Data Center Mechanical Engineer – (SME)

Applied Digital; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Digital in Louisiana is seeking a Data Center Mechanical Engineer – Operational SME to oversee and optimize our data center mechanical infrastructure. You will focus on chiller systems, evaporative cooling, CDU cooling, water distribution and treatment, emergency diesel generators, and fire suppression, with knowledge of building automation and electrical distribution.

You will work with design, construction, and operations teams to improve reliability, document procedures, train staff,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years in data center mechanical engineering or mission-critical environments.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and CAD drawings.
• Knowledge of chillers, cooling, water treatment, and electrical distribution is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as onsite mechanical infrastructure expert and provide practical field operations.
• Collaborate with local and global teams to align mechanical strategies.
• Develop and maintain site mechanical procedures (EOPs, SOPs, MOPs, drills).
• Manage vendor relationships for mechanical maintenance and retrofit work.
• Lead root-cause analyses and provide training to engineers.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Blueprints/CAD interpretation

Systems integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We are:

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution.
• Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

We remain committed and steadfast in solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution.

Position Summary

Applied Digital is seeking a highly skilled Data Center Mechanical Engineer – Operational Subject Matter Expert (SME) to oversee and optimize the performance, reliability, and efficiency of our data center mechanical infrastructure. This role requires deep technical expertise in chiller systems, evaporative cooling, CDU cooling, water distribution and treatment, emergency diesel generators, and fire suppression systems. Additionally, a working knowledge of building automation systems and electrical distribution is essential for this role. The SME will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop operational strategies, troubleshoot complex electrical issues, and drive improvements in system resiliency and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an onsite technical resource of mechanical infrastructure systems and equipment, with an emphasis on practical field operation.
• Ensure appropriate cross-functional collaboration between the local facility team and applicable local and global teams.
• Contribute to the mechanical safety program for the site.
• Collaborate with design, construction, and operations teams to enhance electrical system resiliency and scalability.
• Develop and keep up to date on all site Mechanical related procedures including EOPs, SOPs, MOPs, and Drills. All documentation should be consistent with current client standards.
• Plan resource, author or approve work procedures to cover mechanical troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance activities, with an emphasis on assessing & mitigating personnel and critical systems and operational risk.
• Conduct or oversee hands-on troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance of mechanical equipment.
• Oversee mechanical system configurations and component upgrades to ensure system integrity is maintained and that all modifications to existing systems comply with best practices, including change control processes.
• Provide Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) oversight of construction projects & maintenance activity.
• Lead and/or participate in root-cause analysis activities in area of expertise
• Provide training to Critical Facility Engineers and other cross functional teams on mechanical equipment, systems, procedures, and changes to include mechanical/fire & life safety/industrial water equipment/systems and procedures
• Manage vendor relationships for mechanical maintenance and retrofit work
• Provide feedback on global mechanical maintenance strategies and global electrical system design improvements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience in mechanical trades.
• 7+ years of experience in data center mechanical engineering, facility operations, or mission-critical environments.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret blueprints/CAD drawings.
• Extensive experience in understanding mechanical plans, specifications, and equipment shop drawings.
• Possesses a working knowledge of trend charts and refrigeration cycles.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical system failures in real- time operational settings.
• Theoretical and practical understanding of mechanical equipment and systems, specializing in mechanical equipment design, maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and/or construction.
• Familiarity with critical facility operations, including experience or comprehension of procedure-based work.
• Proven experience working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship.

Physical Requirements

Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed.

Working Conditions Based on Position/Location

Office Environment: Business office hours, with work hours necessary to satisfactorily perform job functions. Some overtime may be required to accomplish timely work demands and meet the company’s professional commitments. Overtime hours worked are paid to nonexempt employees at one and a half times their hourly pay rate.

Site Location: We are a 24-hour facility. Work hours (shifts) are assigned as necessary to satisfactorily perform job functions, ensure compliance, and support efficient company operations. Some positions require work at irregular hours (nights/weekends), overtime, alternating shifts, and working in challenging conditions (heat/cold, hazardous environments, loud worksites). Overtime hours worked are paid to nonexempt employees at one and a half times their hourly pay rate.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents acknowledge that they possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.