Data Center Chief Engineer

Company: Amazon
Location: Ashburn
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Join our dynamic Data Center Engineering Operations Team and become a critical architect of the infrastructure that powers global cloud computing. You'll play a pivotal role in maintaining the heartbeat of Amazon Web Services' physical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations that support millions of customers worldwide. The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves planned preventative maintenance of equipment, daily corrective work, and emergency response. The CE serves as an expert technical resource interacting with onsite Engineering Operations Technicians (EOT) and any third-party vendors. They are expected to be a singular focal point for all facility operations within a given data center and to support AWS. AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help. You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion. NOTE: Amazon does not sponsor for immigration, including for H-1B, TN, and other non-immigrant visas, for this role. NOTE: Lump sum stipend will be provided to eligible candidates who relocate for this position. Key job responsibilities Key job responsibilities: - Act as the primary escalation point for all facilities-related issues. Oversee operation and management of routine and emergency services on a variety of critical systems such as switchgear, generators, UPS systems, power distribution equipment, chillers, cooling towers, computer room air handlers, building monitoring systems, etc. - Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshooting of facility within internal Service Level Agreements (SLA). - Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians and are responsible for working with Facility Manager (FM) to set team culture. - Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams - May assist in the building out of new facilities and assist in projects to increase current facility efficiency - Working outside of normal business hours for routine maintenance as required, including responding to out-of-hours emergency calls. - Communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience. - Work with IT managers and other business leaders to coordinate projects, manage capacity, and optimize plant safety, performance, reliability and efficiency - Ensure all safety procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff - Establish building performance benchmarks, conduct analyses, and prepare reports on all aspects of the critical facility of operations and maintenance. - Utilize Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and other basic administrative tools to perform day-to-day tasks Physical Requirements: - Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in the following physical conditions with reasonable accommodation: - Regularly lift and/or move up to 39 pounds independently - Participate in group lifts for 40 pounds - Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder - Regularly walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb stairs, twist, bend, work above shoulders, grasp, carry, push and pull objects into position - Work in an environment requiring provided ear protection Essential Requirements: - Ability to travel to or commute between data center locations as needed - Willingness to temporarily work at alternative sites during training periods or until assigned facility is operational - Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility - Candidates must be able to travel (over 50 miles) or commute (less than 50 miles) to active data center sites as required by business needs. About the team - 3 years of Microsoft Office products and applications experience - 3 years of mission critical facilities (example: hospital, military facility, public safety facility, etc.) experience including industrial electrical and mechanical systems - Experience with reading and writing procedures, technical documents, and engineering drawings - Experience in data center engineering or operations - Experience in construction or project management - Experience leading technical teams through daily operations and maintenance evolutions - Must be able to work in an environment that involves walking, stooping, bending, and climbing to access equipment. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner. The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits . USA, VA, Ashburn - 96,000.00 - 166,300.00 USD annually

Keywords: Amazon, Ellicott City , Data Center Chief Engineer, Engineering , Ashburn, Maryland