📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Chief Engineer
Company: Amazon
Location: Sterling, Virginia, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Server Administration & Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 19, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Frontline role managing and maintaining mission-critical data center facilities, ensuring high uptime and reliability.
Technical expert in electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
Team leader responsible for training technicians, setting team culture, and driving projects to enhance facility efficiency.
Collaborator working with cross-functional teams, vendors, and business leaders to optimize plant safety, performance, and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in data center operations, with a focus on electrical and mechanical systems. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record of driving results through technical expertise and leadership.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Act as the primary escalation point for facilities-related issues, overseeing the operation and management of critical systems such as switchgear, generators, UPS systems, power distribution equipment, chillers, cooling towers, and computer room air handlers.
Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshoot facility issues within internal Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians and work with the Facility Manager to set team culture.
Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams.
Assist in the build out of new facilities and projects to increase current facility efficiency.
Work outside of normal business hours for routine maintenance and respond to out-of-hours emergency calls.
Communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences and collaborate with IT managers and other business leaders to coordinate projects, manage capacity, and optimize plant safety, performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Establish building performance benchmarks, conduct analyses, and prepare reports on all aspects of critical facility operations and maintenance.
Utilize Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other basic administrative tools to perform day-to-day tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of data center infrastructure and a proven ability to manage and maintain critical systems. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have a track record of driving results through technical expertise and leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Technical training or degree in a relevant field (e.g., electrical, mechanical) is required.

Experience: At least 4 years of experience in electrical or mechanical roles, particularly in data centers or mission-critical facilities, is required. Preferred qualifications include 5+ years of data center engineering experience and experience leading a team.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Knowledge of building automation systems, fire/life safety equipment, and general facilities equipment.
Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting and moving heavy objects, working on ladders, and wearing provided ear protection.

Preferred Skills:

Experience leading a team.
Associates or Bachelor's degree.
Familiarity with AWS global infrastructure and data centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in data center operations, leadership experience, and a proven track record of driving results through technical expertise will be well-suited for this role. Familiarity with AWS global infrastructure and data centers is a plus.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in managing and maintaining data center facilities, with a focus on electrical and mechanical systems.
Showcase troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills through case studies or examples of resolving complex facility issues.
Highlight leadership and team management abilities through examples of training, mentoring, or driving projects to enhance facility efficiency.
Demonstrate proficiency in using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook through examples of reports, presentations, or other relevant documents.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of past projects, including system diagrams, maintenance schedules, and performance metrics.
Include any relevant certifications or training in data center operations, electrical, or mechanical systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of safety procedures and regulations related to data center facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should focus on showcasing their technical expertise and leadership abilities through their portfolio. Highlighting specific achievements, challenges overcome, and the impact of their work on data center operations and efficiency will be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on experience and regional market data)

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement savings plan with company match.
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
Employee discounts on Amazon products and services.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
On-site fitness centers and wellness programs.

Working Hours: Full-time, with on-call responsibilities for emergency maintenance and support outside of normal business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in the data center operations and server administration field. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and regional market conditions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Amazon is a multinational technology company focused on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.

Company Size: Amazon is a large corporation with over 1.3 million employees worldwide. This role is part of the AWS Infrastructure Services team, which is responsible for the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure.

Founded: Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Team Structure:

The AWS Infrastructure Services team is composed of various roles, including software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles.
This role reports directly to the Facility Manager and works closely with Engineering Operations Technicians, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

Development Methodology:

Amazon uses Agile methodologies for project management and software development.
The AWS Infrastructure Services team works collaboratively, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Company Website: Amazon

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's company culture is focused on innovation, customer obsession, and long-term thinking. The AWS Infrastructure Services team works collaboratively to maintain and enhance the global infrastructure that supports Amazon's cloud computing services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level within the data center operations and server administration field. It requires a high level of technical expertise and leadership skills, as well as experience managing and maintaining critical systems.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Facility Manager and works closely with Engineering Operations Technicians, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

Technical Impact: The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and efficiency of Amazon's data centers. Their work directly impacts the availability and performance of AWS cloud services, which support millions of customers worldwide.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical advancement: Pursue specialized training or certifications in data center operations, electrical, or mechanical systems to enhance technical expertise.
Leadership development: Seek opportunities to mentor and train other team members, or take on additional responsibilities to grow as a leader within the organization.
Architecture and design: Contribute to the design and planning of new data center facilities or infrastructure projects to gain experience in data center architecture and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development within the data center operations and server administration field. Candidates should be eager to take on new challenges, learn from their colleagues, and contribute to the continuous improvement of Amazon's global infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Amazon's data centers are state-of-the-art facilities designed to maintain high uptime and reliability for AWS cloud services. The work environment is physically demanding, with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Office Location(s): This role is based in Sterling, Virginia, USA, with opportunities for travel to other data center locations as needed.

