Data Center Electrician Technician

Overview  

Department:  Facility Operations  

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Job Location:  Austin, Texas 

Reports to: Operations Facility Manager   

Element Critical is looking for energetic, detail-oriented individuals to join our team. This experienced team works to maintain the critical physical infrastructure that supports Element Critical. Specifically, this team works to ensure that the data center's Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems operate at 100% availability while maintaining first-class customer service to our critical data centers.  

This role involves maintaining, repairing, and installing electrical systems in a data center, including UPS systems, PDUs, generators, and switchgear, while ensuring safety, compliance, and minimal downtime. The position requires experience in industrial or data center electrical systems, strong troubleshooting skills, and knowledge of monitoring tools like BMS or EPMS. Candidates must hold a journeyman license (master electrician preferred) and be capable of working in high-voltage environments with occasional on-call responsibilities. 

Responsibilities  

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:  

Electrical Maintenance and Repairs: 

• Perform regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs on electrical equipment, including breakers, UPS systems, power distribution units (PDUs), generators, and switchgear. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues quickly to minimize downtime and ensure reliable power to all data center systems. 

Power Distribution: 

• Install, maintain, and monitor electrical distribution systems to ensure reliable power to all areas of the data center. 
• Conduct load balancing on circuits and ensure compliance with power usage effectiveness (PUE) goals. 

Compliance and Safety: 

• Follow all electrical safety standards and data center policies, including OSHA, NFPA 70E, and relevant electrical codes. 
• Perform electrical work safely and ensure that the electrical systems are up to code and compliant with industry standards. 

Equipment Installation: 

• Assist with the installation and commissioning of new electrical equipment, including power panels, PDUs, transformers, and other related components. 
• Support Facility teams during new rack installation or reconfiguration by ensuring power connectivity and meeting load requirements. 

Emergency Power Management: 

• Test and monitor UPS systems, backup generators, and other critical power infrastructure to ensure reliability in case of outages. 
• Coordinate with the facilities team on regular load testing and preventive maintenance for emergency power systems. 

Documentation and Reporting: 

• Maintain accurate records of all electrical work, inspections, and maintenance activities performed within the data center. 
• Provide detailed reports on incidents, system status, and power capacity planning to management. 

Monitoring and Automation: 

• Utilize Building Management Systems (BMS) or Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) to track power usage, detect anomalies, and support troubleshooting efforts. 
• Respond to alarms and alerts promptly to prevent or minimize service interruptions. 

Additional responsibilities: 

• Guide and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence. 
• Support facilities team daily operations.  

Requirements and Qualifications  

The ideal candidate will possess the following:  

Education: High school diploma or GED required. Certification or associate degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field preferred. 

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in an industrial or data center environment, with a strong focus on electrical systems. 

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid journeyman license is required. 
• Master electrician license is preferred. 
• OSHA or NFPA 70E safety training certification is a plus. 

Skills: 

• In-depth knowledge of data center electrical infrastructure, including PDUs, UPS, generators, and switchgear. 
• Proficiency in reading electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation. 
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. 
• Experience with power monitoring and BMS systems is a plus. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.  

Working Conditions  

• Primarily works in a data center environment with exposure to high-voltage equipment. 
• May be required to be available on-call for emergency repairs. 
• Physical demands include the ability to stand, walk, lift, and bend for extended periods and occasionally work in confined spaces.