Critical Operations Engineer I
GavinHeath is partnering with a client in the Chicago, IL area looking to add a Critical Operations Engineer I to their team. The role is a Direct Hire position.
Responsibilities :
Data Center Operations & Maintenance
- Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions across:
- Electrical systems (utility, generators, switchgear, UPS, STS, ATS, PDUs)
- Mechanical systems (chilled water, HVAC, CRAC/CRAH, humidification, central plant)
- Fire/life safety systems (wet and pre-action sprinklers, detection devices)
- Building monitoring and control systems
- Track and trend system performance; analyze operating conditions and recommend improvements
- Ensure maximum uptime and prevent customer-impacting outages
- Follow mechanical and electrical loading requirements to maintain optimal efficiency
Infrastructure & Technical Execution
- Perform customer and internal infrastructure build-outs:
- Cage builds, cabinet installations, rack and stack, overhead installations
- Install, terminate, test, and troubleshoot fiber and copper cabling
- Create and verify circuit paths
- Coordinate and oversee power installations and upgrades
- Perform maintenance and troubleshooting across:
- Transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems
- PLCs, Client systems
- Network hardware, transmission media, and cabling infrastructure
- Security systems including CCTV
Work Management & Systems
- Manage and complete:
- Work orders and service requests
- Trouble tickets and remote hands support
- Utilize CMMS systems for maintenance tracking and documentation
- Maintain database of maintenance discrepancies and drive resolution
- Track, label, and manage equipment and inventory
Customer Support & Service Delivery
- Provide day-to-day customer support including advanced remote hands services
- Support customer cage/cabinet environments and infrastructure needs
- Ensure timely completion of customer requests and service tickets
Coordination, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Work with contractors and consultants on expansions, upgrades, and repairs
- Assist senior technicians with preventive and predictive maintenance programs
- Provide feedback on processes and operational standards
- Support incident response, escalation, and reporting
- Contribute to development of maintenance and operational procedures
Qualifications :
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of data center electrical and mechanical systems
- Knowledge of telecom infrastructure, fiber optics, and structured cabling
- Working knowledge of:
- NEC
- NFPA 70E, 72, 25
- Fire/life safety codes and building compliance
- Knowledge of industrial safety practices (LOTO, OSHA, arc flash)
- Experience with monitoring systems, data tracking, and analysis tools
Technical Experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting large-scale commercial/industrial systems, including:
- Chilled water systems, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers
- HVAC systems, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems
- Pumps, VFDs, water treatment systems
- Diesel generators, fuel/oil systems
- Electrical distribution systems (480/277 and 208/120)
- Static UPS systems
- Fire protection systems (double interlock pre-action, wet systems)
- Client and PLC controls
- Communications cabling and network infrastructure
Skills
- Experience with fiber and copper cabling (layout, pulling, dressing, termination)
- Ability to diagnose and repair IT hardware, servers, and network switches
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- Proven leadership capability
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
Abilities
- Communicate effectively with customers, internal teams, and contractors
- Coordinate and supervise vendors performing maintenance or upgrades
- Quickly learn and adapt to new systems and issues
- Operate in a process-driven, high-reliability environment
- Analyze problems logically and execute solutions
- Manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Operate hand tools and power tools (drills, saws, etc.)
- Use electrical diagnostic tools (multi-meter, infrared camera)
Education & Requirements
- High School Diploma or higher
- 2–5 years of data center or related experience
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background check (criminal, employment, education, DMV, credit)
GavinHeath is an equal opportunity employer. GavinHeath will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, creed, ancestry, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.