Engineering Operation Technician

Eightelevengroup; Sterling, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Eightelevengroup in Sterling, VA is seeking an Engineering Operations Technician for an on-site role. The position focuses on operating, maintaining, and protecting critical data center electrical and mechanical infrastructure, with a 6-month contract-to-hire structure and 12.5-hour rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.

Ideal candidates bring hands-on maintenance experience, safety focus, and strong technical writing skills to document changes and procedures across BMS/EPMS and related

Qualifications

• Hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of mission-critical electrical and mechanical data center equipment.
• Operational knowledge of three-phase electrical systems including switchgear, UPS, PDUs, and related gear.
• Experience with standby diesel generators and cooling systems.
• Technical writing skills to support change management and documentation.
• Comfort with rotating 12.5-hour shifts, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote the highest safety standards and culture.
• Collaborate with teams to address safety risks and lead safety initiatives.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot UPS, switchgear, ATSs, diesel generators, chillers, HVAC, VFDs, and transformers.
• Respond to operational events within SLAs; participate in on-call rotations.
• Conduct rounds and log readings of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Supervise contractors on servicing or preventive maintenance.
• Respond to off-duty emergency calls as part of an on-call rotation.
• Monitor Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS).
• Support change management with technical documentation.
• Lift/move up to 39 lbs; work on ladders and in outdoor conditions.

Skills

Safety procedures

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Technical writing

Shift work

Team collaboration

Tools

BMS/EPMS systems

Job description

Engineering Operations Technician

Sterling, VA

On-Site role

$25–$35/hr (6-month Contract-to-Hire)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client is seeking a qualified and motivated Engineering Operations Technician to oversee the operation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical infrastructure within their data centers in Sterling, VA. As a key member of the Engineering and Facilities team, you will play a crucial role in maintaining world-class mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring facility operations, and implementing safety procedures. This 6-month contract-to-hire position requires hands‑on experience with mission‑critical data center equipment, strong technical writing skills, and the ability to work 12.5‑hour rotating shifts, including nights and weekends. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and teamwork in a fast‑paced, mission‑critical environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Uphold and promote the highest safety standards, fostering a world‑class safety culture.
• Collaborate with other teams to address safety risks/issues and take ownership of safety initiatives and projects.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment, including UPS units, switchgear, circuit breakers, ATSs, diesel generators, chillers, HVAC, exhaust fans, VFDs, and transformers.
• Respond to and resolve operational events within internal SLAs, including working varying shifts (morning, late, and night) and participating in on‑call rotations.
• Conduct routine rounds and log operational readings of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Supervise contractors performing servicing or preventive maintenance activities.
• Respond to off‑duty emergency calls as part of an on‑call rotation.
• Monitor and interpret Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS) during rounds and events.
• Support formal change management programs through technical writing and documentation.
• Lift and move objects/materials within regulatory weight limits and occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions.
• Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder and work in physically demanding conditions (stooping, kneeling, climbing, etc.).
• Work in environments requiring provided ear protection.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Hands‑on experience performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and repair of mission‑critical electrical and mechanical data center equipment.
• Operational knowledge of three‑phase electrical systems, including switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and wet cell batteries and associated systems.
• Experience with stand‑by diesel generators and related fuel systems.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems such as CRAHU units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, water systems, air handlers, pumps, and motors.
• Exposure to fire/life safety equipment, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.
• Ability to monitor and interpret Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS).
• Technical writing skills to support formal change management processes.
• Willingness to work rotating 12.5‑hour shifts (5:30 AM/PM – 6:30 AM/PM), including nights, weekends, and on‑call rotations, and to support multiple sites as needed.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 39 pounds independently and participate in group lifts for 40+ pounds.
• Ability to maintain balance and perform construction tasks on ladders and work in physically demanding conditions (stooping, kneeling, climbing, etc.).
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• Ability to work in environments requiring provided ear protection.