📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Chief Engineer
Company: Amazon
Location: Boardman, Oregon, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Infrastructure & Operations
Date Posted: June 26, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage data center facilities, ensuring high availability and optimal performance
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects, manage capacity, and optimize plant safety, performance, reliability, and efficiency
Troubleshoot and maintain critical systems, including electrical and mechanical equipment, to meet demanding service level agreements (SLAs)
Train and mentor technicians, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
Balance technical expertise with strong communication skills to effectively interact with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong blend of technical depth and leadership skills, with a focus on driving operational excellence in a mission-critical environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Facility Management & Operations:
- Oversee daily operations and maintenance of data center facilities
- Ensure adherence to safety procedures and regulatory compliance
- Manage routine and emergency services for critical systems, such as switchgear, generators, UPS systems, power distribution equipment, chillers, cooling towers, and computer room air handlers
Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving:
- Perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting for equipment failures
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to resolve issues and minimize downtime
Team Leadership & Training:
- Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians
- Collaborate with the Facility Manager to establish and maintain a positive team culture
- Create and deploy new standard practices for technicians, chief engineers, and vendor support teams
Project Management & Capacity Planning:
- Work with IT managers and business leaders to coordinate projects and manage capacity
- Assist in the build-out of new facilities and projects to increase current facility efficiency
Communication & Stakeholder Management:
- Communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders effectively
- Collaborate with IT, finance, and other business teams to ensure alignment and successful project delivery

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (preferred)

Experience: 3+ years of electrical or mechanical experience and 3+ years of data center or mission-critical facilities experience (required)

Required Skills:

Proven experience in data center operations and maintenance
Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Preferred Skills:

4+ years of data center engineering experience
Experience leading a team
Familiarity with building automation systems and general facilities equipment
Knowledge of data center industry standards and best practices

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with relevant certifications, such as those offered by the Data Center Industry Association (DCIA) or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), may have an advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Documented experience in data center operations, including project case studies demonstrating problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills
Evidence of technical expertise in electrical and mechanical systems, such as certifications, training records, or relevant projects
Examples of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, showcasing strong communication skills

Technical Documentation:

Detailed process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance schedules
Records of equipment maintenance, repairs, and upgrades
Performance metrics and optimization techniques for data center facilities

📝 Enhancement Note: While a web portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and accomplishments in detail during the interview process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for data center chief engineers in the United States)

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plan
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Employee discounts on Amazon products and services

Working Hours: Full-time, with on-call responsibilities for routine maintenance and emergency support

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards and regional market data for data center chief engineers. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and cloud computing services

Company Size: Large (over 1,000,000 employees)

Founded: 1994

Team Structure:

Data Center Operations team, consisting of chief engineers, facility managers, technicians, and support staff
Cross-functional collaboration with IT, finance, and other business teams

Development Methodology:

Agile project management for data center operations and maintenance
Continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma practices
Regular team meetings and stand-ups to ensure open communication and alignment

Company Website: https://www.amazon.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's company culture is known for its focus on innovation, customer obsession, and operational excellence. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the high availability and performance of AWS data centers, which support the company's global cloud computing services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Data Center Chief Engineer Role:

Responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of data center facilities
Leads a team of technicians and collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive projects and optimize data center performance
Provides technical expertise and guidance to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business objectives and industry best practices

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Data Center Facility Manager or similar role

Technical Impact:

Ensures high availability and optimal performance of data center facilities, supporting the company's global cloud computing services
Drives operational excellence through continuous improvement and innovation in data center operations and maintenance

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of data center operations, such as electrical systems, mechanical systems, or energy management
Team Leadership: Advance to a senior or management role within the data center operations team, overseeing multiple facilities or leading a larger team
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Transition to a role within another department, such as IT or facilities management, leveraging data center operations experience to drive strategic initiatives

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth in this role may involve advancing within the data center operations team or exploring opportunities in related fields, such as IT or facilities management. Strong leadership and communication skills, along with a deep understanding of data center operations, will be essential for success in this role and any subsequent career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, data center facility

Office Location(s): Boardman, Oregon, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with a focus on open communication and teamwork
Access to relevant tools and equipment for data center operations and maintenance
Opportunities for professional development and training, including on-site workshops and webinars

Work Schedule: Full-time, with on-call responsibilities for routine maintenance and emergency support

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment for this role is primarily on-site, with a focus on maintaining the physical infrastructure that supports Amazon's global cloud computing services. Candidates should be comfortable working in a data center environment and be prepared to respond to on-call responsibilities as needed.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role, qualifications, and expectations (30 minutes)
On-Site Interview: A series of interviews with data center operations team members, focusing on technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills (2-3 hours)
- Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of data center operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting (45-60 minutes)
- Behavioral Questions: Scenarios-based questions to assess leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills (45-60 minutes)
- Team Fit: A conversation with the data center operations team to evaluate cultural fit and alignment with team goals (30 minutes)
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager or a senior leader to discuss the role, growth opportunities, and next steps (30-45 minutes)

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant experience in data center operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Include examples of successful project management and leadership, demonstrating the ability to drive results and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Showcase strong communication skills, with a focus on effectively communicating complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on electrical and mechanical systems, with a focus on data center-specific applications
Review industry best practices and standards for data center operations and maintenance
Prepare for scenario-based questions that assess problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills

ATS Keywords:

