Job Description

🔧 Data Center Engineering Operations Technician — Overview

This is a hands-on technical facilities role responsible for keeping AWS data centers running 24/7.

You work with:

• Electrical systems ⚡
• Cooling / HVAC ❄️
• Power infrastructure 🔌
• Mechanical equipment 🏭
• Fire & safety systems 🔥

Think of it as:

👉 Industrial technician + facilities engineer + mission-critical operations

This is one of the most common entry paths into data center careers in the USA.

🛠️ What You’ll Actually Do Daily

1️⃣ Equipment Monitoring & Inspections

• Walkthroughs of the data center
• Check generators, UPS, switchgear, chillers
• Record readings and conditions

2️⃣ Troubleshooting & Maintenance

You will fix or support issues with:

• Diesel generators
• UPS systems
• Electrical panels
• Cooling units
• Pumps and motors
• Batteries
• Fire suppression systems

This is real technical work, not office work.

3️⃣ Systems Monitoring

You monitor:

• BMS (Building Management System)
• EPMS (Electrical Power Monitoring System)

These systems show alarms and performance data.

4️⃣ Rack Installation Support

Sometimes you:

• Install server racks
• Decommission hardware
• Assist IT teams

5️⃣ Contractor & Vendor Coordination

You supervise external technicians working onsite.

⏰ Work Schedule (Important)

This is shift work because data centers run 24/7.

Typical schedule:

• 12-hour shifts
• 3 or 4 days per week
• Day or night rotation
• Possible overtime

Night shift gets extra pay.

Many people like this schedule because you get more days off.

💪 Physical Nature of Job

You must be comfortable with:

• Lifting equipment
• Climbing ladders
• Working in equipment rooms
• Standing long periods

This is not a desk job.

🎓 Requirements

Minimum:

• 2+ years experience in one of:
  • Electrical
  • HVAC
  • Mechanical systems
  • Facilities maintenance

Preferred:

• Data center experience
• Low voltage cabling knowledge
• Industrial maintenance background

Degrees are helpful but not always required.

Diploma / ITI / Technical training can qualify.

💰 Salary Range (USA)

From the listing:

• $32 – $63 per hour
• ≈ $65k – $130k per year
• Overtime + stock + bonuses

Northern Virginia (Ashburn area) is one of the highest-paying data center markets in the world.

🚀 Career Growth Path

This role has excellent growth potential:

EOT → Senior EOT → Facilities Engineer → Facility Manager → Regional Manager

Or transition into:

• Reliability Engineering
• Commissioning
• Data Center Design
• Operations Leadership

Many high-level data center leaders started as technicians.

🌎 Visa / Immigration Reality

Important for international candidates:

AWS does sponsor visas, but:

• Technician roles are less commonly sponsored than engineering roles
• Sponsorship chances increase if you have:
  • Strong electrical/mechanical experience
  • Data center experience
  • Specialized certifications

⭐ Why This Job Is Valuable

This is considered:

✅ High-demand career
✅ Stable industry
✅ Good salary without needing advanced degrees
✅ Strong career progression
✅ Global opportunities

Data centers are one of the fastest-growing industries due to AI and cloud computing.

👍 Who This Role Is Perfect For

Good fit if you like:

✔ Electrical / mechanical work
✔ Hands-on technical jobs
✔ Problem solving
✔ Industrial environments
✔ Good pay with overtime

Not ideal if you prefer:

❌ Office desk work
❌ Programming / software
❌ Fixed daytime schedule

📌 Key Insight

Northern Virginia (Ashburn area) is called:

👉 “Data Center Capital of the World”

Experience there is extremely valuable for your career.

✅ If You Want Help

I can help you with:

• Resume for Data Center Technician roles
• Skills needed from India to get this job
• Certifications roadmap
• Visa-sponsoring companies list