Data Center Facilities Technician

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

DATA CENTER FACILITIES TECHNICIAN

As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will help design, build, activate, and maintain some of the world's most technically advanced facilities. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. As a Data Center Facilities Technician, you will operate and maintain the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that keep Hawthorne’s mission-critical data centers online — cooling plants, computer-room air handlers, UPS and generator plants, switchgear, and building controls — with the same standard we hold the factory: zero unplanned interruption to the people and systems that fly the mission. You will work with other infrastructure engineers, technicians, and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to keep data center MEP systems in peak operating condition, and to develop/update detailed work instructions, method of procedure (MOP), standard operating procedure (SOP), and emergency operating procedure (EOP) documents dedicated to ensuring zero unplanned interruption in services to employees and customers.
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair critical data center infrastructure, including chilled-water plants, condensers, cooling towers, pumps, valves, filters, computer-room air handlers (CRAH/CRAC), air handlers, piping, and associated controls.
• Operate, inspect, and support electrical and backup-power systems serving the data hall, including switchgear, lighting and distribution, motors, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, automatic transfer switches, and related equipment, in coordination with electrical and controls stakeholders.
• Perform daily and round-based inspections of critical systems; verify performance against operating setpoints; and proactively self-report deficiencies before they become outages.
• Execute hands-on shop work and/or on-site disassembly, inspection, reporting, cleaning, troubleshooting, reassembly, and testing of pumps, cooling equipment, and other mechanical systems.
• Perform ductwork modifications, brazing, soldering, evacuation and charging of various refrigerants, water piping, insulation modifications, and repairs as required to restore or improve cooling capacity.
• Read and interpret one-lines, schematics, piping and instrumentation diagrams, sequences of operation, and manufacturer literature for assembly, repair, and reassembly as required.
• Monitor building management systems (BMS) and electrical power monitoring systems; respond to alarms; and present information on equipment maintenance statuses for all critical data center facilities as required for internal and external customers.
• Identify, stage, and maintain spare parts inventory for critical assets to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate and support scheduled system shutdowns, isolation, lockout/tagout, and restoration; support commissioning by witnessing equipment startup, assisting with functional testing, and monitoring construction or upgrade progress through turnover.
• Perform failure assessments and day-to-day safety inspections — making recommendations to the supervisor as required.
• Ensure work and used materials are in compliance with manufacturer specifications.
• Operate a forklift, scissor lift, pallet jack, boom lift, work truck, and overhead crane.
• Written and verbal communication skills, use of MS Outlook and Teams.
• Open, track, and resolve electronic work tickets on SpaceX systems.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed as well as determine and manage priorities with minimal guidance.
• Follow and ensure site compliance with all applicable SpaceX, local, state, and federal building codes, regulations, and laws, including electrical safety, refrigerant handling, and environmental requirements.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• 3+ years of professional experience operating or maintaining HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or data center critical-infrastructure systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge in the following areas: data center cooling (chillers, cooling towers, CRAH/CRAC, chilled water), plumbing, electrical safety, pneumatic principles, tubing, pipefittings, rotating machinery (pumps, air compressors, generators, etc.), UPS and switchgear operations, and a variety of mechanical fasteners.
• Technical certification, journeyman, or master in HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical systems.
• Experience writing and executing MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs in a mission-critical or industrial environment.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems and/or building management systems (BMS) and electrical power monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of high-pressure gas, flammable gas, and refrigeration gases; EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems down to the component level.
• Familiar with commercial building codes and data center operating practices (concurrent maintainability, change control, lockout/tagout).
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical language in specifications, schematics, one-lines, and blueprints.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to generate service reports and communicate within the company including skills to navigate web-based service literature and programs.
• Professional experience maintaining high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and standard air handling unit (AHU) or CRAH filtration systems.
• Possesses a good attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, and is a self-starter.
• Demonstrates a consistent record of punctual schedule adherence.
• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work hours depend on site priorities and may require overtime hours, weekends and holidays; flexibility required. Strong attendance and adhering to the work schedule is essential function of the role. 
• Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Periodic work in extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, wind, rain.
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.
• Able to work at elevated heights (up to 150 feet), including the use of ladder.
• Work is often performed in tight quarters (data halls, mechanical rooms, and electrical rooms); physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions.
• Must have a valid CA driver’s license.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to  View email address on boards.greenhouse.io .