📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Technician L1
Company: NTT Ltd.
Location: Oregon, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Infrastructure & Operations
Date Posted: 2025-02-26
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site only

🚀 Role Summary

Maintain and ensure the operational integrity of data center systems, including mechanical, electrical, and fire life safety systems.
Maximize customer uptime and minimize operational costs through proactive problem-solving and efficient maintenance.
Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to ensure data center systems meet regulatory compliance and best practices.
Develop creative approaches to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and implement new strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on preventive maintenance, problem-solving, and customer service, with a significant emphasis on safety practices and regulatory compliance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

System Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot data center systems, including mechanical, electrical, and fire life safety systems. Ensure quick identification and repair of data center problems.
Customer Service: Work with customers and internal teams to understand and address their needs, ensuring maximum customer uptime and satisfaction.
Preventive Maintenance: Develop and maintain a preventive and predictive maintenance program to minimize system downtime and maximize operational efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data center systems comply with relevant regulations, including NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and building codes related to fire life safety.
Contractor Management: Work with contractors and consultants to review quality assurance for system expansions, corrections, and upgrades.
Data Center Optimization: Analyze existing operating conditions, recommend new technologies, and improve overall efficiency and cost reduction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on preventive maintenance and customer service. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a high-stress, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma required, with an associate's degree or equivalent education and/or work experience preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in a mechanical/electrical position within critical facilities (preferably a data center, hospital, semi-conductor, or power plant) is required.

Required Skills:

Knowledge of data center systems, including electrical distribution and layout, transformers, PLCs, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, STSs, ATSs, PDUs, chilled water systems, CRAC/CRAH units, and pre-action sprinkler systems.
Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and compliance issues, as well as building codes related to fire life safety.
Current knowledge of industrial safety best practices, including lockout/tag out, arc flash protection, and OSHA and state regulations.
Proficiency in using a PC-based integrated critical monitoring system for data trending, tracking, and analysis.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to coordinate, supervise, and communicate with contractors.
Ability to learn quickly and address issues as they arise during normal working hours or after hours.
Ability to operate hand and machine tools, as well as electrical tools such as a multi-meter or infrared camera.
Ability to operate a forklift.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools.
Knowledge of data center design and construction principles.
Familiarity with data center industry standards, such as ASHRAE, TIA, and BICSI.
Experience with data center energy management and sustainability practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While an associate's degree or equivalent education is preferred, the ideal candidate will have a strong focus on hands-on experience and a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in maintaining and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial systems, including chilled water systems, large centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, water treatment systems, VFD pumps, HVAC equipment, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems, water heaters, water/air filters, BMS and PLC controls, emergency standby diesel generator systems, and fuel/oil systems.
Showcase proficiency in reading blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of processes.
Highlight experience in inspecting parts for surface defects, installing electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, aligning, fitting or assembling component parts, and operating, monitoring, maintaining, and responding to abnormal conditions in facilities systems.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), preventive maintenance schedules, and incident reports.
Demonstrate experience in using a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) or similar software to track and manage maintenance activities.
Showcase knowledge of data center industry best practices and relevant regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio focused on web development or server administration is not required for this role, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to maintenance and troubleshooting will be essential for success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $27.80 - $41.60 per hour (based on experience and location)

Benefits:

Paid time-off
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Life insurance and supplemental insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Flexible spending account
401k retirement plan
Annual bonus (dependent on individual and company performance)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of working nights, holidays, and weekends as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range provided is based on the job listing, it is recommended to research regional salary standards and cost of living for a more accurate estimate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

NTT Ltd. is a global technology and business solutions provider, with a strong focus on innovation, optimization, and transformation for long-term success.
The company serves 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
NTT Ltd. is part of the NTT Group and headquartered in Tokyo.

Team Structure:

The data center operations team is responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of data center systems, ensuring maximum operational efficiency and customer uptime.
The team works closely with internal teams, including data center engineering, as well as external contractors and consultants.

Development Methodology:

The data center operations team follows a rigorous process-driven approach, with a strong emphasis on preventive and predictive maintenance, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
The team uses a CMMS or similar software to track and manage maintenance activities, ensuring data center systems meet regulatory compliance and best practices.

