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Data Center Chief Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... and alignment with market data. Shift: 7:00 am 4:00 PM Location: Laguna Hills, CA Key ... Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Accurately inputs O&M data, as well as projects long range maintenance issues. * Ensures the vessel ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Accurately inputs O&M data, as well as projects long range maintenance issues. * Ensures the vessel ...

... and alignment with market data. Shift: 7:00 am 4:00 PM Location: Laguna Hills, CA Key ... Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight

... and alignment with market data. Shift: 7:00 am 4:00 PM Location: Laguna Hills, CA Key ... Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight

... market data. Shift: Day Shift Location: Hollywood, CA Key Responsibilities Facility Management ... Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight

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Showing results 21-40

Data Center Chief Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$91.7K

$178.6K

How much do data center chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center chief engineer in California is $91,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a data center chief engineer, and how can they be addressed?

A Data Center Chief Engineer often faces challenges related to maintaining uptime, ensuring energy efficiency, and managing rapidly evolving technology. Balancing the need for continuous operation with scheduled maintenance requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, adapting to new cooling, power, and security technologies means staying current with industry trends and regularly training the team. Effective collaboration with IT, facilities, and security teams is essential to address these challenges and ensure the data center runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Data Center Chief Engineer vs Data Center Engineer?

AspectData Center Chief EngineerData Center Engineer
CertificationsLEED, HVAC, electrical licensesHVAC, electrical, or network certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees entire data center operations, management levelPerforms technical tasks, maintenance, and troubleshooting
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, system optimization, team leadershipEquipment installation, repairs, system monitoring

The Data Center Chief Engineer typically holds a higher-level role focused on management, strategy, and oversight, while the Data Center Engineer handles technical operations and maintenance. Both roles require relevant technical certifications and work in the data center environment, but the Chief Engineer has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What is a data center chief engineer?

Data Center Chief Engineers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and reliability of data center facilities. They manage critical infrastructure such as power, cooling, and security systems to ensure uninterrupted service. Their role involves supervising engineering teams, coordinating repairs or upgrades, implementing safety protocols, and optimizing energy efficiency. Chief Engineers also play a key part in disaster recovery planning and compliance with industry standards. Their expertise helps ensure the data center runs smoothly and securely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data center chief engineer?

To thrive as a Data Center Chief Engineer, you need deep expertise in electrical and mechanical systems, critical facility management, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with building management systems (BMS), data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software, and relevant certifications like PMP or Uptime Institute credentials are highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set exceptional professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the reliable operation, maintenance, and scalability of mission-critical data center environments.

What are popular job titles related to Data Center Chief Engineer jobs in California?

For Data Center Chief Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Data Center Chief Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,728 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Chief Engineer

ABM Industries

Laguna Hills, CA • On-site

$70/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


ABM Industries rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 409 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 253 rated facilities management


Job description

ABM Industries is seeking a Facility Manager / Chief Engineer to oversee facility operations and building engineering functions at the TGS site in Laguna Hills. This is a newly established, high-priority position supporting a new client account. The role combines hands-on technical engineering oversight with facility management responsibilities, including staff leadership, vendor coordination, budget management, and client relationship management. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical engineering background paired with facility management skills.
 
Pay Rate: $70.00 hourly
 
The pay listed is the hourly range or the hourly rate for this position. A specific offer will vary based on applicant’s 
experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, and alignment with market data.
 
Shift: 7:00 am 4:00 PM
 
Location: Laguna Hills, CA 
 
 
Key Responsibilities
Facility Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the client on all facility operations matters at the Laguna Hills site
  • Develop and manage the facility operating budget, including capital planning
  • Oversee vendor and subcontractor relationships, including bidding, scheduling, and quality control
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and environmental standards
  • Manage preventive maintenance programs and building systems lifecycle planning
  • Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff
Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight
  • Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and building automation systems
  • Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues
  • Ensure all engineering work complies with applicable codes and standards
  • Manage energy efficiency initiatives and system optimization
  • Respond to and manage emergency facility issues as needed
Qualifications
  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressive facility management and/or chief engineer experience, ideally in commercial or corporate environments
  • Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems
  • Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
  • Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., Universal EPA, BOMA, CFM, CPM, or state-specific engineering licenses)
  • Strong client-facing communication skills
  • Budget management experience
  • Ability to respond to on-call emergencies as needed
ABM Industries is seeking a Facility Manager / Chief Engineer to oversee facility operations and building engineering functions at the TGS site in Laguna Hills. This is a newly established, high-priority position supporting a new client account. The role combines hands-on technical engineering oversight with facility management responsibilities, including staff leadership, vendor coordination, budget management, and client relationship management. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical engineering background paired with facility management skills.
Pay Rate: $70.00/hour 
 
Shift: 7:00 am 4:00 PM
 
Location: Laguna Hills, CA 
 
 
Key Responsibilities
Facility Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the client on all facility operations matters at the Laguna Hills site
  • Develop and manage the facility operating budget, including capital planning
  • Oversee vendor and subcontractor relationships, including bidding, scheduling, and quality control
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and environmental standards
  • Manage preventive maintenance programs and building systems lifecycle planning
  • Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff
Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight
  • Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and building automation systems
  • Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues
  • Ensure all engineering work complies with applicable codes and standards
  • Manage energy efficiency initiatives and system optimization
  • Respond to and manage emergency facility issues as needed
Qualifications
  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressive facility management and/or chief engineer experience, ideally in commercial or corporate environments
  • Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems
  • Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
  • Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., Universal EPA, BOMA, CFM, CPM, or state-specific engineering licenses)
  • Strong client-facing communication skills
  • Budget management experience
  • Ability to respond to on-call emergencies as needed

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