Data Center Mechanical Operations Manager

Data Center Mechanical Operations Manager

Location: Spartanburg SC

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Mechanical Operations Manager to oversee all mechanical operations at a large-scale High-Performance Compute Center (HPCC) and its supporting critical infrastructure.

This role provides leadership and direction to a team of mechanical subject matter experts (SMEs) and contracted third-party operators ensuring the safe reliable and efficient operation of all mission-critical mechanical systems. The manager will be responsible for regulatory compliance operational performance and continuous improvement across all mechanical assets including chilled water systems CRAH/CRAC units cooling towers pumps and heat exchangers.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise proven operational leadership and the ability to collaborate effectively with electrical controls and IT teams in a high-availability high-density environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of mechanical SMEs and contracted service providers.

• Oversee staffing plans shift schedules and escalation protocols to ensure 24/7/365 operational readiness.

• Promote ongoing training cross-training and professional development to maintain technical proficiency and reduce single points of failure.

• Foster a culture of safety accountability and technical excellence.

• Direct daily operations of mechanical infrastructure including chilled water plants CRAHs/CRACs cooling towers pumps heat exchangers and leak detection systems.

• Ensure reliable and efficient operation of HVAC and cooling systems to maintain optimal environmental conditions for compute loads.

• Oversee preventive predictive and corrective maintenance programs to maximize uptime and energy efficiency.

• Maintain and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) mechanical schematics and operational documentation.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable standards and codes (OSHA ASHRAE NFPA etc.).

• Implement and enforce lockout/tagout confined space and hazard communication safety programs.

• Conduct routine inspections water treatment programs and system performance audits.

• Lead root-cause analyses and implement corrective actions following equipment failures or environmental excursions.

• Coordinate mechanical system integration with electrical controls and IT operations to support continuous availability.

• Manage vendor and contractor relationships ensuring SLA compliance and quality service delivery.

• Support capacity planning system optimization and phased expansion efforts for the data center.

• Define and track KPIs related to mechanical reliability safety maintenance compliance and incident response.

• Deliver regular operational reports and performance updates to leadership.

• Lead annual reviews of team performance staffing needs and system reliability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Electrical Controls Operations and Security) to ensure holistic site reliability.

• Drive continuous improvement through process optimization technology upgrades and staff development.

• Participate in planning and execution of retrofits upgrades and expansion projects.

• Represent Mechanical Operations in safety drills briefings and technical reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering HVAC Systems or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• 10 years of progressive leadership in mechanical operations HVAC power generation or mission-critical facilities.

• Strong technical knowledge of chilled water systems CRAHs/CRACs cooling towers pumps and other supporting infrastructure for mission-critical environments.

• Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams including SMEs and third-party operators.

• Demonstrated experience managing mechanical operations within data center or other 24/7 mission-critical environments.

• Strong familiarity with safety and compliance programs (OSHA NFPA ASHRAE).

• Excellent communication leadership and problem-solving skills.