Participate in Company Training and local professional trade organizations and third-party training programs in order to stay current with technological trends of the industry.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the company’s objectives.

Requirements and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• 2+ years of relevant experience at a critical infrastructure facility which includes, but are not limited to, the following: data centers, nuclear, semi-conductor, and pharmaceutical.
• Eagerness to work in an environment that operates 24/7 with an ability to participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as needed.
• Experience with Stand‑by diesel generators, Switchgear, Uninterrupted Power Supplies, Power Distribution Units, Air Handling Units, Computer Room Air Conditioners, Chillers, Cooling towers, Chemical treatment systems, Pumps, Power monitoring, Electric motors, Variable Frequency Drives, and Building Automation Systems.
• Ability to perform all work using the proper personnel protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to perform all procedures and practices in strict accordance with applicable safety policies.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and suites.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Technical (Military/ Trade School) training, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s Degree in applicable engineering fields or mechanical or electrical trades
• One or more of the following licenses or certifications:
• Operating engineering licenses such as DC II, DC III, or equivalent
• Stationary Engineering or Building Engineering License
• Electrical or mechanical Journeyman License
• CFC license
• OSHA-10 or OSHA-30
• NFPA 70E training
• First‑Aid /CPR, Basic Life Saver Certification

Physical Requirements

The physical demands listed below must be met for the employee to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• Walk job sites in uneven terrain.
• Work at heights and from ladders and at depths, such as under raised floors.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 49 pounds; and participate in group lifts for 50 pounds or more.
• Work shifts up to twelve (12) hours in duration, performing physical tasks all day without becoming overly tired.
• Coordinate body movements when using tools or equipment.
• Reach and stretch to position equipment and fixtures while maintaining balance.
• Bend or twist the body into unusual positions while working.
• Use hands to manipulate small wires and objects.
• Push or pull heavy objects into position.