Engineering Operations Technician

Sterling, VA

On-Site role

$25–$35/hr (6-month Contract-to-Hire)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client is seeking a qualified and motivated Engineering Operations Technician to oversee the operation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical infrastructure within their data centers in Sterling, VA. As a key member of the Engineering and Facilities team, you will play a crucial role in maintaining world-class mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring facility operations, and implementing safety procedures. This 6-month contract-to-hire position requires hands-on experience with mission-critical data center equipment, strong technical writing skills, and the ability to work 12.5-hour rotating shifts, including nights and weekends. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and teamwork in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Uphold and promote the highest safety standards, fostering a world-class safety culture.
• Collaborate with other teams to address safety risks/issues and take ownership of safety initiatives and projects.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment, including UPS units, switchgear, circuit breakers, ATSs, diesel generators, chillers, HVAC, exhaust fans, VFDs, and transformers.
• Respond to and resolve operational events within internal SLAs, including working varying shifts (morning, late, and night) and participating in on-call rotations.
• Conduct routine rounds and log operational readings of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Supervise contractors performing servicing or preventive maintenance activities.
• Respond to off-duty emergency calls as part of an on-call rotation.
• Monitor and interpret Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS) during rounds and events.
• Support formal change management programs through technical writing and documentation.
• Lift and move objects/materials within regulatory weight limits and occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions.
• Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder and work in physically demanding conditions (stooping, kneeling, climbing, etc.).
• Work in environments requiring provided ear protection.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Hands-on experience performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and repair of mission-critical electrical and mechanical data center equipment.
• Operational knowledge of three-phase electrical systems, including switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and wet cell batteries and associated systems.
• Experience with stand-by diesel generators and related fuel systems.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems such as CRAHU units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, water systems, air handlers, pumps, and motors.
• Exposure to fire/life safety equipment, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.
• Ability to monitor and interpret Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS).
• Technical writing skills to support formal change management processes.
• Willingness to work rotating 12.5-hour shifts (5:30 AM/PM – 6:30 AM/PM), including nights, weekends, and on-call rotations, and to support multiple sites as needed.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 39 pounds independently and participate in group lifts for 40+ pounds.
• Ability to maintain balance and perform construction tasks on ladders and work in physically demanding conditions (stooping, kneeling, climbing, etc.).
• Ability to work in environments requiring provided ear protection.