Data Center Engineering Technical Manager
CBRE - West Chicago, IL
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About the Role: As the Technical Manager, you will be the primaryengineering authority supporting the underlying infrastructure that sustainsone of CBRE's High Performance Computing (HPC) environments in the world. Based in Lemont, Illinois, this CBRE on-site roleprovides the client with specialized strategic (and operational feedback)pertaining to critical electrical, mechanical, cooling, and facilityinfrastructure that would directly support the Facility's computecapability. You will also act as CBRE's: Site Subject Matter Expert (SME)forliquid cooling and MEP systems supporting high-density compute systems; and Owner of Critical Environment Risk Management(CERM)for the facility, ensuring the stability, safety, andresilience of the supporting critical infrastructure. This position requires an advanced engineering skill set,deep infrastructure knowledge, and the ability to operate within a researchand laboratory environment , supporting mission-critical workloads andrigorous compliance requirements. It is imperative that the individual has advancedpresentation and communications skills (written and oral) to convey complexengineering and technical messages to executives, and be able to do so in aprofessional and concise manner. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Represent the face of CBRE in any strategic and/orcomplex technical conversations/engagements involving Client representatives (i.e.,Asset Manager, Engineer of Record (EOR) and other 3 rd party technicalexpertise) in order to provide CBRE high level and/or detailed operational input,and done in a concise and timely manner for future capacity decisions. Manage the Facility's power, cooling, andinfrastructure capacity in line with exascale system demands and futuretechnology refresh cycles. TheTechnical Manager will manage in a timely manner any Data Center capacity requeststhat come in from the Client's Client related to enhanced, revised, or reduced capacityloads (incl. power, HVAC, space, weight). Ensure all infrastructure operations comply withclient and vendor technical requirements, including contract-specificengineering deliverables. On behalf of CBRE, maintain and govern allcritical infrastructure drawings for the Facility, including chilled waterdistribution, liquid-cooling loops, electrical one-lines, and HPC loaddistribution diagrams. Develop and maintain detailedsite-specific RACI matrices tailored to HPC operational structure. Perform staffing analysis to support 24/7coverage, high-density cooling management, and HPC system maintenance windows. Lead creation and updates of businesscontinuity and disaster recovery plans specific to the high-performancecomputing environment. Implement training and qualification programsfor critical facilities engineers supporting the Facility's unique cooling andpower systems. Coordinate mock failure scenarios (e.g.,chiller plant failures, power transitions, liquid-cooling loop disruptions) tovalidate operational readiness. Develop and refine operating procedures(SOP/EOP/MOP) specific to exascale HPC cooling, power sequencing, and systemchange protocols. Provide incident response support, includingcontribution to root cause analysis for any facility events thatimpact HPC availability. Identify and maintain a site-specific riskregister covering HPC thermal loads, water systems, UPS distribution, andmission interruptions. Oversee airflow and liquid-cooling optimizationto support the Facility's extreme compute power density. Assess lifecycle condition of assets supporting theFacility (UPC, CW pumps, cooling towers, CDUs, heat exchangers) and informcapital planning. Develop and implement sustainability strategiesin accordance with Client sustainability goals, including water usage, energyefficiency, and PUE/WUE reduction. Knowledge Operation, maintenance, and repair of data center criticalinfrastructure, including: Standby generators, UPS systems, PDUs, ATSssupporting the Facility. Large-scale chilled water plants, liquid-coolingdistribution units, and plate heat exchangers CRAHs, CRACs, and data center-specific coolingtechnologies (e.g., warm-water loops, rear-door exchangers) BMS, EPMS, CMMS, DCIM systems integrated withHPC telemetry systems Engineering Knowledge of: Psychrometric charts, HVAC load calculations,and hydronic pipe sizing. Reading electrical one-lines, chilled, andcondenser water diagrams. Standard sequences of operation for electricaland mechanical data center systems. Electrical power calculations per NFPA 70 (NEC),coordination, arc-flash studies (NFPA 70E), and maintenance practices (NFPA70B). Industry standards, including ASHRAE Datacom/TC9.9 and OCP publications. Principles of preventative, predictive, andreactive maintenance. Energy efficiency metrics (e.g., PUE, WUE) andsustainable data center practices. Skills Ability to analyze performance data from thedata center's environmental telemetry, SCADA systems, and HPC monitoring tools. Strong documentation abilities for highlyregulated environments (DOE/ANL). Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word,Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and Microsoft Power BI for data analysis andreporting. Proficient in Bluebeam, CAD, and BIM softwarefor technical documentation. Strong communication, capable of bridgingdiscussions between CBRE, the Client, Client's Client(s) and associated 3 rd parties (including vendor engineering teams and EOR). Analytical and strategic thinking for planningand problem-solving. Talents Analytical : Objective in identifyingpatterns and root causes through systematic analysis. Adaptable : Thrives in dynamicenvironments, managing multiple priorities effectively. Focused : Maintains clear objectives andfilters actions to achieve goals. Responsible : Takes ownership ofcommitments and delivers results reliably. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, orrelated engineering field is preferred PE licensure a plus, especially with experiencein HPC environments or mission-critical facilities. 3-5 years of experience in data center or HPCfacility operations; exascale or national laboratory experience highlydesirable. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and eight or more years experience in electrical systems, refrigeration and/or HVAC. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. CERTIFICATES and/or LICENSES Universal CFC certification required. Additional certification in one or more of the following: electrical, mechanical, HVAC and refrigeration systems, process controls, mechanical power transmissions, painting, plumbing, carpentry or engine repair. Certifications/licenses as may be required by local or state jurisdictions. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable and courteous service to customers. Ability to effectively present information. FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE Requires knowledge of financial terms and principles and to understand operating budgets. Ability to calculate intermediate figures such as percentages, discounts, and/or commissions. Conducts basic financial analysis. REASONING ABILITY Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret documents. Ability to solve problems involving several options in situations. Requires intermediate analytical and quantitative skills. OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES Uses personal computer and / or PDA for work order system, email, ESS and training. Basic skills with Microsoft Office Outlook. Physical requirements include stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs / ladders and ability to lift / carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY Decisions made with thorough knowledge of procedures and company policies to achieve set results and deadlines. Responsible for setting own project deadlines. Errors in judgment may cause short-term impact to co-workers and supervisor. SAFETY Responsible for personal safety and the safety of those who are affected by your work. This includes but is not limited to: Complete all required and assigned HSE training at a satisfactory level, Follow all activity policies and procedures, including all HSE-related requirements at all times, Participate in all HSE-related programs & activities as required, including incident investigations, interviews, auditing and assessment, etc. Report any conditions which you feel could result in an accident or injury and / or stop work if required. CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate's education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Data Center Technical Manager position is $150,000 annually and the maximum salary of $182,000 annually. The compensation offered to a successful candidate will depend on their skills, qualifications, and experience. This role will provide the following benefits: 401(K), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Life insurance, and Vision insurance. Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company's success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@ or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada). CBRE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer (Women/Minorities/Persons with Disabilities/US Veterans)
Created: 2026-03-10