SkillBridge - Critical Facilities Engineer, Data Center - Cohort Q1' 2027

Equinix; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Equinix is seeking participants for its SkillBridge cohort focused on Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer roles within its U.S. operations.

The program targets transitioning service members and military spouses, offering hands‑on experience in critical facility infrastructure and 24/7 operations. Ideal candidates have HVAC, electrical, or related trades experience and are eager to translate military skills into civilian IT/data center roles.

Qualifications

• Active‑duty military member or Military Spouse approved for SkillBridge participation.
• Knowledge of critical infrastructure (UPS, generators, BMS, chillers, life safety).
• HVAC design coursework or thermodynamics background.
• HVAC testing and balancing methodologies.
• Good time management, multitasking, and focus on long tasks.
• Effective communication of technical ideas; teamwork oriented.

Responsibilities

• Perform site inspections and supervise building and Data Center alarms.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on on‑site infrastructure or lead vendors.
• Undertake repairs and corrective maintenance.
• Maintain knowledge of critical infrastructure (UPS, generator, BMS, chillers, life safety systems).
• Complete site logs and data gathering, issue basic permits such as MOPs and scripts.
• Respond to on‑site incidents and work emergencies as needed.
• Complete routine work requests and circuit installations.
• Collaborate within the department; provide recommendations for maintenance.
• Carry out basic infrastructure projects; 24/7 operation with flexible shifts.

Skills

Active duty experience

Military spouse status

HVAC knowledge

Electrical trades

Electronics background

IT familiarity

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Job description

Who are we?

Equinix is the world's digital infrastructure company, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

Career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You'll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You'll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you-because when you feel valued, you're empowered to do your best work.

***FOR MILITARY ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL or MILITARY SPOUSES ONLY***

Position Summary

Equinix Emerging Talent, Military Program provides service members with transition assistance to the civilian workforce. This is part of the DoW SkillBridge Program, offering transitioning service members hands‑on experience in Equinix's data center operations. Trainees will support routine and semi‑routine tasks related to customer installations, infrastructure maintenance, and service delivery within the IBX data centers.

Are you a military service member within or nearing your 180‑day window for separation from active duty? Are you a military spouse wanting to engage a technology career? If this is you, then Equinix has a unique opportunity to help kick‑start the next chapter in your professional life.

Please note: This program is exclusively for Military Spouse Fellows or Active‑duty U.S. military personnel transitioning out of the military to the civilian workforce.

Who are we?

Equinix is the world's digital infrastructure company, operating over 260 data centers across the globe. Digital leaders harness Equinix's trusted platform to bring together and interconnect foundational infrastructure at software speed. Equinix enables organizations to access all the right places, partners and possibilities to scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world‑class experiences and multiply their value, while supporting their sustainability goals.

Joining our operations team means that you will be at the forefront of all we do, maintaining critical facilities infrastructure as part of a close‑knit team delivering best‑in‑class service to our data center customers. We embrace diversity in thought and contribution and are committed to providing an equitable work environment that is foundational to our core values as a company and is vital to our success.

We are accepting applications for our very own SkillBridge Cohort Class of Q1' 2027 supporting the Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer. The training will be on the cutting edge of technology in a digital infrastructure environment supporting an initiative designed to link our nation's warfighters to the best employment opportunities available. Ideal start dates will be late February through March.

Do you have a background in IT, Networking, Electronics, electrician work, or HVAC and skilled Mechanical trades? Or desire to learn a new skill or trade? This could be your next career move!

In this DoD Skillbridge Program with Equinix, you will:

• Learn how your military experience translates into a rewarding civilian career


• Explore a career or industry you might want to pursue upon separation from active duty


• Earn real‑world industry qualifications and certifications


• Build experience and competency in your trade/ profession with our team


• Expand your professional network of contacts


• Gain familiarity with corporate culture

Job Summary

Data Centers are considered Critical Facilities. This means that we support hospitals, laboratories, and public safety centers. Simply put - We cannot go dark. In this crucial role, you will complete repairs, corrective maintenance, and routine installations of Critical Facility infrastructure. Do you have a background in Electrical/Electrician, HVAC, and skilled Mechanical trades? This could be your next career move.

Responsibilities

• You will perform site inspections and supervise the building and Data Center alarms


• Perform preventative maintenance on on‑site infrastructure (e.g., maintenance of primary infrastructure), or lead vendors


• Undertake repairs and corrective maintenance


• Extensive knowledge of critical infrastructure i.e., UPS, generator, BMS, chillers, life safety systems


• Completion of site logs and data gathering, issuing basic permits, such as MOPs and scripts


• Respond to all on‑site incidents and acts as the need arises


• Complete routine work requests and circuit installations


• Assist with critical maintenance activities


• You can optimally collaborate within the department and provide recommendations to peers for general maintenance activities


• Carry out basic infrastructure projects


• 24/7 Operation - Your flexibility to work any assigned shift, off‑schedule, fill in for a workmate, respond to emergencies, etc.

Qualifications

• Active‑duty military member or Military Spouse approved for SkillBridge or MSCAP participation


• Comprehensive knowledge of critical infrastructure, i.e., UPS, generator, BMS, chillers, life safety systems


• Coursework in HVAC design or heat transfer and thermodynamics


• Knowledge of HVAC testing and balancing methodologies


• Good time management habits, ability to multi‑task, and sustain focus on long tasks.


• Ability to communicate thoughts and technical ideas.


• Attitude of taking initiative, enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, teamwork, creativity.


• The ability to prioritize effectively, balance assigned work, and exceptional organizational skills required for our constantly evolving environments.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential for team‑based work assignments.


• Presentation skills with colleagues and clients of all levels

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affir​mative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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