Critical Operations Technician Job, Chicago

Critical Operations Technician (Data Centre)
📍 On-site | Competitive Pay | Mission-Critical Environment
Power the Infrastructure That Powers the World
An industry-leading data centre operator is looking for a Critical Operations Technician to join its growing team. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a high-performance, always-on environment, where your expertise directly impacts uptime, resilience, and operational excellence.
If you thrive in fast-paced, hands-on technical roles and want to be part of a team that keeps critical infrastructure running 24/7 — this role is for you.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Critical Operations Technician, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of a mission-critical facility, ensuring all systems operate safely, efficiently, and without interruption.
🔧 Hands-On Technical Work

• Operate, monitor, and maintain electrical, mechanical, and control systems
• Quickly diagnose and respond to faults, alarms, and system abnormalities
• Execute planned and reactive maintenance to the highest standards

⚡ Electrical Systems

• Work across critical power infrastructure, including:
• UPS systems
• Switchgear
• PDUs and RPPs
• Support power distribution from utility to customer load

❄️ Mechanical & Cooling Systems

• Maintain complex cooling systems such as:
• Chilled water plants
• CRAH/CRAC units
• HVAC and air-side systems
• Chillers and fan wall systems

🔥 Fire Life Safety

• Oversee fire detection and suppression systems, including:
• Pre-action and wet sprinkler systems
• Ensure full compliance with safety standards

📊 Optimisation & Improvement

• Analyse system performance and identify efficiency improvements
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the facility
• Support upgrades and infrastructure projects

🏢 Site Operations

• Conduct routine inspections and facility walkdowns
• Maintain accurate logs and maintenance records (CMMS)
• Support incident response, reporting, and root cause analysis

What We’re Looking For
✅ Essential Experience

• 1–5 years in a data centre or mission-critical environment
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Electrical systems (UPS, transformers, ATS/STS, distribution)
• Mechanical systems (cooling infrastructure, HVAC, chillers)
• Experience with BMS/monitoring systems and CMMS platforms
• Ability to stay calm and effective under pressure

⭐ Desirable

• Experience in highly structured environments (e.g. military, critical engineering)
• Relevant technical qualifications or degree

What’s In It For You

• 💰 Competitive hourly rate ($40–$45)
• 📈 Work with cutting-edge, high-availability infrastructure
• 🧠 Opportunity to develop deep expertise in mission-critical environments
• 🤝 Join a collaborative, high-performing team
• 🛡️ Comprehensive benefits package

Working Environment

• 24/7 operational facility — shift work required (including nights/weekends/on-call)
• Hands-on, physical role in a live technical environment
• High-impact position where your decisions matter

Why Apply?
This is more than a maintenance role — it’s a chance to be part of the backbone of the digital economy. Every system you maintain supports businesses, cloud platforms, and critical services worldwide.
If you’re ready to step into a role where performance, reliability, and teamwork are everything, we want to hear from you.

About Energi People  
Having spent 20 years earning trust across MEP building services, structural and mission-critical engineering with the very best construction engineering firms in the UK, UAE, USA and beyond, we know the disciplines, the best employers, and crucially, the roles that aren’t advertised. Find out more at https://energipeople.com/