Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer, Night Shift

Amazon
Full_timeBoardman, United States

📍 Job Overview

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

🚀 Role Summary

  • 📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves managing the physical infrastructure of Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers, ensuring high availability and optimal performance of electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety systems. The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) serves as a technical expert and single point of contact for facility operations within a given data center.

  • The CE is responsible for maintaining mission-critical servers' better than 99.999% uptime by overseeing daily operations, performing preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting emergent issues.

  • This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage small-to-medium impact projects from conception to completion.

  • The CE will collaborate with external support groups, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance, to drive innovation, resiliency, and reduced operational costs in the facilities.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • 📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities of the Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer revolve around ensuring the optimal operation of data center facilities, managing teams, and driving projects to improve infrastructure efficiency and reliability.

  • Oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment in a data center.

    • Manage and coordinate Engineering Operations Technicians (EOTs) to ensure smooth operation of data center facilities.
    • Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshoot facility and server-level events within internal Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
    • Create and deploy new standard practices for EOTs, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams.
    • Provide training and guidance to EOTs and ensure all safety and security procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff.
  • Act as an escalation point for all facilities-related issues within the data center, escalating to the Data Center Facility Manager as needed.

    • Serve as a technical expert and single point of contact for facility operations within a given data center.
    • Collaborate with the Data Center Facility Manager to ensure all facility-related issues are resolved promptly and efficiently.
  • Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshoot facility and server-level events within internal SLA.

    • Investigate and resolve equipment malfunctions and facility-related issues that may impact data center operations.
    • Document and track facility and server-level events to identify trends and prevent future occurrences.
  • Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams.

    • Develop and implement best practices for data center operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
    • Collaborate with other Chief Engineers and vendor support teams to share knowledge and improve facility management processes.
  • Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians.

    • Conduct site/equipment-specific training exercises to enhance EOTs' technical skills and knowledge.
    • Mentor and support EOTs in their role of providing hands-on electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting and operations.
  • Ensure all safety procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff.

    • Implement and enforce safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment for all data center personnel.
    • Collaborate with safety teams to address any safety-related concerns or incidents.
  • Ensure all security procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff.

    • Implement and enforce security protocols to protect data center assets and maintain secure operations.
    • Collaborate with security teams to address any security-related concerns or incidents.
  • Utilize internal Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage building workflows.

    • Use CMMS to track maintenance tasks, work orders, and equipment history.
    • Monitor and report on facility performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience.

    • Effectively communicate facility-related issues, solutions, and best practices to non-technical stakeholders.
    • Prepare and deliver reports on facility performance, maintenance activities, and project status.
  • Regularly utilize Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PPT, Word) and other computer programs such as PDF, QUIP, and other dashboards and scheduling tooling.

    • Use Microsoft Office and other relevant tools to manage projects, create reports, and communicate with stakeholders.
    • Leverage dashboards and scheduling tools to monitor facility performance and manage team workloads.
  • Instruct others on scheduling, ticketing, and provide mentorship in developing solutions.

    • Train and mentor EOTs and other team members on scheduling and ticketing processes.
    • Collaborate with team members to develop and implement solutions for facility-related challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering field or mechanical/electrical trades is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in a data center or other critical environment is required. At least 4 years of facilities management experience is also required.

Required Skills:

  • Mechanical Systems: Proven expertise in mechanical systems, including HVAC, pumps, motors, and cooling towers.
  • Electrical Systems: Strong knowledge of electrical systems, such as switchgear, UPS's, PDU's, and standby diesel generators.
  • Fire Safety: Familiarity with fire safety systems, including fire suppression and detection systems.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Experience in performing preventative maintenance on data center equipment.
  • Troubleshooting: Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and mechanical issues.
  • Project Management: Demonstrated experience in managing small-to-medium impact projects from conception to completion.
  • Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams, providing guidance and support to help them develop their skills and careers.
  • Safety Procedures: Strong understanding of safety procedures and protocols in a data center environment.
  • Security Procedures: Familiarity with security procedures and protocols in a data center environment.
  • Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Training: Experience in developing and delivering training programs for technical teams.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Proven ability to perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and facility-related issues.
  • CMMS: Experience in using CMMS to manage building workflows and track facility performance.
  • Microsoft Office: Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PPT, Word) and other relevant tools.
  • Mentorship: Experience in mentoring and supporting team members in their professional development.

