Chief engineer

The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical leader for the local EdgeConneX site, with overall responsibility for the operational integrity, safety, and performance of all mechanical and electrical systems across the data centre. The Chief Engineer provides authoritative technical leadership, applying deep functional expertise and sound judgment to resolve complex challenges, guide decision-making in ambiguous situations, and ensure the consistent delivery of high operational standards. As the primary technical escalation point on site, the Chief Engineer influences maintenance excellence, reinforces procedural rigor, and upholds a strong culture of safety and compliance..

This role requires onsite training/onboarding in one or multiple other EdgeConneX locations. Expected travel in the first 6 months is significant.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain full day-to-day operational responsibility for all critical mechanical and electrical systems on the local site; ensuring 100% uptime and adherence to all customer SLAs.
• Work independently to plan, organise, and execute the site PPM schedule within the roadmap approved by the Campus Manager or designated Installation Responsible Person.
• Develop detailed Method of Procedure (MOP) documentation for all planned and corrective maintenance activities, incorporating risk assessment and site-specific adaptations Analyse and resolve complex or unexpected maintenance issues using advanced problem-solving techniques and sound technical judgment.
• Organise and oversee the testing of mission-critical equipment, ensuring all activities are conducted safely and results are accurately documented.
• Manage contractor and vendor activities, ensuring all work is logged in the CMMS and carried out in accordance with approved procedures; provide technical guidance as needed.
• Keep the Campus Manager informed of all planned and corrective maintenance activities, proactively escalating risks, issues, or deviations.
• Respond promptly to alarms and emergencies during working hours, following the site emergency response plan and maintaining clear communication.
• Participate in the on-call rota to support continuous site operations.
• Plan and coordinate customer-requested work, providing regular updates to both the customer and Campus Manager.
• Monitor site systems continuously to identify early signs of equipment degradation and recommend improvements to processes or procedures.
• Identify and implement energy efficiency initiatives to optimise site performance and reduce operating costs without impacting reliability.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the CMMS and ensure all site documentation complies with company processes and standards

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of data centre electrical and mechanical systems, including transformers, generators, HV/LV switchgear, UPS, ATS/STS, RPPs, chillers, and CRAC/CRAH units.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, evaluate contributing factors, and develop technically sound solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement in critical situations, and adapt established methods to resolve non-routine issues.
• Extensive expertise in method of procedure (MOP) development, risk assessment, and safe systems of work for critical infrastructure maintenance.
• Ability to provide technical guidance to contractors, colleagues, and cross-functional teams on complex operational matters.
• High attention to detail in maintenance execution, documentation, and compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief management, contractors, and stakeholders clearly and accurately.
• Fluency in both the local language and English is required.

Experience & Education

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in data centre operations or critical facilities engineering, supported by a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical expertise.
• A valid LV/HV Authorised to Switch certification, in accordance with local standards, is required.
• Formal training in electrical engineering, with a strong emphasis on power systems, is essential.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgement when managing high-risk maintenance activities and emergency response situations.
• Relevant local safety certification is required; OSHA 30 must be held or completed shortly after joining.
• Knowledge of local grid infrastructure would be advantageous.

The starting salary will be no less than €43,601.88 gross per year and the final offer will be fine tuned based on gender neutral criteria of candidates, including but not limited to competencies, responsibilities, effort and work conditions.