Data Center Operations
Facility Management
Electrical Systems
Mechanical Systems
Troubleshooting
Root Cause Analysis
Project Management
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Computer Room Air Handler (CRAHU)
Chilled Water System
Cooling Towers
Building Automation Systems
Data Center Industry Association (DCIA)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with a strong emphasis on data center operations and maintenance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and accomplishments in detail and demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a collaborative, mission-critical environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Facility Management Tools:

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Building Automation System (BAS)
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software

Electrical Systems:

Switchgear
Generators
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Wet cell batteries
Fuel systems

Mechanical Systems:

Computer Room Air Handler (CRAHU) units
Centrifugal chillers
Cooling towers
Water systems
Air handlers
Pumps and motors

Building Automation & Monitoring Systems:

Building Automation System (BAS)
Building Management System (BMS)
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on data center-specific applications, with an emphasis on electrical and mechanical systems, facility management tools, and building automation and monitoring systems. Candidates should have a strong understanding of these technologies and their application in data center operations and maintenance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Safety First: Prioritize the safety of data center facilities, employees, and visitors at all times
Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement and innovation in data center operations and maintenance
Customer Obsession: Focus on the needs of internal and external customers, ensuring high availability and optimal performance of data center facilities
Invent and Simplify: Challenge the status quo and seek innovative solutions to complex problems
Learn and Be Curious: Foster a culture of learning and curiosity, encouraging team members to develop their skills and knowledge

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with IT, finance, and other business teams to drive projects and optimize data center performance
Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication, with a focus on active listening and constructive feedback
Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and mentorship, with a focus on continuous learning and development

📝 Enhancement Note: The data center operations team at Amazon values safety, operational excellence, customer obsession, innovation, and continuous learning. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values and their ability to contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

High Availability: Maintain data center facilities with better than 99.999% uptime, ensuring minimal disruption to critical business operations
Scalability: Design and implement data center infrastructure to support the growing demands of Amazon's global cloud computing services
Energy Efficiency: Optimize data center power and cooling systems to minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data center facilities adhere to relevant regulations, standards, and certifications, such as those provided by the Uptime Institute and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Participate in relevant training programs and certifications to develop expertise in data center operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced team members and industry experts to accelerate learning and career growth
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in data center operations and maintenance

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning opportunities for this role are focused on driving operational excellence in a mission-critical environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to these challenges and their commitment to continuous learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Center Operations: Describe your experience with data center operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting. What specific systems and equipment have you worked with?
Leadership & Team Management: How have you led and managed teams in previous roles? What strategies have you used to drive results and foster a positive team culture?
Problem-Solving: Provide an example of a complex technical challenge you've faced in a previous role. How did you approach and resolve the issue?

Company & Culture Questions:

Amazon Values: How do you embody Amazon's leadership principles in your work? Provide specific examples from your previous roles.
Data Center Operations at Amazon: What do you think are the most critical aspects of data center operations at Amazon? How would you approach these challenges in this role?
Team Fit: How do you see yourself contributing to the data center operations team at Amazon? What unique skills and experiences do you bring to the table?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Deep Dive: Prepare a detailed presentation on a relevant data center operations or maintenance project, highlighting your technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Leadership & Team Management: Include examples of successful team management and collaboration, demonstrating your ability to drive results and foster a positive team culture
Communication & Stakeholder Management: Prepare a case study that showcases your ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders effectively

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with a strong emphasis on data center operations and maintenance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and accomplishments in detail and demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a collaborative, mission-critical environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Chief Engineer position at Amazon:

Review the Job Description: Ensure you understand the role's responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications before submitting your application.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments in data center operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Include specific examples of your technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather documentation and case studies that demonstrate your experience and accomplishments in data center operations and maintenance. Include examples of successful project management, leadership, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Practice for the Interview: Familiarize yourself with the interview process and prepare for technical, leadership, and behavioral questions. Practice your responses and seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your interview skills.
Research Amazon: Learn about Amazon's company culture, values, and data center operations. Prepare questions to ask during the interview process to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for this role will involve a thorough review of your resume, portfolio, and interview performance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and accomplishments in detail and demonstrate their alignment with Amazon's company culture and values.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to data center chief engineer roles, focusing on electrical and mechanical systems, facility management, and team leadership
Include data center-specific industry terminology, best practices, and relevant certifications (e.g., Data Center Industry Association (DCIA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE))
Emphasize the critical role of data center chief engineers in maintaining high availability and optimal performance of mission-critical facilities

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections; each section must contain unique information
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about data center operations, maintenance, or team leadership
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text
Strategically distribute data center-specific keywords throughout all sections naturally
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and data center chief engineer industry standards

Industry Expertise:

Include specific data center technologies, systems, and infrastructure tools relevant to the role
Address data center career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities
Provide tactical advice for data center portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies
Include data center-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance
Emphasize high availability, scalability, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance in data center operations and maintenance

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout
Use data center-specific industry terminology appropriately and accurately
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to data center chief engineers
Provide actionable insights that give data center operations professionals a competitive advantage
Focus on data center team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize data center-specific best practices, electrical and mechanical systems, and facility management
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the data center chief engineer discipline and role level
Address browser compatibility, accessibility standards, and user experience design principles in the context of data center operations and maintenance
Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable data center architecture
Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for data center projects

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to data center chief engineer roles
Placeholder text or incomplete sections
Repetitive content across different sections
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific data center role
Marketing language unrelated to data center operations, maintenance, or team leadership

Generate comprehensive, data center-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for data center chief engineers evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the data center operations and maintenance industry.

Data Center Chief Engineer