Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP)

T5Datacenters; Kings Mountain (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

T5Datacenters is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (MEP) to lead electrical, mechanical, and plumbing operations in our data centers. The role focuses on power distribution, UPS/battery systems, HVAC, and critical environment control, with emphasis on maintenance, troubleshooting, and project oversight.

The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree and 5–7+ years in mission-critical environments, strong communication, and a safety-first mindset to ensure uptime and compliance with client standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 5–7+ years’ experience in mission critical environments with a heavy emphasis on mechanical systems and operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee electrical, mechanical, and plumbing critical systems for 100% uptime.
• Coordinate with onsite vendors for maintenance and updates.
• Develop emergency, maintenance, and drill procedures with the Engineering team.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Review CMMS work orders and close issues with the Engineering Team.
• Maintain all MEP equipment in optimal condition.
• Update site MEP procedures (EOPs, SOPs, MOPs) to current standards.
• Provide MEP training to the Operations Team.
• Liaise with Ops on day-to-day issues and improvements.

Skills

Verbal & written comms

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Customer service mindset

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. or B.S.) or equivalent experience

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Job Overview

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) is the main point of contact for electrical operations and is responsible for all aspects of data center operations related to procedure-based MEP maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, training, and project oversight. The candidate will need to be experienced in Low, Medium, and High Voltage power distribution, electrical protection & controls systems, UPS & battery systems, electrical testing, applicable electrical codes & standards, critical cooling systems, HVAC systems, refrigerant based systems, and testing. Including, codes and standards and a basic understanding of plumbing systems.

Responsibilities

• Technical Supervision of the operation, maintenance and repair of all Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing critical environment systems while maintaining 100% uptime to all related critical systems
• Working with the onsite vendors to ensure the ongoing operation, maintenance and repair of the MEP, the installation of updates, and the functionality of all MEP alarms and notifications
• Development of detailed emergency, maintenance, and drill procedures (in conjunction with the Engineering team)
• Adherence to all quality, health & safety, and environmental policies within the Data Center domain
• Follow up and close out on all MEP issues raised by the Engineering Team through daily shift reports and CMMS open WO’s
• Maintain all MEP equipment at optimal operational level
• Develop and keep up to date all site MEP procedures including EOPs, SOPs, MOPs and Drills; all documentation should be consistent with current T5 & client standards
• Supervision of MEP related drill and scenario training aids
• Generation of periodic technical reports detailing the activities and issues relevant to the Data Center domain
• Provide site specific MEP training to the Operations Team
• Assist in the development and training of technicians with MEP related issues
• Liaise closely with the Ops team with regard to day to day issues & improvements/solutions to the operation of the Electrical/Mechanical plants
• Report health and safety breaches through the site process
• Ensure the professional image of T5 and the client is presented to staff and visitors at all times
• Develop a good working relationship with all members of the client and supplier staff and representatives
• Communicate any lessons learnt from project implementations and highlight them to the site team to ensure measures are put in place to avoid these for future deployments
• Ensure the provision of a safe and healthy working environment
• This role also includes assisting the operations team if required to provide additional support within Critical Environment operations
• Adhere to all relevant U.S. safety laws
• Complete other such duties consistent with your role as you may be assigned by T5 Ops management

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. or B.S.) or equivalent experience, required
• 5-7+ years’ experience in mission critical environments with a heavy emphasis on mechanical systems and operations

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills required for working effectively with CFM, team members, vendors and customers on daily data center management
• Good written technical proficiency to support the creation and revision of process documentation (MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs)
• Above average problem-solving and analysis skills for evaluating a situation, identifying solutions, and working with leadership and teammates to resolve
• Embraces a team-based mentality by building positive morale and team spirit, supporting teammates efforts to succeed, and recognizing teammates accomplishments
• Able to function effectively and maintain focus in high-pressure situations
• Has a “can-do” customer service attitude who is conscientious and takes personal pride in their work
• Has high degree of attention to detail and completes tasks on time
• Able to follow instructions, respond to management direction, and volunteer readily when asked
• Able to handle changing needs and priorities accurately and professionally
• Able to read and understand electrical and mechanical manuals, drawings, and sketches
• Able to work proficiently and safely with hand tools and power tools

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These physical tasks may be required on an emergency basis, meaning performed by the CFT alone, without notice, and on an immediate basis to meet urgent facility operations requirements and standards at a site where frequently no other personnel are available.

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl using both arms and legs
• Ability to reach, grasp, push, pull, handle, feel, and type with both hands and arms
• Ability to smell, talk and hear
• Ability to see at close and distance ranges and the ability to see and correctly distinguish color
• Ability to lift equipment in small spaces without mechanical assistance, weighing up to 100 pounds
• Ability to work inside and outside