Lead Reliability Engineer - Mechanical

Aligned Data Centers; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Paid Time Off and holidays

Short-/Long-Term Disability

Wellness programs

Job summary

Aligned Data Centers is seeking a Lead Reliability Engineer to act as the supreme technical authority for hydronic and mechanical infrastructure across the fleet. You will translate failure data into binding engineering mandates, reducing enterprise SLA risk and bridging Site Operations with Platform Delivery.

You will lead forensic investigations, issue binding ECOS changes, audit sites for strict adherence to runbooks, and collaborate with the Advanced Cooling Lab to stress-test new topologies

Qualifications

• Advanced degree may substitute for experience (10+ years) in mechanical industry for this role.
• Expert knowledge of data center cooling technologies (CDUs, CRAHs, CRACs, AHUs) and chillers.
• Ability to analyze failures and trends to drive engineering changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead deep-dive forensics and RCA governance for critical fleet incidents.
• Issue binding Engineering Change Orders based on forensic data.
• Conduct programmatic audits of active data center sites for compliance.
• Design tests in the Advanced Cooling Lab and validate new technologies.
• Communicate complex mechanical issues to senior leadership.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Hyperscale data centers

Chiller plants

Thermodynamics

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Role Summary

Unlike traditional operational support roles, the Lead Reliability Engineer is the supreme technical authority for hydronic and mechanical infrastructure across Aligned's fleet. Acting as a strategic bridge between Site Operations and Platform Delivery, this role utilizes advanced failure analysis to enforce continuous improvement. The Lead Engineer does not just troubleshoot abnormal conditions; they translate empirical failure data into binding engineering mandates to eliminate enterprise SLA risk.

Core Responsibilities

• Advanced Forensic Investigations (RCA Governance): Lead deep-dive thermodynamic, fluid-dynamic, and metallurgical forensics for critical fleet incidents. Elevate standard post-mortems into highly technical root cause analyses, translating findings into immediate corrective actions.
• Engineering Design Mandates: Review construction drawings, contract documents, and equipment specifications not just for operational feasibility, but to issue binding Engineering Change Orders to Platform Delivery based on forensic failure data.
• Proactive Fleet Auditing: Conduct rigorous, programmatic audits of active Data Center sites to ensure strict compliance with Aligned's runbooks, operating conditions, and maintenance standards.
• Innovation & Lab Integration: Lead technical review and validation of new technologies by designing physical tests within the Advanced Cooling Lab. Partner with the Lab Manager to integrate mechanical failure data into the High-Fidelity System Simulator to proactively stress-test new cooling topologies.
• Executive Technical Advisement: Communicate complex mechanical vulnerabilities and strategic reliability initiatives to senior leadership and cross-departmental executives.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of advanced mechanical industry experience (or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering and 6+ years), specifically focused on hyperscale data center infrastructure, complex hydronic loops, and massive-scale chiller plants.
• Technical Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of critical system design, operations, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Deep understanding of data center cooling technologies (CDUs, CRAHs, CRACs, AHUs, etc.), chiller plants and equipment, and thermodynamics.
• Analytical Acumen: Proven ability to analyze critical infrastructure sequence of operations, design parameters, alarms, and performance trends to identify systemic architectural flaws.
• Strategic Leadership: Expertise to create standards and programs required to ensure "best in breed" data center operations, transitioning local site knowledge into fleet-wide engineering policy.

Benefits & Perks

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants. FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.

Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.