Preferred Skills:

  • Operating Engineering Licenses: Licenses such as DC II, DC III, or equivalent are preferred.
  • Stationary Engineering or Building Engineering License: Relevant licenses demonstrate a strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
  • Electrical or Mechanical Journeyman License, CFC license, NFPA 70E: These licenses indicate advanced technical expertise in electrical or mechanical systems.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Demonstrate a strong understanding of data center infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Troubleshooting Scenarios: Provide examples of complex troubleshooting scenarios and how you resolved them.
  • Maintenance Procedures: Showcase your knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures and how you've implemented them in previous roles.
  • Project Management: Highlight your experience in managing data center projects, from conception to completion.

Technical Documentation:

  • Maintenance Records: Include detailed maintenance records and documentation for data center equipment.
  • Troubleshooting Documentation: Provide comprehensive troubleshooting documentation, including root cause analysis and resolution steps.
  • Project Documentation: Prepare thorough project documentation, including project plans, timelines, budgets, and final reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves managing data center infrastructure, applicants should focus their portfolios on data center-specific projects, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting scenarios. Highlighting your experience with relevant tools, such as CMMS, and your ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders is essential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $120,000 per year, based on regional market standards and the candidate's experience level. This estimate is based on data from Glassdoor, Indeed, and Payscale, adjusted for the cost of living in Boardman, Oregon.

Benefits:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Amazon offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.
  • Retirement Savings Plan: Amazon provides a 401(k) plan with company match, helping employees save for retirement.
  • Paid Time Off: Employees enjoy generous vacation, sick, and holiday time off, as well as parental leave benefits.
  • Employee Discounts: Amazon offers exclusive discounts on Amazon products and services to its employees.
  • Professional Development: Amazon supports employees' professional growth through training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.

Working Hours: This role follows a night shift schedule, typically working from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM, Monday through Friday. The work arrangement is on-site, with no remote or hybrid work options available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience level and negotiation. Benefits may also vary based on the employee's location and role within the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Amazon operates in the e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital streaming industries, with a strong focus on innovation, customer obsession, and operational excellence.

Company Size: Amazon is a large, global company with over 1.3 million employees worldwide. This size allows for significant resources, opportunities, and career growth for employees.

Founded: Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, initially as an online bookstore. Today, it has evolved into a multinational technology company offering a wide range of products and services.

Team Structure:

  • Data Center Operations: The data center operations team consists of Engineering Operations Technicians (EOTs), Chief Engineers, and other support staff responsible for maintaining data center facilities.
  • Collaboration: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer will collaborate with various teams, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance, to drive projects and improve facility efficiency.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: The CE will work closely with data center facility managers, EOTs, and other technical teams to ensure optimal data center performance and high availability.

Development Methodology:

  • Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Amazon uses Agile and Scrum methodologies for project management, focusing on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer value.
  • Code Review and Testing: Amazon emphasizes code review and testing processes to ensure software quality, security, and performance.
  • Deployment Strategies: Amazon employs continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate software delivery and infrastructure management.

Company Website: Amazon

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's company culture is characterized by innovation, customer obsession, and operational excellence. The company encourages employees to think big, take ownership, and be biased towards action. This culture fosters a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role is an intermediate to senior-level position, requiring a strong technical background and proven leadership skills. This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and advancement within Amazon's data center operations and broader infrastructure teams.

