Data Center Chief Engineer

Overview

Join our Data Center Engineering Operations Team to become a critical architect of the infrastructure that powers global cloud computing. You will maintain the heartbeat of Amazon Web Services’ physical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations that support millions of customers worldwide.

• Act as the primary escalation point for all facilities‑related issues; oversee operation and management of routine and emergency services on critical systems such as switch gear, generators, UPS systems, power distribution equipment, chillers, cooling towers, computer room air handlers, and building monitoring systems.
• Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshooting within internal Service Level Agreements.
• Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians and work with the Facility Manager to set team culture.
• Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams.
• Assist in building out new facilities and in projects to increase current facility efficiency.
• Work outside of normal business hours for routine maintenance, including responding to out‑of‑hours emergency calls.
• Communicate complex technical information to a non‑technical audience.
• Coordinate projects with IT managers and business leaders to 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 critical facility operations and maintenance.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other basic administrative tools to perform day‑to‑day tasks.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in the following physical conditions with reasonable accommodation:
• Regularly lift 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.
• The role may involve travel to an under‑development facility and training at established locations.

• Ability to travel or commute between data center locations as needed.
• Willingness to temporarily work at alternative sites during training or before assigned facility is operational.
• Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility.
• Must be able to travel over 50 miles or commute less than 50 miles to active data center sites as required.

This role acts as Amazon’s front line for hands‑on electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting. You will maintain, operate, and troubleshoot mission‑critical data center facility equipment including standby diesel generators, 3‑phase electrical systems such as switch gear, UPS units, PDUs, wet‑cell batteries, and associated systems. Mechanical equipment includes CRAHU units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, water systems, air handlers, and associated systems. Additional support equipment includes fire/life safety equipment, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.

The Chief Engineer directs, trains, and supports technicians. Implementation and execution of site/equipment‑specific training exercises is expected. You will manage projects from conception to completion, collaborate with external support groups, create and deliver on key milestones, obtain and track quotes, and document results for future implementation.

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