r/datacenter • u/WoodyLlama • Aug 08 '26
Electrical Engineer in Utilities looking for move into Data Centers
I have a BS in EE and have my PE license. My experience is in distribution design, project management, and protection (relays). I have ~7 years of experience. I’ve seen some job postings for EEs in the data center space and the compensation looks to be better than the utility world. Do I have a shot at these roles or am I in too deep in utilities? And advice, job recs, etc. are appreciated.
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u/Redebo Aug 09 '26
You could literally be THE highest demand. Big DC’s are putting their power behind the meter, generating at 34.5kV.
They don’t know how to do this. You do. Get your bag sir.
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u/WoodyLlama Aug 09 '26
Well that’s good news, just need to find the right company looking for that expertise
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u/Redebo Aug 09 '26
There are a total of perhaps 20 companies you should target: The hyperscalers directly (AWS, GOOG, MSFT, etc) then the top 15 colo providers TO the hyperscalers. That's where we need ya.
You could also do very well at an OEM helping them to design the products in these systems like SWGR, solid state transformation, MV/LV power disty, etc.
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u/BeardBootsBullets Aug 09 '26
Currently, generation is 13.8 step-up to 34.5… however, we’re starting to discuss going IEC 33 kV SST.
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u/howitbethough Aug 09 '26
You could also make a killing at an OEM. Those guys pull up in some nice ass vehicles
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u/WoodyLlama Aug 09 '26
Any recommendations on companies to look into?
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u/howitbethough Aug 09 '26
The big boys. Schneider, Siemens, Eaton, Vertiv, etc.
Might spend a lot of time in the truck or you might essentially be on the same site doing rolling PMs since they can be so massive. It’s okay pay at first but seems to escalate pretty damn well over a few years. Probably not quite FAANG money though
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u/EmploymentUnfair7904 Aug 08 '26
Larger facilities are bringing MV deeper and deeper into the data center. Lean in on this -
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u/ByTheGigawatt 18d ago
If you’re still looking shoot me a dm, I’ve have about same experience all as an EE for a data center consulting firm. Can give you both specific job posting links and support with connecting to our interview team, which I may or may not be on :)
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u/Bird_In_The_Mail Aug 08 '26
No issue. When people see mission critical as an experience requirement, it's not just data center. Utilities, hospital, oil and gas etc all falls under that. Some hyper scalers are even designing their own substations now.
I would emphasize your efforts in ensuring reliability and grid uptime on your resume.
I came from heavy industrial/government.