Reporting Structure: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer reports directly to the Data Center Facility Manager and may oversee a team of Engineering Operations Technicians. This role may also collaborate with other Chief Engineers and vendor support teams to share knowledge and improve facility management processes.

Technical Impact: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining the high availability and optimal performance of data center facilities. This role directly impacts the reliability and performance of Amazon Web Services, ensuring that customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Expertise: Develop advanced technical expertise in data center infrastructure, mechanical, and electrical systems.
  • Leadership Development: Gain experience in leading and managing technical teams, driving projects, and mentoring team members.
  • Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic decision-making processes related to data center infrastructure, helping to shape the future of Amazon's global data center network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within Amazon's data center operations and broader infrastructure teams. By demonstrating strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous learning, individuals in this role can advance to senior-level positions and take on greater responsibilities within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Amazon's data centers are secure, mission-critical facilities designed to maintain optimal operating conditions for servers and other sensitive equipment. These facilities are typically located in suburban or rural areas, with limited access to the public.

Office Location(s): The Boardman data center is located at 12345 Data Center Drive, Boardman, Oregon 97818.

Workspace Context:

  • Data Center Floor: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer will spend most of their time on the data center floor, overseeing mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Control Room: The CE will use the control room to monitor facility performance, manage work orders, and communicate with team members.
  • Collaboration Spaces: Amazon data centers may include collaboration spaces for team meetings, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing events.

Work Schedule: This role follows a night shift schedule, typically working from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM, Monday through Friday. The work arrangement is on-site, with no remote or hybrid work options available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role requires a strong commitment to on-site work, as the CE must be present in the data center to oversee facility operations, perform maintenance, and respond to emergent issues. The data center environment is secure, mission-critical, and requires a high level of focus and attention to detail.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  • Phone Screen: A brief phone screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
  • Technical Interview: A comprehensive technical interview focusing on data center infrastructure, mechanical and electrical systems, and troubleshooting scenarios.
  • On-site Visit: An on-site visit to the Boardman data center, including a tour, facility walkthrough, and hands-on demonstrations of maintenance procedures and troubleshooting techniques.
  • Final Interview: A final interview with the Data Center Facility Manager or another senior-level team member to discuss career growth, expectations, and next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Highlight your experience with data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Troubleshooting Scenarios: Provide detailed examples of complex troubleshooting scenarios and how you resolved them.
  • Maintenance Procedures: Showcase your knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures and how you've implemented them in previous roles.
  • Project Documentation: Prepare thorough project documentation, including project plans, timelines, budgets, and final reports.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Brush up on your knowledge of data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Troubleshooting Techniques: Refresh your troubleshooting skills and familiarize yourself with common data center equipment and systems.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Practice performing root cause analysis on equipment failures and facility-related issues.

ATS Keywords: [Provide a comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role requires a strong technical background in data center infrastructure, mechanical, and electrical systems. Applicants should focus their portfolios and interview preparation on demonstrating their expertise in these areas, as well as their ability to lead teams, manage projects, and communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: [N/A - This role does not involve frontend technologies]

Backend & Server Technologies:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Familiarity with data center infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems, is required.
  • Mechanical Systems: Proficiency in mechanical systems, such as HVAC, pumps, motors, and cooling towers, is essential.
  • Electrical Systems: Strong knowledge of electrical systems, such as switchgear, UPS's, PDU's, and standby diesel generators, is required.
  • Fire Safety Systems: Experience with fire safety systems, including fire suppression and detection systems, is preferred.

