Data Center Chief Engineer, Data Center Engg Ops
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Data Center Chief Engineer, Data Center Engg Ops
- Company: Amazon
- Location: Berwick, Pennsylvania, United States
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Server Administration, Data Center Management
- Date Posted: June 12, 2025
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment in a data center
- Act as an escalation point for facilities-related issues and ensure peak efficiency of equipment
- Manage projects to drive innovation, resiliency, and reduce operational costs
- Train and support Engineering Operations Technicians (EOTs) and collaborate with external support groups
- Maintain high availability (99.999%) of mission-critical servers and data center equipment
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in data center management, with a focus on mechanical and electrical systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and project management.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- 🔧 Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Oversee daily operations, perform preventative maintenance, and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment
- 🌟 Project Management: Manage projects from conception to completion, collaborating with external support groups and driving innovation and resiliency while reducing operational costs
- 🧑🏫 Training & Mentorship: Train and support EOTs, providing hands-on guidance and mentorship in electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting and operations
- 🛡️ Safety & Security: Ensure adherence to safety and security procedures by vendor and Amazon staff, and maintain high availability of mission-critical servers and data center equipment
- 📊 Documentation & Reporting: Utilize internal CMMS to manage building workflows, document project results, and report on facility and server-level events within internal SLA
- 📞 Communication: Communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences and collaborate with on-site EOTs, third-party vendors, and external support groups
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Relevant degree or certification in an applicable engineering field or mechanical/electrical trades (preferred)
Experience: 5+ years of experience with mechanical and electrical systems, with 2+ years in a data center environment
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in data center operations and maintenance
- Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other relevant computer programs
- Ability to work independently and manage projects with limited direct management
Preferred Skills:
- PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent certifications
- Operating engineering licenses (DC II, DC III, or equivalent)
- Stationary Engineering License, Building Engineering License, Electrical or Mechanical Journeyman License, CFC License, or NFPA 70E certification
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for data center chief engineers in the United States)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plan
- Generous paid time off and parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Employee discounts on Amazon products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations for emergency response
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on market research for data center chief engineer roles in the United States. Benefits are based on Amazon's standard employee benefits package.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: E-commerce and cloud computing services
Company Size: Large (over 1,000,000 employees worldwide)
Founded: 1994
Team Structure:
- Data Center Engineering Operations Team, focusing on maintaining critical physical infrastructure for Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Collaborates with various teams and groups within data centers, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance
Development Methodology:
- Focus on continuous improvement and innovation in data center operations and maintenance
- Collaboration with external support groups to drive resiliency and reduce operational costs
Company Website: Amazon
📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's large size and diverse business segments provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the data center engineering operations team.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Data Center Chief Engineer Career Level: This role involves managing data center operations and maintenance, with a focus on mechanical and electrical systems. It requires a high level of technical expertise and experience, as well as strong communication and project management skills.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Data Center Facility Manager, with a team of Engineering Operations Technicians (EOTs) and collaboration with external support groups
Technical Impact: Ensures the peak efficiency of data center equipment, maintains high availability of mission-critical servers, and drives innovation and resiliency while reducing operational costs
Growth Opportunities:
- Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, opportunities may arise for advancement to senior roles within the data center engineering operations team or related fields
- Technical Skill Development: Continuous learning and development opportunities are available through training, mentorship, and collaboration with external support groups
- Leadership Potential: As an expert technical resource, the opportunity exists to provide guidance and mentorship to EOTs and influence data center operations and maintenance strategies
📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth opportunities within Amazon's data center engineering operations team are likely to involve increased responsibility, technical leadership, and management of larger teams or projects.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on data center facilities and equipment
Office Location(s): Berwick, Pennsylvania, United States
Workspace Context:
- Data Center Environment: Focused on maintaining critical physical infrastructure for AWS, with a strong emphasis on mechanical and electrical systems
- Collaborative Workspace: Collaborates with various teams and groups within data centers, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance
- On-Call Rotations: Emergency response and on-call rotations may be required for this role
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations for emergency response
📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment for this role is focused on data center facilities and equipment, with a strong emphasis on mechanical and electrical systems. Collaboration with various teams and groups within data centers is essential for success in this role.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's experience and qualifications for the role
- On-site Interview: A tour of the data center facility, followed by a series of technical and behavioral interviews with the hiring manager, team members, and other stakeholders
- Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of the candidate's ability to troubleshoot and maintain data center equipment, as well as their understanding of relevant safety and security procedures
Portfolio Review Tips: N/A for this role
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on mechanical and electrical systems knowledge, with a focus on data center-specific applications
- Familiarize yourself with Amazon's data center operations and maintenance processes
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
ATS Keywords: Data center, mechanical systems, electrical systems, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, project management, safety, security, collaboration, Microsoft Office, CMMS
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is likely to involve a tour of the data center facility, technical assessments, and behavioral interviews that focus on problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A for this role)
👥 Team Culture & Values
Data Center Engineering Operations Values:
- Safety & Security: Prioritize the safety and security of data center equipment, staff, and visitors
- Collaboration: Work closely with various teams and groups within data centers to maintain high availability of mission-critical servers and drive innovation and resiliency
- Continuous Improvement: Focus on continuous improvement and innovation in data center operations and maintenance
- Expertise: Maintain a high level of technical expertise in mechanical and electrical systems, with a focus on data center-specific applications
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with various teams and groups within data centers, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance
- Knowledge Sharing: Share technical knowledge and best practices with EOTs and other team members to drive continuous learning and improvement
- Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to EOTs to support their professional development and career growth
📝 Enhancement Note: The data center engineering operations team at Amazon values safety, security, collaboration, continuous improvement, and expertise in mechanical and electrical systems.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and maintain a wide range of mechanical and electrical equipment in a data center environment, with a focus on high availability and peak efficiency
- Project Management: Manage projects from conception to completion, driving innovation and resiliency while reducing operational costs
- Safety & Security: Ensure adherence to safety and security procedures by vendor and Amazon staff, and maintain high availability of mission-critical servers and data center equipment
- Emergency Response: Respond to emergent issues and maintain high availability of data center equipment during emergency situations
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Continuous learning and development opportunities are available through training, mentorship, and collaboration with external support groups
- Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success, opportunities may arise for advancement to senior roles within the data center engineering operations team or related fields
- Leadership Potential: As an expert technical resource, the opportunity exists to provide guidance and mentorship to EOTs and influence data center operations and maintenance strategies
📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges for this role involve equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, project management, safety and security, and emergency response. Learning and development opportunities focus on technical skill development, career progression, and leadership potential.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Prepare for technical questions related to mechanical and electrical systems, with a focus on data center-specific applications
- Data Center Operations: Brush up on your knowledge of data center operations and maintenance processes, as well as relevant safety and security procedures
- Problem-Solving: Prepare for problem-solving scenarios that focus on troubleshooting and maintaining data center equipment
Company & Culture Questions:
- Amazon's Data Center Operations: Research Amazon's data center operations and maintenance processes, as well as the company's values and culture
- Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions about your ability to collaborate with various teams and groups within data centers, as well as your approach to knowledge sharing and mentorship
- Career Growth: Prepare for questions about your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
Portfolio Presentation Strategy: N/A for this role
📝 Enhancement Note: Technical interview questions for this role are likely to focus on mechanical and electrical systems, data center operations, and problem-solving. Company and culture questions will focus on Amazon's data center operations, team dynamics, and career growth.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this data center chief engineer position:
- Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs website
- Prepare for a phone screen and on-site interview, focusing on your experience and qualifications for the role
- Brush up on your knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, data center operations and maintenance processes, and relevant safety and security procedures
- Research Amazon's data center operations and maintenance processes, as well as the company's values and culture
- Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- If selected, complete a hands-on assessment of your ability to troubleshoot and maintain data center equipment, as well as your understanding of relevant safety and security procedures
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data center management industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience with mechanical and electrical systems, along with 2 years of relevant work experience in a data center. Preferred qualifications include an engineering degree and relevant certifications.