SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
DATA CENTER FACILITIES SPECIALIST
As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will help design, build, activate, and maintain some of the world's most technically advanced facilities. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 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 — with the same standard we hold the factory: zero unplanned interruption to the people and systems that fly the mission. You will work with other infrastructure engineers, technicians, and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to keep data center MEP systems in peak operating condition, and to develop/update detailed work instructions, method of procedure (MOP), standard operating procedure (SOP), and emergency operating procedure (EOP) documents dedicated to ensuring zero unplanned interruption in services to employees and customers.
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair critical data center infrastructure, including chilled-water plants, condensers, cooling towers, pumps, valves, filters, computer-room air handlers (CRAH/CRAC), air handlers, piping, and associated controls.
• Operate, inspect, and support electrical and backup-power systems serving the data hall, including switchgear, lighting and distribution, motors, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, automatic transfer switches, and related equipment, in coordination with electrical and controls stakeholders.
• Perform daily and round-based inspections of critical systems; verify performance against operating setpoints; and proactively self-report deficiencies before they become outages.
• Execute hands-on shop work and/or on-site disassembly, inspection, reporting, cleaning, troubleshooting, reassembly, and testing of pumps, cooling equipment, and other mechanical systems.
• Perform ductwork modifications, brazing, soldering, evacuation and charging of various refrigerants, water piping, insulation modifications, and repairs as required to restore or improve cooling capacity.
• Read and interpret one-lines, schematics, piping and instrumentation diagrams, sequences of operation, and manufacturer literature for assembly, repair, and reassembly as required.
• Monitor building management systems (BMS) and electrical power monitoring systems; respond to alarms; and present information on equipment maintenance statuses for all critical data center facilities as required for internal and external customers.
• Identify, stage, and maintain spare parts inventory for critical assets to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate and support scheduled system shutdowns, isolation, lockout/tagout, and restoration; support commissioning by witnessing equipment startup, assisting with functional testing, and monitoring construction or upgrade progress through turnover.
• Perform failure assessments and day-to-day safety inspections — making recommendations to the supervisor as required.
• Ensure work and used materials are in compliance with manufacturer specifications.
• Operate a forklift, scissor lift, pallet jack, boom lift, work truck, and overhead crane.
• Written and verbal communication skills, use of MS Outlook and Teams.
• Open, track, and resolve electronic work tickets on SpaceX systems.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed as well as determine and manage priorities with minimal guidance.
• Follow and ensure site compliance with all applicable SpaceX, local, state, and federal building codes, regulations, and laws, including electrical safety, refrigerant handling, and environmental requirements.
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 in the following areas: data center cooling (chillers, cooling towers, CRAH/CRAC, chilled water), plumbing, electrical safety, pneumatic principles, tubing, pipefittings, rotating machinery (pumps, air compressors, generators, etc.), UPS and switchgear operations, and a variety of mechanical fasteners.
• Technical certification, journeyman, or master 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 and/or building management systems (BMS) and electrical power monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of high-pressure gas, flammable gas, and refrigeration gases; EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems down to the component level.
• Familiar with commercial building codes and data center operating practices (concurrent maintainability, change control, lockout/tagout).
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical language in specifications, schematics, one-lines, and blueprints.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to generate service reports and communicate within the co