Data Center Operator

Salute Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 company-paid holidays + 2 floating

PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision from Day 1

401(k) with match

HSA and gym discounts

ID theft protection

Job summary

Salute Inc. is seeking a Data Center Operator in Austin, TX to join our team and support hyperscale client relationships.

The role emphasizes safety, proactive maintenance, and system monitoring across critical facility infrastructure. Applicants should have an engineering degree and at least 5 years in data center operation, installation, and maintenance, with experience in HVAC and electrical distribution.

Qualifications

• 4-year engineering degree from an accredited university.
• At least 5 years of experience in the operation, installation, and maintenance of data center equipment.
• Knowledge of HVAC, electrical distribution, and critical facility systems.
• Ability to read electrical and mechanical one-line diagrams.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25 and related codes.
• Strong safety mindset and best practices for industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize safety in all tasks and maintain safe work practices.
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal facility conditions.
• Perform planned and ad-hoc preventive maintenance on critical systems.
• Inspect building systems (HVAC, electrical) for safe operation and cleanliness.
• Manage work requests and coordinate with contractors and consultants.
• Assist with commissioning and testing of new systems while keeping critical systems online.

Skills

Electrical & mechanical systems

One-line diagrams

Safety practices

Preventive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Critical facility operations

Emergency response

Vendor coordination

Reading blueprints/diagrams

Physical stamina

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Data Center Operator

Salary Range: $34.00 To $35.00 Hourly

Salute is a leading provider of cutting-edge Data Center Infrastructure Services, dedicated to serving data center clients worldwide. We pride ourselves on delivering sustainable solutions, unparalleled reliability, and outstanding customer service. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Data Center Operator to join our team and drive our relationships with hyperscale clients to new heights.

Salute Benefits That Put You First

We know life doesn’t stop when work begins, that’s why we offer perks designed to support your well-being, your family, and your future:

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy 8 company-paid holidays , 2 floating holidays , and PTO so you can rest, celebrate, and take care of what matters most.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including Medical, Dental, and Vision that you can enroll in starting on Day 1. Coverage begins the first of the month following 30-days of employment.
• Peace of Mind: The Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees, even if you do not participate in the benefits package.
• Your financial future matters: Enjoy our employer-supported 401(K) with immediate 100% vesting, plus a 3% employer match and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Wellness Support: Access to HSA , mental health resources, and gym discounts —because your health matters.
• Extra Protection & Perks: Through discounted group programs, such as legal services , home & auto insurance , pet insurance , and ID theft protection for life’s unexpected moments.

