ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mission Critical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMission Critical Jobs

Mission Critical information

See salary details

$13

$20

$28

How much do mission critical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for mission critical in the United States is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mission critical job?

Mission critical jobs are roles that are essential to the ongoing operations and success of an organization. These positions typically involve tasks or responsibilities that, if interrupted or left unfilled, could significantly impact the company's ability to function or meet its objectives. Mission critical roles are commonly found in IT, emergency services, healthcare, data centers, and other sectors where uptime, security, and reliability are paramount. Employees in these positions often work in high-pressure environments and must be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies or system failures.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in mission critical roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in mission critical roles often face challenges such as maintaining high system uptime, responding rapidly to emergencies, and managing complex infrastructure under pressure. These roles demand a strong ability to troubleshoot issues quickly while minimizing downtime, as even minor disruptions can have significant consequences. To address these challenges, teams typically implement robust monitoring systems, follow strict protocols, and conduct regular training drills to ensure preparedness. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and clear communication are also key to responding effectively during high-stress situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission critical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Critical Engineer, you need expertise in electrical and mechanical systems, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with building management systems (BMS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and industry certifications such as Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA) or similar are often required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities ensure the reliability and uptime of critical infrastructure, where even minor errors can have significant consequences.

What is the difference between Mission Critical vs Data Center Technician?

AspectMission CriticalData Center Technician
CertificationsOften includes PMP, OSHA, or specialized technical certificationsTypically requires CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCritical infrastructure sites, data centers, or facilities supporting essential servicesData centers, server rooms, and network operation centers
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, telecommunications, government, and large enterprise sectorsIT service providers, cloud providers, and enterprise IT departments
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on maintaining essential systems during outages or emergenciesFocuses on installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining data center hardware and networks

While both roles involve working in data centers and critical environments, Mission Critical professionals focus on ensuring the continuous operation of essential systems during emergencies, whereas Data Center Technicians primarily handle hardware setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance within data centers.

More about Mission Critical jobs

What cities are hiring for Mission Critical jobs?

Cities with the most Mission Critical job openings:

What states have the most Mission Critical jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mission Critical jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Mission Critical jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Mission Critical jobs are:

Mission Critical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Critical job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,185 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Senior Structural Engineer - Mission Critical

Clayco (LJC - Mission Critical)

Lenexa, KS • On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Clayco rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

We are seeking a Senior Structural Engineer – Mission Critical to lead the design and analysis of structural systems for data centers and other high-reliability facilities. This role requires expertise in designing robust, scalable, and resilient structures that can withstand seismic, wind, and vibration loads while meeting the uptime requirements of mission-critical operations. The ideal candidate will have experience with steel and concrete structures, foundation design, and dynamic loading conditions.

The Specifics of the Role

  • Lead the design, implementation, and coordination of fire protection systems for mission-critical facilities, including data centers, server farms, telecommunications hubs, and command centers.
  • Design and specify advanced fire protection systems, including fire suppression (e.g., clean agent systems, pre-action sprinkler systems), fire alarm systems, smoke detection, and emergency life safety systems tailored to mission-critical environments.
  • Perform detailed fire protection system calculations, including hydraulic calculations for sprinklers, and assessments of fire suppression system effectiveness, including special hazard systems.
  • Develop and maintain fire protection system design criteria, technical specifications, and project documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and codes (NFPA, IBC, UL, local building codes, etc.).
  • Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil) and architects to ensure seamless integration of fire protection systems into the overall building design.
  • Conduct risk assessments, system evaluations, and fire protection system analysis to determine the most effective solutions for mission-critical applications.
  • Oversee system commissioning, testing, and inspections to ensure that fire protection systems are installed and functioning correctly, meeting design specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical expertise and support during construction and project implementation phases, addressing any issues or design changes that arise on-site.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff, providing leadership and fostering professional growth in fire protection engineering practices.
  • Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging best practices in fire protection engineering, particularly as they relate to mission-critical facilities.
  • Manage and track project schedules, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion of fire protection designs.
  • Prepare and present detailed reports, technical documentation, and presentations to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies as needed.
  • Ensure the highest level of safety, operational continuity, and compliance with all applicable regulations and industry standards.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
  • Minimum of 8-12 years of professional experience in fire protection engineering, with a focus on mission-critical facilities (e.g., data centers, telecom facilities, control rooms).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) or other fire protection-related certifications are highly desirable.
  • In-depth knowledge of fire protection system design for mission-critical applications, including clean agent systems, pre-action sprinklers, and smoke detection technologies.
  • Expertise in relevant codes and standards, including NFPA (particularly NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 2001), IBC, UL standards, and local building codes.
  • Proficiency in fire protection system design software (AutoCAD, Revit, HydraCAD, etc.) and hydraulic calculation tools.
  • Strong experience with commissioning, testing, and inspections of fire protection systems in mission-critical environments.
  • Ability to perform risk assessments and system evaluations tailored to the specific needs of mission-critical infrastructure.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal team members at all levels.
  • Strong project management skills, with experience handling multiple complex projects simultaneously while ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Experience designing fire protection systems for large-scale data centers or other mission-critical facilities, such as server farms, control rooms, or telecommunications buildings.
  • Familiarity with advanced fire suppression technologies such as clean agent systems (FM-200, Novec 1230), inert gas suppression systems, and pre-action sprinkler systems.
  • Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and its application in fire protection design.
  • Knowledge of energy-efficient and sustainable fire protection design solutions for mission-critical facilities.
  • Familiarity with global fire protection standards and best practices, including experience working in international markets.

Some Things You Should Know

  • Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
  • No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
  • We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
  • The pace is fast!

Why Clayco and LJC?

  • 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  • 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

  • Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

  • The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

What Clayco employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply