Job Description

Joining Amex Tech means discovering and shaping your contribution to something big. Here, you can work alongside talented tech teams and build a unique career with the Powerful Backing of American Express. With a range of opportunities to work with the latest technologies, and a commitment to back the broader engineering community through open source, our mission is to power your success. Because Amex Tech is powered by our technology, our culture, and our colleagues.

The Senior Associate, Data Center Operations is responsible for ensuring the reliability, resiliency, and performance optimization of data center systems within a high-availability environment. This position serves as a specialist across mechanical, electrical, and control systems, providing problem solving, operational supervision, risk mitigation, and improvement initiatives. This role functions with a high degree of autonomy, leading facility maintenance and operational activities, supporting capital projects, mitigating risk, and driving engineering standards. This position reports directly to the Senior Manager – Technology Operations Support.

Operations & Maintenance

• Provide advanced operational supervision of critical data center infrastructure, including:
  • Building Automation and Management Systems (BAS/BMS)
  • Mechanical systems (chillers, cooling towers, CRAH units, pumps, compressors)
  • Electrical distribution systems (medium and low voltage)
  • Diesel generators and fuel systems
  • UPS systems and battery plants
  • Fire/life safety systems
• Lead preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies aligned with manufacturer specifications and industry standards.
• Conduct thermal imaging, power quality analysis, and systems monitoring to proactively identify degradation trends.
• Develop and implement corrective actions for systemic failures and recurring issues.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

• Apply interpretation of single-line diagrams, engineered drawings, control logic schematics, and manufacturer documentation to resolve issues.
• Conduct formal failure analysis assessments and analyze the results.
• Leverage diagnostic tools, BMS analytics, and performance trending platforms to drive data-informed operational decisions.
• Research opportunities to optimize energy efficiency, system redundancy, and operational resilience.

Vendor & Customer Collaboration

• Serve as lead during vendor-performed maintenance, capital improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Coordinate and lead third-party vendors during maintenance, repair, and project activities.
• Proactively communicate availability risks, system vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies to leadership.

Training & Compliance

• Participate in required on-site classroom, hands-on, and recertification training programs.
• Develop, refine, and maintain MOPs, SOPs, job plans, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure alignment to regulatory requirements and internal audit standards.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead workflow execution during critical activities, maintenance windows, and emergency events.
• Mentor and cross-train junior technicians to support succession planning and team resiliency.

Availability & Support

• Participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation supporting critical incident response
• Role schedule will be day shift and/or night shift, including weekends, and may be temporarily adjusted to support operations
• Work schedules are subject to change to support shift requirements and/or business demands/needs

Minimum Qualifications

• College, vocational or trade school certification, or equivalent schooling in a related field (mechanical, electrical, electronics, data center operations).
• Strong analytical and systems-level problem-solving capability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of advanced experience in mission critical facility operations and maintenance or journeyman-level electrical/mechanical environments.
• Working knowledge of NEC, OSHA, NFPA, and industry standards for critical facilities.
• Proficiency with diagnostic equipment, facility control & monitoring systems (e.g. - BMS/EPMS/BCMS) platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.