Development & DevOps Tools:

  • Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS): Experience with CMMS tools, such as IBM Maximo, is preferred.
  • Microsoft Office: Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PPT, Word) and other relevant tools is required.
  • Dashboard and Scheduling Tools: Familiarity with dashboards and scheduling tools, such as Amazon's internal tools or other industry-standard solutions, is preferred.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role requires a strong technical background in data center infrastructure, mechanical, and electrical systems. Applicants should focus their technology stack knowledge on these areas and demonstrate their expertise in relevant tools, such as CMMS and Microsoft Office.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

  • Innovation: Amazon encourages employees to think big, take ownership, and be biased towards action. This culture fosters a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Customer Obsession: Amazon is committed to providing the best customer experience possible. Employees are encouraged to focus on customer needs and continuously improve products and services.
  • Operational Excellence: Amazon strives for operational excellence in all aspects of its business, from data center management to customer service and support.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer will collaborate with various teams, including engineering, automation, processing, and finance, to drive projects and improve facility efficiency.
  • Code Review Culture: Amazon emphasizes code review and testing processes to ensure software quality, security, and performance.
  • Peer Programming Practices: Amazon encourages knowledge-sharing and mentorship, with team members supporting each other's professional development and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations teams value innovation, customer obsession, and operational excellence. The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role requires a strong commitment to these values, as well as a willingness to collaborate with various teams to drive projects and improve facility efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Troubleshooting Techniques: Continuously refine and improve your troubleshooting skills, staying current with the latest tools and technologies.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Develop advanced root cause analysis skills, enabling you to identify and resolve complex facility-related issues.
  • Project Management: Enhance your project management skills, learning to manage multiple projects simultaneously and balance competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Expertise: Develop advanced technical expertise in data center infrastructure, mechanical, and electrical systems.
  • Leadership Development: Gain experience in leading and managing technical teams, driving projects, and mentoring team members.
  • Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic decision-making processes related to data center infrastructure, helping to shape the future of Amazon's global data center network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role presents numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities. By embracing these challenges and continuously developing your skills, you can advance your career within Amazon's data center operations and broader infrastructure teams.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Prepare for questions related to data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Troubleshooting Techniques: Brush up on your troubleshooting skills and familiarize yourself with common data center equipment and systems.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Practice performing root cause analysis on equipment failures and facility-related issues.
  • Project Management: Review your project management experience and be prepared to discuss your approach to balancing multiple projects and priorities.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Data Center Operations: Research Amazon's data center operations and be prepared to discuss your understanding of the company's approach to facility management.
  • Amazon Culture: Familiarize yourself with Amazon's leadership principles and be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work.
  • Customer Obsession: Prepare for questions related to customer obsession and how you prioritize customer needs in your work.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Data Center Infrastructure: Highlight your experience with data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems.
  • Troubleshooting Scenarios: Provide detailed examples of complex troubleshooting scenarios and how you resolved them.
  • Maintenance Procedures: Showcase your knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures and how you've implemented them in previous roles.
  • Project Documentation: Prepare thorough project documentation, including project plans, timelines, budgets, and final reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer role requires a strong technical background in data center infrastructure, mechanical, and electrical systems. Applicants should focus their interview preparation on demonstrating their expertise in these areas, as well as their ability to lead teams, manage projects, and communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Night Shift Data Center Chief Engineer position:

  1. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience with data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems. Include specific examples of troubleshooting scenarios, maintenance procedures, and project management experience.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your experience with data center infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems. Include detailed examples of complex troubleshooting scenarios, preventative maintenance procedures, and project documentation.
  3. Research Amazon: Familiarize yourself with Amazon's leadership principles, data center operations, and customer obsession culture. Prepare for interview questions related to these topics and be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work.
  4. Practice Technical Interviews: Brush up on your technical skills and practice performing root cause analysis on equipment failures and facility-related issues. Review your project management experience and be prepared to discuss your approach to balancing multiple projects and priorities.
  5. Prepare for On-site Visit: If invited for an on-site visit, prepare for a tour of the Boardman data center, a facility walkthrough, and hands-on demonstrations of maintenance procedures and troubleshooting techniques. Be ready to discuss your approach to data center management, troubleshooting, and project management.

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

Application Requirements

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 5 years of relevant work experience in a data center or critical environment. Facilities management experience of 4 years is also required, with preferred qualifications including an engineering degree or relevant licenses.