What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME) position at NorthMark Compute & Cloud?
The Company
NorthMark Compute & Cloud (NMC²) is backed by dedicated leadership and investment, with a clear mission as it operates at the bleeding edge of technology. Its goal is to scale and enhance the high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud infrastructure that supports its clients' research, production, and delivery, enabling breakthroughs that shape the industries of tomorrow. Its engineers build critical infrastructure to eliminate friction in scientific research, simulations, analysis, and decision-making, accelerating discovery and driving faster innovation
The Position
The Electrical Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Mission-Critical will serve as the owner’s on-site technical authority for electrical systems supporting the High-Performance Compute Center (HPCC) and its associated onsite power generation facilities. Five (5) Electrical SMEs will be assigned to rotating shifts, ensuring continuous coverage and expert oversight 24/7/365.
Each SME will work alongside the contracted Critical Infrastructure Operators, Mechanical Systems SMEs, Hybrid Space (Liquid Cooling) Infrastructure SMEs, and Energy Station SMEs, providing real-time technical guidance, operational oversight, and training. Electrical SMEs will be fully qualified to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all major electrical equipment and systems within their scope and are expected to lead by example in safety, reliability, and procedural adherence.
This position requires exceptional technical proficiency across medium- and low-voltage systems, UPS and switchgear operation, and integration with generator and power plant systems, combined with the interpersonal and leadership skills to collaborate effectively with multiple operational teams.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the on-shift electrical authority for all power distribution, UPS, generator, and switchgear operations within the HPCC.
- Coordinate closely with contracted operator teams to ensure safe and reliable operation of all electrical systems across data center, compute, and power generation environments.
- Provide technical guidance during switching, energization, and restoration activities, ensuring all operations are performed per established procedures and owner standards.
- Monitor electrical system health, identify anomalies, and initiate or direct corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain in-depth understanding of site electrical single-line diagrams, system interdependencies, and protection schemes.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical faults, alarms, and abnormal system conditions in coordination with Controls, Mechanical, and other cross-functional teams.
- Participate in root cause analyses following electrical events or system disruptions.
- Support commissioning, acceptance testing, and equipment start-up activities.
- Mentor and train contracted operators and maintenance personnel in electrical safety, system operation, and procedure execution.
- Participate in developing and refining operating procedures, LOTO plans, and performing technical reviews.
- Support qualification programs and skills assessments to ensure competency among all electrical operators.
- Enforce adherence to electrical safety standards, including NFPA 70E, OSHA, and owner-specific EHS requirements.
- Serve as the on-shift authority for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical/arc-flash PPE compliance, and energized work permitting.
- Promote a culture of safety, procedural discipline, and accountability across all shifts and teams.
- Act as the primary electrical liaison between the Critical Infrastructure, Compute Infrastructure, and Energy Station teams.
- Ensure proper communication of electrical system status during shift handovers and operational transitions.
- Ensure maintenance of accurate shift logs, equipment status updates, and event documentation.
- Identify gaps or opportunities to improve standard operating procedures and escalate recommendations to the Department Manager, Electrical.
- Contribute to lessons-learned documentation following system events or procedural deviations.
Requirements:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Electrical Technology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 8 years of experience working with medium- and low-voltage electrical systems in data centers, industrial, or power generation facilities.
- Demonstrated proficiency in switchgear, UPS, generator systems, protective relays, and power distribution design and operation.
- Proven ability to mentor and train other operators or technicians in safe electrical practices and operational procedures.
- Strong understanding of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, OSHA, and industry best practices for critical electrical environments.
- Ability to interpret complex electrical schematics, system drawings, and control logic diagrams.
- Excellent communication and situational awareness in high-pressure or live operational environments.