Workspace Context:

Data center floor: The primary workspace is the data center floor, where critical systems such as servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment are maintained and operated.
Office space: The office space is shared with other team members and includes workstations, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas.
Cross-functional collaboration: This role works closely with various teams, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance, both locally and globally.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with on-call responsibilities for emergency maintenance and support outside of normal business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment for this role is fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on maintaining the high availability and performance of Amazon's data centers. Candidates should be comfortable working in a physically demanding environment and have a strong commitment to safety and efficiency.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or video screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills, technical background, and cultural fit.
On-site interview: A tour of the data center facility, followed by a series of technical and behavioral interviews with team members and hiring managers.
- Technical interviews: Assessments of electrical and mechanical systems knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Behavioral interviews: Discussions of past experiences, leadership skills, and cultural fit.
Final interview: A meeting with the hiring manager or director to discuss the role, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant projects that demonstrate experience in data center operations, electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and leadership.
Showcase achievements and the impact of your work on data center efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Demonstrate an understanding of Amazon's data center infrastructure and the importance of maintaining high uptime and availability.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on electrical and mechanical systems knowledge, with a focus on data center-specific applications.
Practice troubleshooting and problem-solving exercises to hone your skills and build confidence in your ability to resolve complex facility issues.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and identifying specific examples of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.

ATS Keywords: Data Center Operations, Server Administration, Electrical Systems, Mechanical Systems, Troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis, Team Leadership, Project Management, Safety Procedures, Building Automation Systems, Emergency Services, Performance Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, AWS Global Infrastructure, Data Center Facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in data center operations, electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and leadership, as well as their understanding of Amazon's data center infrastructure and commitment to maintaining high uptime and availability.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Electrical Systems:

Switchgear
Generators
UPS systems
Power distribution equipment
Chillers
Cooling towers
Computer room air handlers

Mechanical Systems:

Centrifugal chillers
Water systems
Air handlers and associated systems
Pumps and motors
Fire/life safety equipment
Building automation systems
General facilities equipment

Administrative Tools:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, as well as familiarity with the specific equipment and infrastructure used in Amazon's data centers. Candidates should be comfortable working with these systems and have a proven track record of maintaining and enhancing their performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Customer obsession: Focus on maintaining high uptime and availability for AWS cloud services and customers.
Invent and simplify: Continuously innovate and improve data center operations and infrastructure to drive efficiency and cost savings.
Learn and be curious: Foster a culture of learning and curiosity to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Hire and develop the best: Attract and retain top talent in the data center operations and server administration field.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with various teams, vendors, and business leaders to coordinate projects, manage capacity, and optimize plant safety, performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Knowledge sharing: Encourage team members to share their expertise and learn from one another to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Mentoring and coaching: Provide guidance and support to help team members grow both personally and professionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations team values collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement. Candidates should be eager to work closely with their colleagues, share their expertise, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Amazon's global infrastructure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

High uptime and availability: Maintain and enhance data center infrastructure to meet the demands of a changing market and ensure high availability for AWS cloud services.
Emergency response: Develop and implement emergency response plans to minimize downtime and ensure the safety of data center personnel and equipment.
Energy efficiency: Identify and implement energy-saving measures to reduce the environmental impact and operating costs of data center facilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Training and certification: Pursue specialized training or certifications in data center operations, electrical, or mechanical systems to enhance technical expertise.
Conferences and events: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and other events to stay up-to-date with best practices, emerging technologies, and trends in data center operations.
Mentoring and coaching: Seek opportunities to mentor and coach other team members, or work with a mentor to develop your leadership and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development within the data center operations and server administration field. Candidates should be eager to take on new challenges, learn from their colleagues, and contribute to the continuous improvement of Amazon's global infrastructure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Electrical and mechanical systems: Describe your experience with electrical and mechanical systems, with a focus on data center-specific applications.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving: Walk through a scenario involving a complex facility issue and explain your approach to resolving it.
Leadership and team management: Discuss your experience leading a team, providing training, and driving projects to enhance facility efficiency.

Company & Culture Questions:

Data center infrastructure: Explain your understanding of Amazon's data center infrastructure and the importance of maintaining high uptime and availability.
AWS global infrastructure: Describe your familiarity with AWS global infrastructure and how your work contributes to its overall performance and reliability.
Amazon's leadership principles: Discuss how you embody Amazon's leadership principles in your daily work and how they guide your decision-making.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight relevant projects: Showcase your experience in data center operations, electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and leadership through specific examples and case studies.
Demonstrate achievements: Emphasize the impact of your work on data center efficiency, reliability, and performance, and how you've driven results through technical expertise and leadership.
Explain your approach: Describe your thought process and the strategies you used to overcome challenges, make decisions, and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in data center operations, electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and leadership, as well as their understanding of Amazon's data center infrastructure and commitment to maintaining high uptime and availability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Chief Engineer position:

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare your portfolio by highlighting relevant projects, achievements, and the impact of your work on data center efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Research Amazon's data center infrastructure and familiarize yourself with the company's leadership principles and commitment to maintaining high uptime and availability.
Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities.
Practice interview questions and develop clear, concise, and compelling responses that demonstrate your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Data Center Chief Engineer , DCC Communities