Company Website: NTT Ltd.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the company culture and team structure may vary depending on the specific data center location, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes diversity and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Data Center Technician L1 Role:

The Data Center Technician L1 role is responsible for the operational integrity and regulatory compliance of data center systems, ensuring quick identification and repair of data center problems while maximizing customer uptime and minimizing operational costs.
This role requires a strong focus on preventive maintenance, problem-solving, and customer service, with a significant emphasis on safety practices and regulatory compliance.

Reporting Structure:

The Data Center Technician L1 reports directly to the Data Center Operations Lead Technician, who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the data center and ensuring that data center problems are identified and repaired quickly.

Technical Impact:

The Data Center Technician L1 plays a critical role in ensuring the availability and reliability of data center systems, which are essential for the operation of mission-critical applications and services.
By minimizing system downtime and maximizing operational efficiency, the Data Center Technician L1 contributes to the overall success of the data center and the organizations it supports.

Growth Opportunities:

Data Center Technician L2: With experience and demonstrated proficiency, the Data Center Technician L1 may advance to the Data Center Technician L2 role, which involves additional responsibilities, such as managing a team of technicians and providing technical guidance to junior team members.
Data Center Operations Engineer: With a strong focus on technical problem-solving and a deep understanding of data center systems, the Data Center Technician L1 may transition into a Data Center Operations Engineer role, which involves more complex system design, optimization, and project management responsibilities.
Data Center Engineering: With a strong background in data center operations and a solid understanding of data center design and construction principles, the Data Center Technician L1 may pursue a career in data center engineering, which involves designing and implementing data center infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific growth opportunities may vary depending on the organization and its data center portfolio, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing career development and growth opportunities for its employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site working environment, with data center facilities located in various regions worldwide.

Office Location(s): Oregon, United States (with additional locations in other regions)

Workspace Context:

Data center technicians work in a data center environment, which may include varying temperatures and loud noises.
The workspace is equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities, as well as a computer terminal for data tracking and analysis.
Data center technicians may be required to work on-site, with no telecommuting permitted.

Work Schedule:

Data center technicians typically work a 40-hour workweek, with the possibility of working nights, holidays, and weekends as needed to ensure data center systems operate at maximum operational efficiency.
The work schedule may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the work environment and schedule may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment that promotes the well-being of its employees.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess communication skills and basic qualifications.
On-site Interview: A comprehensive on-site interview to evaluate technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The interview may include a tour of the data center facility, as well as hands-on demonstrations of maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
Final Decision: A final decision based on the candidate's overall fit with the role, team, and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in maintaining and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial systems, including chilled water systems, large centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, water treatment systems, VFD pumps, HVAC equipment, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems, water heaters, water/air filters, BMS and PLC controls, emergency standby diesel generator systems, and fuel/oil systems.
Showcase proficiency in reading blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of processes.
Demonstrate experience in inspecting parts for surface defects, installing electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, aligning, fitting or assembling component parts, and operating, monitoring, maintaining, and responding to abnormal conditions in facilities systems.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on relevant data center systems, including mechanical, electrical, and fire life safety systems.
Familiarize yourself with relevant regulations, such as NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and building codes related to fire life safety.
Prepare for hands-on demonstrations of maintenance and troubleshooting tasks, as well as problem-solving scenarios related to data center systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the interview process and portfolio review tips may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a fair and transparent interview process that evaluates the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Data Center Systems:

Mechanical systems: Chilled water systems, large centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, water treatment systems, VFD pumps, HVAC equipment, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems, water heaters, water/air filters
Electrical systems: Electrical/critical power distribution, transformers, PLCs, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, STSs, ATSs, PDUs
Fire life safety systems: Wet sprinkler systems, pre-action sprinkler systems, wet/dry pipe systems, fire alarm systems, smoke detection systems, fire suppression systems

Monitoring & Control Systems:

Building monitoring and control systems (BMS)
PLC controls
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools

Tools & Equipment:

Hand tools: Hammer, drill, saw, etc.
Electrical tools: Multi-meter, infrared camera, etc.
Forklift
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, hard hat, steel-toed shoes, etc.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the technology stack and web infrastructure may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a comprehensive and up-to-date technology environment that supports the efficient operation of data center systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Team Values:

Safety: Prioritize safety in all aspects of data center operations, with a strong focus on preventive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and best practices.
Reliability: Ensure data center systems operate at maximum operational efficiency, with minimal downtime and maximum customer uptime.
Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, external contractors, and customers to ensure data center systems meet regulatory compliance and best practices.
Continuous Improvement: Continuously monitor and analyze data center systems to identify opportunities for improvement, optimization, and cost reduction.
Customer Focus: Prioritize customer needs and expectations, ensuring maximum customer satisfaction and retention.

