About VIRTUS
VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest growing data centre provider which owns, designs, builds and operates the country’s most efficient and flexible data centres.
Our mission - consistently exceed the expectations of customers through innovative, high-quality solutions and services. We employ intelligent thinkers – people with positive attitudes, who add to the quality of our customer proposition and business.
We value individual endeavour and initiative, encourage teamwork and togetherness because collective experience and expertise is VIRTUS’ greatest strength.
Job Summary
As an Operational Technology (OT) Systems Engineer you will be responsible for the delivery, support and continual improvement of the OT systems for VIRTUS.
This is a critical role responsible for ensuring high availability and service quality of key systems in a fast paced, multi data centre environment.
The scope includes Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Management Systems (PMS) and Security Systems (Access Control and CCTV).
You will help define and deliver the strategic roadmap for OT systems, working with operational and engineering teams across multiple sites to drive incident and asset lifecycle requirements in line with the long term strategy.
Duties and Responsibilities
The role includes but is not limited to the following: -
Systems Expertise:
Provide subject matter expertise in the use and adoption of OT system technologies.
Drive proactive system health monitoring, availability and alarm quality.
Lead fault analysis and root cause investigation.
Analyse and mitigate single points of failure in the OT Infrastructure.
Ensure documentation is maintained to support effective troubleshooting, upgrades, commissioning and decommissioning activities.
Define and improve engineering standards and commissioning principles across the OT lifecycle.
Build and maintain scalable upgrade and patching procedures.
Ensure systems, procedures and methodologies are in place to support outstanding service delivery.
Collaborate with other technical teams to address reliability issues promptly.
Work with the Cyber Security team and be responsible for delivering improvements to all aspects of cyber security for the OT systems.
Support and train others to increase their understanding and awareness of our control and monitoring systems.
Service & Project Delivery:
Oversee site-level OT works, including commissioning support, migration planning and upgrades.
Manage OT contractor activities, ensuring documentation, permits and testing is completed to standard.
Identify and drive reduction of nuisance alarms in coordination with Data Centre Operations and engineering teams.
Perform network assessments and integrity checks for OT connectivity.
Work with the internal teams to deliver standardised commissioning packs, change plans and quality assurance frameworks.
Act as a point of contact for inquiries related to OT services.
Own and represent all aspects of the OT and be recognised as a driving force for customer excellence.
Track new feature release and system capabilities for potential use.
Maintain a mindset of innovation, automation and simplification.
Any other reasonable requests made by your line manager.
Person Specification
Qualifications
City and Guilds, NVQ or equivalent
HNC/HND or higher in an engineering discipline would be preferable
Schneider PME, Ecostruxure, Power Scada Operation, AVEVA Plant SCADA, Trend IQ or similar certification preferred.
Highly Desirable
Knowledge of Cyber security is a plus and how it would be applied to all aspects of the OT Infrastructure, including measurement and championing new initiatives to ensure that the business is always protected.
Ideally educated to degree level or with equivalent industry experience.
Membership of a recognised relevant professional or industry body.
Relevant experience within a Data Centre or critical infrastructure environment.
Proficiency in Power SCADA Operation or AVEVA Plant SCADA is required.
Working knowledge of Modbus, BACnet, MQTT and OPC protocols.
Experience
5+ years experience with critical control and monitoring systems.
Prior experience working in data centres is preferred.
Commissioning expertise with PMS or BMS systems.
Familiarity with Schneider EBO, SBO and Trend IQ platforms is advantageous.
Proficient in control systems including Zelio logic and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Competence in critical control system design.
Skills:
Proactive and ambitious self-starter who focuses on problem solving and generating opportunities.
Self-motivated with a drive to deliver exceptional service.
Problem solver with attention to technical detail and service quality
Planning and organisation skills and able to prioritise to meet deadlines and cope with fluctuations in workload.
Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to establish positive working relationships.
Strong sense of customer service and demonstrates an understanding of needs of customers, keeping them in mind when taking actions or making decisions.
Comfortable using or leaning tools like ServiceNow, Maximo and Power Bi.
In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.
VIRTUS is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
VIRTUS Data Centres does not accept unsolicited support from search firms for employment openings. CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any VIRTUS employee without an active, written search agreement for a specified role will become the property of VIRTUS. No fees will be paid for candidates hired from agency submissions made without such an agreement. Existing agency partnerships must adhere to position-specific terms outlined in their agreements. Please refrain from calling or emailing regarding this matter.
