Lead Engineer, OT & Network Infrastructure

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Role Summary: Unlike traditional operational support roles focused on standard preventative maintenance, the Lead Reliability Engineer for Electrical systems serves as the supreme technical authority for medium and low-voltage electrical topology, switchgear, UPS architecture, and power quality across Aligned's fleet. Acting as the strategic bridge between Site Operations and Platform Delivery, this role utilizes advanced electrical forensics to identify systemic vulnerabilities. The Lead Reliability Engineer translates complex power distribution data into binding engineering mandates and operational protocols, eliminating single points of failure and protecting enterprise SLAs.

Core Responsibilities:

• Advanced Forensic Investigations (RCA Governance): Lead deep-dive forensic analyses during critical fleet electrical incidents. Investigate complex failure mechanisms such as harmonic distortions, breaker coordination failures, ground faults, and electrical transient events, translating findings into immediate, binding corrective actions.
• Engineering Design Mandates: Review Single Line Diagrams, Sequence of Operations, and equipment specifications for all new capital projects. Issue Engineering Change Orders to Platform Delivery to correct architectural vulnerabilities, ensuring all power distribution and backup generation topologies meet strict fleet reliability standards prior to site deployment.
• Proactive Fleet Auditing: Conduct rigorous, programmatic audits of active Data Center electrical systems. Ensure strict site compliance with Aligned's electrical MOPs/SOPs, breaker trip settings, arc flash boundaries, and critical maintenance intervals for UPS and generator fleets.
• Innovation & System Integration: Evaluate next-generation electrical technologies (e.g., advanced battery chemistries, high-density power distribution for AI racks). Partner with the Advanced Cooling Lab to validate the electrical impacts of new mechanical topologies, specifically focusing on VFD harmonics and the power resilience of liquid cooling architectures.
• Executive Advisement & Incident Response: Serve as the definitive Tier-3 technical escalation point for severe electrical anomalies. Translate highly technical power quality data and breaker coordination issues into clear, executive-level risk assessments for senior leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: 8+ years of advanced electrical industry experience specifically focused on hyperscale data center infrastructure, complex power distribution, and massive-scale backup generation.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent highly specialized training/experience in critical environments.
• Technical Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of medium and low-voltage systems, UPS topologies, diesel generators, switchgear routing, and EPMS telemetry. Deep understanding of protective relaying, short circuit/coordination studies, and power quality analysis.
• Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to transition localized operational findings into fleet-wide engineering policy, combined with the executive acumen to communicate critical electrical risks directly to C-suite leadership and cross-departmental stakeholders.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts:  HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants.  FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.

Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.