Responsibilities

• Place SAFETY at the top of anything and everything that they do – without fail.
• Focus on the tasks and activities given to them and remain consistently focused on SAFETY.
• Operate , monitor, maintain , and respond to abnormal conditions of facility systems.
• Complete planned and ad-hoc preventive maintenance work assignments, requiring the skill and direction of several electrical, mechanical, maintenance trades and engineering disciplines.
• Conduct periodic inspections of building systems, i.e., HVAC, electrical distribution, maintain mechanical equipment rooms/enclosures to ensure clean, functional, and safe conditions.
• Rapid response, investigation and management of indoor emergency situations and air quality complaints, including humidity.
• Have a complete working knowledge on creating, closing, and tracking "work requests" (WR). Initiate or respond to work orders, follow-up and verify completion of work.
• Monitor performance/note deficiencies of service contractors and recommend changes as necessary.
• Provide applied electrical, mechanical, integrated control and water chemistry technical expertise for the entire data center.
• Directly interface with management team, contractors, and consultants for all phased data center construction commissioning, including integration and testing of new systems while maintaining critical systems online.
• Work with the Facility Technician and other stakeholders to track and complete a preventive and predicative maintenance schedule for critical maintenance and system commissioning.
• Ensure data center operates at maximum operational efficiency, including:
  • A nalyzing existing operating conditions
  • R ecommending new technologies and improving overall efficiency and cost reduction.
• Responsible for data center white space and back-of-house electrical loading and capacity , including client installations and systems.
• This position may require unusual hours of work approximately once every other week to meet critical maintenance windows and scheduling.
• Directly manage contractors and consultants for daily operations and critical maintenance (UPS systems, generators, switchgear, and chiller maintenance).
• Provide applied electrical, mechanical, integrated control and technical expertise for the entire data center.
• Directly manage and supervise Facility Technicians in all aspects of day-to-day operations and maintenance of all electrical and mechanical critical facility equipment.
• On-call to respond to emergency situations at the data center.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
• The Data Center Facilities Engineer interacts across all internal departments, including executives and will interact with clients and vendors.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Strong background in operating mechanical and electrical critical systems, design review, layout, installation, including the ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical one lines.
• Ability to conduct power- and thermal system capacity, safety, and code compliance assessments.
• Hands-on experience installing, maintaining , and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial electrical systems including:
  • Medium-voltage switchgear
  • 480/277 Volt and 208/120-volt electrical generation and distribution systems
  • Diesel powered AC generators.
  • Static UPS systems (where applicable)
  • Dynamic Rotary UPS Systems (where applicable)
• M ulti-string flooded cell batteries and monitoring systems
• Static switches
• PLC and relay logic controls
• Power monitoring systems
• Data center power distribution and management systems
• Current knowledge of NFPA Electrical, Fire and Life Safety and building codes, or local regulatory equivalent within the location of the data center.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25 and compliance issues
• Expert knowledge in industrial safety best practices ( i.e. lockout/tag out, arc flash protection, OSHA and state regulations)
• An excellent understanding of the electrical and mechanical systems involved in critical data center operations, including systems such as feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units.
• Work directly with customers, internal teams, installation engineers, technical consultants, and other implementation personnel to coordinate customer turn-ups, process flow, to ensure smooth transition from installation to operation.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited university.
• Full use of sight, hearing and voice are required as well as full motor skills.
• The ability to lift up to 23kgs (50lbs), bend, stoop, reach overhead and stand for long time periods.
• A minimum of 5 years of directly related experience in the operation, installation, and maintenance of data center critical equipment, building systems with in-depth technical understanding and knowledge of all HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Knowledge of the electrical and mechanical systems used in a data center environment, including: Feeders, Transformers, Generators, Switchgear, UPS systems, ATS/STS units, PDU/PMM units, Chillers, Air handling units and CRAC units.
• Good observation skills and problem-solving ability.
• Military experience would be an advantage.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment, up to 40lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders and multiple flights of stairs to access elevated equipment
• Ability to stand for long periods of time in various work environments
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for equipment related tasks
• Basic physical fitness to respond quickly to emergency situations and navigate areas quickly
• Ability to move quickly and efficiently withing various work environments to troubleshoot issues or respond to emergencies.
• Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity for working with small components and connectors
• Clear vision , with or without correction, to perform tasks requiring attention to detail and precision while wearing safety glasses
• Ability to differentiate between color-coded warning signs, labels, and cables
• Ability to work in environments with a wide variety temperature inside a facility
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, or snow
• Capability to work in environments with elevated noise levels while wearing hearing protection
• Possession of a valid driver’s license for work-related travel, as required

Salute is an equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees, and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants; if you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department at [e-mail] for more information.

Compensation & Benefits Disclosure

The base salary range for this role is $34.00-$35.00/ per hour. This range reflects a good ‑ faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay upon hire, based on factors such as skills, experience, education, and market/location. Our comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), gym discount, mental health, Discounted Group Life & AD&D, Discounted Group Short & Long-term Disability, 401(k) retirement matching, PTO/paid holidays, and parental leave. Final compensation will be determined by job ‑ related factors consistent with applicable law.

SHIFT: Monday through Friday (Days/8hr Shifts)
Days: 9am - 5pm (8 hr shifts)