Critical Facilities Engineer

Overview

Valor Front Executive Search has been exclusively retained to identify a Critical Facilities Engineer for a leading colocation and build-to-suit data center developer and operator in Houston, Texas. This is a confidential search on behalf of a well-established platform with a 20-year management track record, 100% uptime since 2018, 160+ enterprise customers, and significant expansion underway, backed by a proven infrastructure investment partner.

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a hands-on technical expert responsible for operating, maintaining, and optimizing the electrical and mechanical infrastructure that supports 100% uptime across their mission-critical facilities. This role is ideal for a seasoned electrical professional who thrives in high-reliability environments and takes personal ownership of system performance. You will work alongside a tenured operations team with a 14-year average tenure and play a central role in sustaining and scaling infrastructure during a period of meaningful growth, including an active 24MW expansion.

What You Will Do

Operate, monitor, and maintain critical electrical systems including UPS units, switch gear, PDUs, generators, ATS, and STS equipment. Perform scheduled and emergency maintenance while adhering to strict MOP protocols and change management processes. Conduct root cause analysis on electrical system failures and implement corrective actions to protect uptime. Monitor BMS and EPMS platforms to identify anomalies, trends, and potential risks before they escalate.

Execute switching operations, load transfers, and system isolations in support of planned maintenance and emergency response. Support commissioning and acceptance testing of new electrical infrastructure tied to ongoing expansion. Maintain detailed logs, as-built documentation, and SOPs for all critical systems. Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and OEMs on equipment servicing, warranty work, and system upgrades. Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation and respond to facility alarms and emergency events.

Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E, OSHA, NEC, and all applicable codes and safety standards.

What You Bring

10 to 15 years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining critical electrical infrastructure in data center, mission-critical, or heavy industrial environments. Strong electrical background with deep working knowledge of UPS systems such as Liebert, Eaton, Mitsubishi, or equivalent OEMs. Demonstrated experience with power distribution systems including switch gear, transformers, PDUs, RPPs, and bus duct. Proven ability to read, interpret, and redline single-line diagrams, schematics, and electrical drawings.

Proficiency in switching operations, LOTO, and energized work procedures in compliance with NFPA 70E. Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across medium- and low-voltage electrical systems. Excellent documentation habits and experience within formal change management and MOP frameworks.

Strongly Preferred

Hands-on experience with ATS and STS equipment including testing, maintenance, and failure response. Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a closely related discipline. Prior experience in a data center or mission-critical facility environment such as colocation, hyperscale, or enterprise. Familiarity with generator paralleling systems, medium-voltage distribution, and utility interconnection. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman or Master Electrician license, NFPA 70E certification, or BICSI credentials.

Experience with BMS/EPMS platforms such as Schneider Eco Struxure, Vertiv Liebert, or similar. Track record of supporting commissioning, capacity…