Critical Operations Engineer II

Job Description

Job Description

Critical Operations Engineer II

GavinHeath is partnering with a client in the New York City metropolitan area looking to add a Critical Operations Engineer II to their team. The role is a Direct Hire position.

Responsibilities :

Data Center Operations & Maintenance

• Serve as subject matter expert across:
  • Electrical systems (utility, generators, switchgear, UPS, STS, ATS, PDUs)
  • Mechanical systems (chilled water, HVAC, CRAC/CRAH, humidification)
  • Fire/life safety systems (wet and pre-action sprinklers, detection systems)
  • Communications infrastructure (IFD, MDF, MMR, structured cabling)
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions across all facility systems
• Track, trend, and analyze operational performance data
• Ensure maximum uptime and prevent customer-impacting outages
• Manage data floor and mechanical loading capacity to optimize cooling efficiency
• Provide integrated mechanical and controls expertise across the entire facility
• Monitor building fire alarm systems and overall facility health

Infrastructure & Technical Execution

• Support and execute infrastructure projects:
  • Cage build-outs, rack and stack, overhead installations
• Manage structured cabling environments and customer spaces
• Troubleshoot and maintain:
  • Transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems
  • PLCs, Client systems
  • Network hardware, transmission media, cabling infrastructure
• Perform and oversee work order completion and technical problem resolution

Work Management & Systems

• Manage:
  • Trouble tickets and service requests
  • Work order lifecycle and completion processes
• Utilize CMMS systems for maintenance tracking and reporting
• Ensure SLA compliance and proper data entry into OSS systems
• Maintain asset tracking, labeling, and inventory management
• Assist with database management of maintenance discrepancies and resolution prioritization

Customer Support, Compliance & Site Oversight

• Provide high-level customer support and ensure internal customer demands are met
• Ensure contractors deliver quality work and meet operational standards
• Provide physical security oversight within the facility
• Conduct facility and security tours; document and resolve issues
• Manage incident escalation, response, and reporting
• Adhere to and promote operational excellence standards, culture, and guiding principles

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with Data Center Manager to:
  • Define and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs
  • Determine mechanical and electrical maintenance requirements
  • Drive operational efficiency, cost reduction, and system optimization
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to improve performance and reduce costs
• Serve as primary expert on fire codes, electrical codes, and regulatory compliance
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior technicians
• Contribute to technical documentation and maintenance procedures

Qualifications :

Technical Knowledge

• Expert understanding of:
  • Electrical and mechanical systems in critical facilities
  • Electrical distribution, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems
  • Chilled water systems, CRAC/CRAH units, PLCs, Client systems
  • Fire/life safety systems including pre-action sprinklers
• Expert knowledge of:
  • NEC
  • NFPA 70E, 72, 25
  • Fire/life safety compliance and building codes
• Expert knowledge of fiber optics, structured cabling, and telecom infrastructure
• Deep understanding of industrial safety practices (LOTO, OSHA, arc flash)
• Experience with monitoring systems, data tracking, and performance analysis tools

Technical Experience & Skills

• 5 7 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)
  • Client and PLC controls
• Expert-level experience with fiber and copper cabling (layout, pulling, dressing, termination)
• Experience diagnosing and repairing IT hardware, servers, and network switches
• Proven leadership and mentoring capability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

Abilities

• Communicate effectively with customers, internal teams, and contractors
• Coordinate and supervise vendors performing maintenance or upgrades
• Quickly learn and respond to complex issues (including after-hours)
• Operate in a process-driven, high-reliability environment
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and electrical diagnostic equipment (multi-meter, infrared camera)

Education & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• 5 years in mechanical/electrical roles within critical facilities (data center, hospital, power plant preferred)
• 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.