Lead Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer (Mechanical)

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

Joining our operations team means being at the center of everything – maintaining and evolving critical infrastructure that powers the digital world and delivers real impact for our customers, communities and society. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary

The Lead Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical specialist responsible for leading complex mechanical and critical infrastructure operations that require significant judgment, initiative, and technical expertise. This role provides technical leadership for critical mechanical systems, ensures compliance with operational standards, and drives continuous improvement across site operations. The position plays a key role in incident response, vendor management, and mentoring team members while ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of facility infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Mechanical & Critical Infrastructure Operations

• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance activities for critical mechanical and facility infrastructure systems

  
  
  

• Perform and oversee complex mechanical repairs, installations, inspections, and commissioning activities for critical systems

  
  
  

• Monitor the Building Monitoring System (BMS) and lead the resolution of complex alarms and events requiring advanced technical judgment; ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and recommend corrective and preventive actions

  
  
  

• Operate, maintain, and oversee mechanical systems including HVAC, chilled water systems, plumbing, fire suppression, and life-safety systems

  
  
  

• Drive the implementation of energy efficiency and mechanical optimization initiatives

  
  
  

• Coordinate and provide technical guidance to team members in the execution of critical infrastructure work

  
  
  

• Assess operational risk, understand system-level impacts, and proactively recommend engineering solutions

  
  
  

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Lead and coordinate vendors and contractors performing skilled mechanical and infrastructure work to ensure compliance with technical standards, safety requirements, and contractual obligations

  
  
  

• Review, develop, and approve maintenance scripts, procedures, and technical documentation

  
  
  

• Own the work approval and control process for critical maintenance activities, including:

  
  
  

• Pre-work technical briefings and risk reviews

  
  
  

• Oversight and control of work execution during shifts

  
  
  

• Final technical review, validation, and acceptance of completed work

  
  
  

• Partner with vendors to ensure all mechanical drawings, equipment documentation, and technical records remain accurate and up to date

  
  
  

Site Administration & Incident Leadership

• Prepare and review technical site logs and documentation required for permits, including Maintenance Operation Protocols (MOPs) and scripts

  
  
  

• Identify mechanical and infrastructure Single Points of Failure (SPOFs) and lead mitigation planning and implementation

  
  
  

• Act as a technical lead responder for on-site incidents, including mechanical failures, system outages, and major operational disruptions

  
  
  

• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts and drive the implementation of corrective and preventive actions

  
  
  

• Provide hands-on leadership and technical direction to on-site staff during incident response and recovery

  
  
  

• Ensure all operational processes and procedures are consistently followed and continuously improved

  
  
  

Work Orders, Projects & Lifecycle Management

• Lead execution of skilled mechanical work orders, including system modifications and upgrades

  
  
  

• Perform advanced troubleshooting on mechanical, auxiliary, and support systems to minimize downtime and operational risk

  
  
  

• Lead changes and upgrades to mechanical, electrical (interface-level), and specialized systems as required

  
  
  

• Manage and execute complex mechanical and infrastructure improvement projects

  
  
  

• Support lifecycle management, end-of-life planning, and critical equipment replacement initiatives

  
  
  

• Identify and recommend infrastructure enhancement and capital project opportunities

  
  
  

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a technical authority in resolving complex mechanical and facility incidents

  
  
  

• Collaborate effectively with operations, engineering, safety, and leadership teams

  
  
  

• Mentor and develop team members in mechanical engineering best practices, troubleshooting, and incident response

  
  
  

• Communicate spare parts and inventory requirements to stakeholders to maintain optimal stock levels of critical mechanical equipment

  
  
  

• Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for critical mechanical issues

  
  
  

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct DC operations experience in mechanical engineering

  
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent discipline

  
  
  

• Willingness to work on rotating shifts

  
  
  

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, cooling systems, plumbing, fire protection, and critical facility infrastructure

  
  
  

• Demonstrated experience leading incidents, managing vendors, and mentoring technical teams

  
  
  

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.