Data Center Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Coresite:

At CoreSite, we empower a more connected future through high-performance data centers and interconnection solutions. Recognized as a trusted partner in digital transformation, our strategically located facilities and innovative services enable businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow in an ever-evolving technological landscape.  Our culture is defined by operational excellence and a relentless drive for innovation. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member is valued, wins are celebrated as a team, and ownership is part of our DNA. At CoreSite, we’re not just building state-of-the-art infrastructure—we’re creating a community of forward-thinkers committed to solving complex challenges and delivering exceptional customer experiences.  At CoreSite not only are we Committed to Excellence, but we also Build Connections, Own It, Do the Right Thing, Have Fun, and Win as a Team. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of digital infrastructure while nurturing your professional growth and success.

SkillBridge Data Center Technician Role:

The SkillBridge Data Center Technician assists in the operational integrity, security, and regulatory compliance of the data center. The technician will gain working knowledge of data center operations including telecommunications, mechanical, electrical, and fire life safety systems as well as data center operating procedures.

The technician will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the data center including facilities and telecommunication infrastructure.

The responsibilities are wide ranging and multi-disciplinary.

Mechanical responsibilities will include working on chilled water systems and components, HVAC systems such as roof top units, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems, and central plant operations. Electrical responsibilities will include working on electrical/critical power distribution from the Utility/Generator main switchgear through the UPS systems out to the customer load including power circuit installations.

Fire Life Safety responsibilities will include monitoring wet sprinkler systems and pre-action sprinkler systems as well as their associated detection devices. Telecommunications responsibilities will include cross connect installations, cabling infrastructure management, advanced remote hands support, and customer cage and cabinet build outs.

Other responsibilities will include customer infrastructure build-outs (cage builds, overhead installations, rack and stack), cable termination and testing, maintenance work, monitoring and responding to mechanical, electrical, fire protection, telecom, and security systems. These systems include, transformers, PLC’s, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, STS’, ATS’ PDU’s, chilled water systems, CRAC/CRAH, wet sprinkler systems and pre-action sprinkler, network equipment, transmission media, cabling infrastructure, security hardware, and CCTV.

Duties:

Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions in facilities systems. Areas include: Electrical, Mechanical, Communications, Building Monitoring and Control.  Completion of CoreSite’s Data Center Operations Qualification Program. Ensure data center operates at maximum operational efficiency, including analyzing existing operating conditions, recommending new technologies, and improving overall efficiency and cost reduction as per Coresite guidelines.

Manage systems to avoid unplanned, customer-impacting outages.

Follow direction from data center management regarding the data floor and back of house mechanical loading capacity thereby ensuring that the cooling system is operating at its highest efficiency.

Work with contractors and consultants for all system expansions, corrections and upgrades.

Work with the senior technicians to track and complete an aggressive preventive and predicative maintenance schedule.

Assist with the database management of maintenance discrepancies and work with to resolve site issues based on agreed upon priorities.

Trouble ticket and remote hands management.

Fiber and Copper cabling terminations.

Circuit path creation and verification.

Coordinate and oversee power installations and upgrades.

Complete work orders.

Infrastructure projects including cage and cabinet build-outs, overhead installations, and rack and stack.

Navigate and utilize a CMMS system. Use developed procedures to solve problems.

Assist in asset and consumable inventory management. Tracking and trending operational characteristics.

Tracking and proper labeling of all equipment per established procedures. Provide day-to-day exceptional customer service and support. Incident escalation, response, and follow-up report writing.  Maintain and complete regular facility and security tours documenting and responding to found issues. Manage building service requests through resolution.

Perform and complete work orders and customer service tickets in a timely manner.  

Provide applied mechanical and integrated control expertise for the entire data center.  

Serve in a technical writing capacity in regard to the derivation of procedures for preventative or corrective maintenance activities. Adhere to and promote CoreSite’s Principles of Operational Excellence, culture, and Core Values. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Interaction with Others -This position is required to interact with CoreSite personnel, vendors, partners, contractors and clients.

Work Attributes:

Knowledge-Firm and proven understanding of the electrical and mechanical systems used in a data center environment.

Firm and proven understanding of fiber optics / cabling infrastructure and industry best practices.

Firm and proven understanding of Proficient knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and compliance issues as well as building codes in regard to fire life safety  Proficient knowledge in industrial safety best practices (i.e. lockout/tag out, arc flash protection, OSHA and state regulations)

Proficient and experienced with data trending / tracking and analysis and ability to rapidly learn and use PC based, integrated critical monitoring systems.

Skills:

Minimum of 2 years experience installing, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting large commercial and industrial systems including: Chilled Water Systems, Large Centrifugal Chillers, Cooling Towers, Heat Exchangers, Water Treatment Systems, VFD’s and Pumps, HVAC equipment, CRAC/CRAH’s, Humidification Systems, BMS and PLC Controls, Emergency Standby Diesel Generator Systems, Fuel/Oil systems, 480/277 and 208/120 electrical generation and distribution, Static UPS Systems, Double Interlock Pre-Action Systems, Communications cabling, Cabling infrastructure, Network infrastructure and hardware Experience laying out, pulling, dressing, and terminating fiber and copper communications cabling.

Experience diagnosing and repairing IT hardware, servers, network switches, structured cabling. Proven leadership skills Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal staff.

Ability to coordinate, supervise and communicate with contractors who perform maintenance or upgrade work on these systems.  Ability to learn quickly and address issues as they arise during normal working hours or after hours. Ability to operate in and promote a rigorous process-driven team environment Ability to logically analyze and solve problems.

Ability to effectively multi-task multiple projects Operate Hand and Machine Tools (hammer, drill, saw, etc.) Operate electrical tools such as a multi-meter or infrared camera.

Required Education/Experience: 

• Must be an active-duty US Military personnel transitioning out of the military 
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) 2-5 years of related experience.