Data Center Mechanical Engineering SME

Applied Digital; Ellendale (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company based in Ellendale, North Dakota, is seeking a skilled Data Center Mechanical Engineer – Operational Subject Matter Expert. The role focuses on overseeing and optimizing mechanical infrastructure performance, requiring in-depth knowledge of cooling systems and facility operations. Candidates should possess at least 7 years of relevant experience and a degree in mechanical engineering. This position offers a challenging environment aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in data centers.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in data center mechanical engineering or facility operations.
• Ability to interpret blueprints/CAD drawings.
• Experience with mechanical plans, specifications, and equipment drawings.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical failures in real-time.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize data center mechanical infrastructure performance.
• Ensure collaboration between local facility and global teams.
• Develop and maintain mechanical related procedures.
• Conduct troubleshooting and maintenance of mechanical equipment.
• Provide training on mechanical equipment and systems.

Skills

Chiller systems

Evaporative cooling

CDU cooling

Water distribution and treatment

Emergency diesel generators

Fire suppression systems

Building automation systems

Electrical distribution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience

Job description

Applied Digital is seeking a highly skilledData 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 requiresdeep 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.