Data Center Mechanical Engineering - SME

Job Description

Job Description

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We Align With:

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and effectively, leading the way in technological evolution.
• Resiliency : We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, providing robust and reliable solutions that meet the needs of industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers: Our pioneering approach leverages the latest technologies to create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

If you are interested in solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, achieving high efficiency, maximizing space and energy, and reducing industrial carbon footprint; you will find many like-minded individuals at Applied Digital.

Position Summary:

Applied Digital is seeking a highly experienced Data Center Mechanical Engineer - Operational Subject Matter Expert (SME) to oversee and optimize the performance, reliability, and efficiency of our data center mechanical systems. This role requires deep technical expertise in HVAC, cooling systems, and facility operations to ensure the seamless operation of high-performance data centers. The SME will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop operational strategies, troubleshoot complex mechanical issues, and drive improvements in system reliability and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all mechanical systems within the data center, including HVAC, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, and chillers.

• Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting and resolving mechanical system issues, optimizing performance, and mitigating risks.

• Develop and implement operational procedures, maintenance strategies, and reliability programs for mechanical infrastructure.

• Collaborate with design, construction, and operations teams to enhance system efficiency and scalability.

• Analyze mechanical system data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.

• Work closely with vendors and contractors to evaluate new technologies and ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Conduct root cause analysis for cooling-related incidents and develop corrective action plans.

• Provide training and mentorship to operations personnel on mechanical system best practices.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards.

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• Serve as an onsite technical resource of mechanical infrastructure systems and equipment, with an emphasis on practical field operation.

• Ensure appropriate cross-functional collaboration between the local facility team and applicable local and global teams.

• Contribute to the mechanical safety program for the site.

• Collaborate with design, construction, and operations teams to enhance electrical system resiliency and scalability.

• Develop and keep up to date on all site Mechanical related procedures including EOPs, SOPs, MOPs, and Drills. All documentation should be consistent with current client standards.

• Plan resource, author or approve work procedures to cover mechanical troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance activities, with an emphasis on assessing & mitigating personnel and critical systems and operational risk.

• Conduct or oversee hands-on troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance of mechanical equipment.

• Oversee mechanical system configurations and component upgrades to ensure system integrity is maintained and that all modifications to existing systems comply with best practices, including change control processes.

• Provide Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) oversight of construction projects & maintenance activity.

• Lead and/or participate in root-cause analysis activities in area of expertise

• Provide training to Critical Facility Engineers and other cross functional teams on mechanical equipment, systems, procedures, and changes to include mechanical/fire & life safety/industrial water equipment/systems and procedures

• Manage vendor relationships for mechanical maintenance and retrofit work

• Provide feedback on global mechanical maintenance strategies and global electrical system design improvements

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.

2-4 years of hands-on experience supporting enterprise or data center networking environments.

Working knowledge of IP networking fundamentals and protocols such as BGP, OSPF, DHCP, NAT, and VLANs.

Familiarity with network hardware from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, or Fortinet.

Basic experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds, NetBox, etc.).

Strong communication and documentation skills, with attention to detail.

Ability to work independently or under the guidance of senior team members.

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• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience in mechanical trades.

• 7+ years of experience in data center mechanical engineering, facility operations, or mission-critical environments.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret blueprints/CAD drawings.

• Extensive experience in understanding mechanical plans, specifications, and equipment shop drawings.

• Possesses a working knowledge of trend charts and refrigeration cycles.

• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical system failures in real- time operational settings.

• Theoretical and practical understanding of mechanical equipment and systems, specializing in mechanical equipment design, maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and/or construction.

• Familiarity with critical facility operations, including experience or comprehension of procedure-based work.

• Proven experience working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship.

Essential Skills:

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication to document incidents and ensure proper shift handoffs.
• Collaboration: Ability to work closely with team members, supervisors, and cross-functional partners.
• Adaptability: Flexible in responding to changes in process, tools, environment, and shift assignments.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned tasks and follows through with minimal supervision.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains thorough and accurate logs, inspections, records, and documentation.
• Time Management: Manages time effectively to meet performance expectations and service levels.
• Integrity: Adheres to company policies, safety protocols, and professional ethics always.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Recommends and supports efficiency, safety, and system innovations.
• Documentation Discipline: Maintains clear, consistent records for operational continuity and compliance.
• Security Compliance: Maintains awareness of data center physical and logical security expectations.
• Digital Literacy: Uses productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Excel, ticketing systems) for communication and documentation in office or hybrid settings.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents acknowledge that they possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.