Data Center Facilities Specialist

Role Overview

As a member of the critical infrastructure team at SpaceX, you will help design, build, activate, and maintain technically advanced facilities. As a Data Center Facilities Specialist, you will operate and maintain the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that keep Hawthorne’s mission-critical data centers online — cooling plants, computer-room air handlers, UPS and generator plants, switchgear, and building controls — dedicated to zero unplanned interruptions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to keep data center MEP systems in peak operating condition and develop/update MOP, SOP, and EOP documents.
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair critical data center infrastructure, including chilled-water plants, condensers, cooling towers, pumps, valves, filters, CRAH/CRAC units, air handlers, piping, and controls.
• Operate, inspect, and support electrical and backup-power systems serving the data hall, including switchgear, distribution, UPS, generators, and automatic transfer switches.
• Perform daily and round-based inspections of critical systems, verifying performance against setpoints and proactively reporting deficiencies.
• Execute shop work and on-site disassembly, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of pumps, cooling equipment, and mechanical systems.
• Perform ductwork modifications, brazing, soldering, refrigerant charging/evacuation, water piping, and insulation modifications.
• Read and interpret one-lines, schematics, P&IDs, sequences of operation, and manufacturer documentation.
• Monitor building management systems (BMS) and electrical power monitoring systems; respond to alarms and report maintenance statuses.
• Maintain spare parts inventory for critical assets to minimize downtime.
• Support scheduled system shutdowns, isolation, lockout/tagout, and commissioning testing.
• Operate equipment including forklifts, scissor lifts, pallet jacks, boom lifts, and overhead cranes.
• Open, track, and resolve electronic work tickets, managing priorities with minimal guidance.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, environmental requirements, and electrical safety standards.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• 5+ years of professional experience operating or maintaining HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or data center critical-infrastructure systems.
• 2+ years of experience operating or maintaining data center critical infrastructure systems.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of data center cooling, plumbing, electrical safety, pneumatic principles, rotating machinery, and UPS/switchgear operations.
• Technical certification, journeyman, or master license in HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical systems.
• Experience writing and executing MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs in a mission-critical or industrial environment.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems, BMS, and electrical power monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of high-pressure, flammable, and refrigeration gases; EPA Section 608 certification.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems to the component level.
• Familiarity with commercial building codes and data center operating practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for service reporting.
• Experience maintaining HEPA filters and standard AHU/CRAH filtration systems.

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidays depending on site priorities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Work in outdoor environments and tight quarters (data halls, mechanical rooms).
• Ability to work at elevated heights up to 150 feet.
• Valid CA driver’s license.
• ITAR compliance: Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.