Data Center Operations - Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

JOB TITLE: Operations SME, Mechanical DEPARTMENT: Operations REPORTS TO: Director, Operational Reliability SUMMARY: This individual will provide technical knowledge, process, and tools to the site operations team as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with new campus design, systems’ operations, incident RCA, training, vendor management, maintenance optimization, and troubleshooting to ensure continuous, reliable, and efficient operations of critical environment.
As an SME, this individual will play a crucial role in a wide variety of Operational Excellence initiatives ranging from Sales deal development, DC infrastructure design evaluation, validating installed operating conditions, site acceptance, M&A support, yearly site operational audits, and evaluating next level technologies.
Working cross functionally, this individual will raise Aligned’s technical and operational capabilities and drive exceptional customer service.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Engineering and Design: Drives operational standards and functional requirements in capital projects.
Review drawings, contract documents, and customer requirements to provide an operational point-of-view for mechanical technical standards and updates to capital projects.
Provide input on capital projects to ensure Aligned delivers critical infrastructure that is reliable, efficient, and meets sustainability goals.
Reviews and supports enhancement to equipment and systems for existing and new capital projects.
Drives operational standards and functional requirements in capital projects.
Training and Development of Personnel: Create Operations training and development content and sponsor training of operations personnel through collaboration with site operations leadership and training teams.
Conduct training, drills, and monitored evolutions to establish and demonstrate consistent and high technical competence across all Aligned sites.
Mentor and provide development support to high potential personnel cross-functionally.
Reliability and Efficiency Expert: Provide technical analytical framework for site performance analytics, failure analysis, and issue resolution.
Demonstrate expert operating knowledge of critical system design, operations, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of abnormal conditions.
Drive improvements in critical system performance, water and electrical usage efficiency, and critical infrastructure reliability.
Provide subject matter expertise and leadership required to drive a safety culture the eliminates risk and injury to personnel.
Global Support to Site Operations Teams: Utilize subject matter expertise to ensure Aligned develops industry leading processes and procedure to meet customer requirements, ensure proper operation of critical infrastructure, reduce OPEX through quality maintenance practices, and drive efficiency throughout operations.
Monitor and drive adherence to Aligned approved Operations standards, policies, and procedures through review of completed construction documentation, participation in maintenance and acceptance activities, and Data Center audits.
Develop BCP and Runbook standards for approval involving site management, vendor management, maintenance practices, alarm and incident management, and compliance.
Provide project oversight and technical support for complex evolutions/activities as required.
Provide subject matter expertise required to triage and recover critical equipment or systems should an incident occur.
Perform root cause analysis, lead incident deep-dives, and communicate subject matter expertise as needed to support customer communications during and following an incident.
Perform analysis of incidents and equipment failures to identify potential trends, lessons learned, and areas for improvement.
Forward vision: Involvement within industry and vendor interaction to be aware of industry leading technologies.
Collaborate with customer operational needs to ensure Aligned is aware and keeping pace with industry technical developments.
Lead technical review and validation of new technologies.
Technical leadership in understanding and evaluating sustainable practices.
Communications: Participation in discussions, written and verbal, with Aligned senior leadership and Board of Directors.
Individual should be able to communicate complex topics to work groups of varying technical experience and across departmental lines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 8+ years relevant mechanical industry experience or mechanical trade level experience Bachelor’s degree in related field plus 4+ years relevant mechanical industry experience will be considered in lieu of 8+ years mechanical industry experience Advanced experience with interpreting construction drawings and equipment specifications.
Ability to analyze critical infrastructure sequence of operations, design parameters, alarms and indicators, and performance trends.
System matter experience in the life cycle of data center operations from design, acceptance, operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and event management.
Expertise to create standards and programs required to ensure “best in breed” data center operations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong customer service acumen.
May travel at times up to 30% .
COMPETENCIES: Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Frequently required to stand Frequently required to walk Continually required to sit Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl Continually required to talk or hear Frequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather) Continually work near moving mechanical parts Occasionally work in high, precarious places Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions Occasional exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather) While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 50 pounds Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.
It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Aligned Data Centers is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.