Data Center Mechanical SME

Applied Digital; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Digital is seeking a Mechanical Systems Expert or Engineer (SME) to support performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of mission-critical facilities.

You will optimize HRMs, hydronic distribution, technology cooling loops, CDUs, CRAHs, and DOAS units, with BMS/DCIM data analysis to drive reliability and energy efficiency across data centers.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, datacenter cooling systems, and central utility plants.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in supporting mechanical systems for data center facilities.
• Excellent communication and project management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• System Optimization & Support: Maintain and improve mechanical systems (HVAC, cooling, ventilation, plumbing) across facilities.
• Technical Specifications & Documentation: Update specs, as-built docs, and records.
• Compliance: Ensure modifications meet ASHRAE, NFPA, and relevant codes.
• Energy Efficiency: Integrate energy-saving technologies in upgrades.
• Vendor Selection: Assist in evaluating vendors for upgrades and maintenance.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identify risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Project Coordination: Coordinate with construction and maintenance teams.
• Quality Assurance: Support commissioning and turnover.
• System Performance Monitoring: Analyze BMS/DCIM data to drive reliability.
• Operational Support & Troubleshooting: Provide incident response and corrective actions.
• Maintenance Strategy: Develop preventive/predictive maintenance programs.
• Change Management: Manage system modifications through standard processes.
• Capacity/Scaling Support: Assess capacity and plan for load growth.

Skills

HVAC/cooling expertise

Analytical/problem solving

5+ years data center experience

Communication/PM

Team collaboration

Bachelors in ME/related

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

BMS/DCIM

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.

At Applied Digital, we are committed to 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:

As we continue to expand and enhance our data center infrastructure, we are seeking an experienced Mechanical Systems Expert or Engineer (Subject Matter Expert, SME) to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of the mission-critical facilities.

In this role, you will focus on the ongoing operation, optimization, and modification of mechanical systems across our data center(s). Working alongside internal teams and external partners, you will help maintain and enhance existing infrastructure in alignment with established designs and operational goals. This includes supporting system improvements, troubleshooting, and targeted upgrades to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability, as well as contributing to spare parts strategy, maintenance documentation, and development of procedures to support consistent and effective long-term operations.

You will contribute to the transition of systems from construction to operations, ensuring they meet performance expectations and are fully operational for long-term support. The role encompasses a wide range of mechanical systems, including HRMs, hydronic distribution systems, technology cooling loops, CDUs, CRAHs, and DOAS units, with involvement in performance analysis and system optimization efforts to drive reliability and energy efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Optimization & Support: Work cross‑functionally with staff to maintain and continuously improve deployed mechanical systems (HVAC, cooling, ventilation, & plumbing). Support system adjustments, retrofits, and localized upgrades to enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency, with occasional involvement in scoped design work.
• Technical Specifications & Documentation: Maintain and update technical specifications, as-built documentation, and engineering records to reflect system modifications and support ongoing operations throughout the facility lifecycle.
• Compliance: Ensure system modifications, operations, and maintenance activities comply with local building codes, industry standards, and regulations, including ASHRAE and NFPA requirements.
• Energy Efficiency: Incorporate energy-efficient technologies and best practices into system upgrades and operational improvements to reduce environmental impact and operating costs.
• Vendor Selection: Participate in the evaluation and selection of vendors and suppliers for system upgrades, maintenance, and replacement strategies, considering quality, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identify operational and system‑related risks, developing mitigation strategies to maintain system reliability and meet uptime objectives.
• Project Coordination: Coordinate with construction teams, contractors, and facility maintenance personnel to support implementation, integration, and ongoing operation of mechanical systems.
• Quality Assurance: Support construction, commissioning, and functional performance testing by collaborating with project teams to ensure systems meet design intent and operational requirements prior to turnover.
• System Performance Monitoring: Monitor and analyze critical mechanical system performance using BMS/DCIM data to identify trends, optimize operation, and proactively address performance or reliability issues.
• Operational Support & Troubleshooting: Provide technical support for live operations, including troubleshooting system issues, supporting incident response, and developing corrective actions to maintain uptime and reliability.
• Maintenance Strategy: Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of preventive and predictive maintenance programs to enhance system reliability and extend equipment life.
• Change Management: Support and review system modifications through established change management processes, ensuring risks are evaluated, documentation is complete, and implementation aligns with operational standards.
• Capacity/Scaling Support: Support capacity assessments and identify system constraints, contributing to upgrades and improvements that enable future load growth and scalability.

Basic Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, datacenter cooling systems, and central utility plants.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field OR
• Proven experience (5+ years) in supporting mechanical systems for data center facilities.
• Excellent communication and project management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team 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.

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.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.