Collaboration Style:

The data center operations team works closely with internal teams, including data center engineering, as well as external contractors and consultants.
The team follows a collaborative approach to problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on preventive maintenance, customer service, and continuous improvement.
The team uses a CMMS or similar software to track and manage maintenance activities, ensuring data center systems meet regulatory compliance and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the team culture and collaboration style may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes diversity and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

System Complexity: Data center systems can be complex, with multiple interconnected components and subsystems. Data center technicians must be able to quickly identify and troubleshoot system issues, often under time constraints.
Regulatory Compliance: Data center technicians must stay up-to-date with relevant regulations, including NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and building codes related to fire life safety. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and penalties.
Emergency Response: Data center technicians must be prepared to respond to emergencies, such as power outages, fires, or other unexpected events, often working under high-stress conditions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: NTT Ltd. offers technical training and certification programs to help data center technicians develop their skills and advance their careers.
On-the-Job Training: Data center technicians have the opportunity to learn from experienced team members, mentors, and subject matter experts, as well as through hands-on experience and on-the-job training.
Conferences & Events: NTT Ltd. encourages data center technicians to attend industry conferences, workshops, and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in data center operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the technical challenges and learning opportunities may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding work environment that supports the professional growth and development of its employees.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Knowledge: Describe the components of a typical data center electrical system, including transformers, PLCs, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, STSs, ATSs, and PDUs. Explain their role in ensuring data center power availability and reliability.
Regulatory Compliance: Explain the importance of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and building codes related to fire life safety in data center operations. Describe how you ensure data center systems comply with these regulations.
Problem-Solving: Describe a complex data center system issue you have encountered and how you diagnosed and resolved it. Explain the steps you took to prevent similar issues in the future.

Company & Culture Questions:

Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in a team environment, and how you have contributed to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Explain how you have handled conflicts or disagreements within a team.
Customer Focus: Describe your experience working with customers, and how you have ensured their satisfaction and retention. Explain how you have handled difficult or demanding customers, and how you have maintained a positive and professional demeanor.
Adaptability: Describe a significant change or challenge you have faced in your career, and how you have adapted to it. Explain the steps you took to overcome the challenge and the outcome.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

System Walkthrough: Provide a guided walkthrough of your portfolio, highlighting your experience in maintaining and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial systems, including chilled water systems, large centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, water treatment systems, VFD pumps, HVAC equipment, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems, water heaters, water/air filters, BMS and PLC controls, emergency standby diesel generator systems, and fuel/oil systems.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Present case studies or scenarios that demonstrate your ability to diagnose and resolve complex data center system issues, with a focus on preventive maintenance, customer service, and continuous improvement.
Regulatory Compliance: Explain how you ensure data center systems comply with relevant regulations, including NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and building codes related to fire life safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the interview questions and portfolio presentation strategy may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a fair and transparent interview process that evaluates the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Technician L1 position at NTT Ltd.:

Review the Job Description: Carefully read the job description to ensure you meet the required qualifications and understand the role's responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments, with a focus on data center systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customer service.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that demonstrates your experience in maintaining and troubleshooting large commercial and industrial systems, with a focus on data center systems, preventive maintenance, and problem-solving.
Research the Company: Learn about NTT Ltd., its mission, values, and culture, and how this role fits into the organization's data center operations.
Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on your experience with data center systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customer service.
Apply: Submit your application through the application link provided, including your resume and portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the application steps may vary depending on the specific data center location and its operational requirements, NTT Ltd. is committed to providing a clear and concise application process that evaluates the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

Data Center Technician L1