Mission-Critical Data Center Operations Engineer

Socket.dev

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 100,000 - 160,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Data Center Operations Engineer to manage live data center environments on a Chicago campus. You will oversee inspections, alarm responses, incident handling, and ensure safe onboarding of new capacity.

You will bring 5+ years of hands-on data center experience, deep MEP knowledge, and expertise in direct liquid cooling systems, BMS monitoring, and SOP/EOP/MOP execution. Flexibility for nights/weekends and on-call support is expected.

Qualifications

5+ years of hands-on experience operating, maintaining, commissioning, or constructing mission-critical data centers or similar 24/7 facilities.
In-depth knowledge of MEP systems including switchgear, UPSs, generators, PDUs, chillers, CDUs, CRAC/CRAH and BMS/EPMS.
Strong understanding of data center cooling and electrical principles, redundancy, containment, airflow management, and liquid cooling.
Experience with direct liquid cooling systems, including CDUs, RDHx, valves, hoses, filters, and controls.
Proficient with using BMS and monitoring tools to investigate alarms and trends.
Experience writing, reviewing, and executing SOPs, EOPs, and MOPs.
Ability to work with data center providers, contractors, OEMs and vendors.
Strong problem-solving and clear communication; independent, proactive, and resilient.
Willingness to work nights/weekends and participate in on-call rotation.
Degree in engineering or equivalent critical facilities experience.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain live data center environments with regular inspections, alarms, incidents, and follow-up.
Troubleshoot cooling, power, controls, and monitoring at cabinet, pod, and facility levels.
Support and maintain CDUs, RDHx units, and direct liquid cooling infrastructure; perform filter, valve, hose checks, and leak response.
Monitor operations through BMS/monitoring tools; investigate abnormal conditions and escalate with technical context.
Review, execute, and improve SOPs, EOPs, and MOPs with internal teams and vendors.
Plan and coordinate preventative and reactive maintenance; supervise critical work and ensure return to service.
Serve as primary liaison with data center providers and coordinate on-site vendor work.
Support construction and commissioning activities for new halls: walk sites, review drawings, witness tests.