Data Center Chief Engineer , Data Center Communities

How would you like to be a part of Earth’s most customer-centric company? You would work with teams of front-line responders who support the operations of some of the world’s most powerful data centers. Our Data Center Engineering Operations team maintain and operate our critical infrastructure systems so that they are prepared to stand up against any situation.

AWS has the world’s largest cloud computing portfolio. As an Amazonian you will work in some of the most sophisticated, safe, and secure data centers in the world. Our Chief Engineers (CE) help keep them that way by working with the brightest minds from around the globe to help test and implement the newest technology and work practices to meet the demands of a changing market.

Key job responsibilities:

• Act as the primary escalation point for all facilities-related issues. Oversee operation and management of routine and emergency services on a variety of critical systems such as: switchgear, generators, UPS systems, power distribution equipment, chillers, cooling towers, computer room air handlers, building monitoring systems, etc.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures, and troubleshooting of facility within internal Service Level Agreements (SLA).
• Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians and responsible for working with Facility Manager (FM) to set team culture.
• Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams
• May assist in the build out of new facilities and assist in projects to increase current facility efficiency
• Working outside of normal business hours for routine maintenance as required, including responding to out-of-hours emergency calls.
• Communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Work with IT managers and other business leaders to coordinate projects, manage capacity, and optimize plant safety, performance, reliability and efficiency
• Ensure all safety procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff
• Establish building performance benchmarks, conduct analyses, and prepare reports on all aspects of the critical facility operations and maintenance.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and other basic administrative tools to perform day to day tasks

Physical Requirements:

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in the following physical conditions with reasonable accommodations:
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 39 pounds independently
• Participate in group lifts for 40+ pounds
• Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder
• Regularly walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb stairs, twist, bend, work above shoulders, grasp, carry, push and pull objects into position
• Work in an environment requiring provided ear protection

A day in the life

This role acts as Amazon’s front line when it comes to hands-on electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting. They maintain, operate, and troubleshoot mission-critical data center facility equipment including electrical support equipment that supports servers that must maintain better than 99.999% uptime. Equipment will include but is not limited to stand-by diesel generators and related fuel systems, 3 phase electrical systems such as switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and wet cell batteries and associated systems. Mechanical equipment includes CRAHU units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, water systems, air handlers and associated systems, pumps, and motors. Additional support equipment is included in the scope of the role which includes fire/life safety equipment, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.

The CE directs, trains and supports technicians in their role of providing hands-on electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting and operations. Implementation and execution of site/equipment-specific training exercises is also expected. They manage projects from conception to completion. These projects involve independent work as well as collaboration with external support groups including engineering, automation, processing, and finance in both local and global settings. The CE will be tasked with creating and delivering on key milestones, obtaining and tracking quotes for all necessary costs, and documenting project results for future implementation at other facilities.

Basic Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• 3+ years of vendor management experience
• 4+ years of relevant work in a data center or other critical environment experience
• 5+ years of data center engineering or operations experience
• 5+ years of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel experience
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in vendor management
• Experience in a data center or other critical environment
• Experience in data center engineering or operations
• Experience with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications:

• 3+ years of construction or project management experience
• Electrical or mechanical Journeyman License
• Operating engineering license such as DC II, DC III, or equivalent
• Experience in construction or project management

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit for more information.