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Chief Engineer, AWS Data Center Engineering Operations

Amazon, San Francisco, CA, United States


Chief Engineer, AWS Data Center Engineering Operations
Job ID: 10399065 | Amazon Corporate Services Pty Ltd

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain – and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) serves as the primary technical authority for maintaining mission-critical facility operations with 100% uptime target. Reporting to the Data Center Facility Manager, they oversee all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety systems through planned maintenance, corrective work, and emergency response.

The CE manages small-to-medium impact projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve resiliency, and reduce operational costs. They create milestones, manage budgets, and document project results for potential implementation across other facilities.

A crucial responsibility is directing and training Engineering Operations Technicians (EOT) in equipment troubleshooting and operations, covering critical systems like generators, UPS's, cooling systems, and building automation systems.

Key job responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the data center's mechanical and electrical equipment.

Provide guidance and training to Engineering Operations Technicians and create new standard practices for staff and vendors.

Establish performance benchmarks, analyze data, and prepare reports on critical facility operations and maintenance.

Ensure all safety procedures are followed by both Amazon and vendor staff.

Handle data center capacity planning and reporting.

Translate complex technical information for non-technical audiences.

Additional Requirements

The job may involve physical tasks like bending, lifting, and climbing.

The role has a rostered on-call requirement to provide 24/7 support.

A valid driver's license and personal vehicle are required due to site locations.

A day in the life
At today's large-scale data centers, you will be involved in:

Work schedule changes depending on specific site needs. Shifts are 12-hours and will rotate on a predefined schedule.

Assist in troubleshooting of facility and rack-level events within internal Service-Level Agreements (SLA).

Perform rack installs, rack decommissioning, and facility management.

Provide operational readings and key performance indicators to make sure uptime is maintained.

On-site management of contractors, subcontractors and vendors, ensuring that all work performed is in accordance with established practices, procedures & local legislation.

Performance and oversight of maintenance and operations on all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center.

Basic qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience carrying new design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production.

Experience in MS Excel, Word, and Windows Operating Systems.

Experience with power management and power monitoring systems.

Preferred qualifications

5+ years of project management in data centers or comparable critical infrastructure experience.

Knowledge of critical data center equipment.

Knowledge of engineering documentation, electrical diagrams and standard operating procedures.

Knowledge of building codes and regulations including Life Safety, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, or OSHA.

Experience in project management in data centers or comparable critical infrastructure.

Experience in Data Center Engineering Operations, with a deep understanding of electrical and mechanical data center infrastructure.

Experience reading and interpreting construction specifications and drawings for all domains.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

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