Benjamin Fortin
Reston,VA
Summary
Data Center & Power Engineer (3AE) with hands-on experience operating and maintaining mission-critical power and cooling infrastructure. Skilled in managing UPS systems, diesel generators, switchgear, ATS/STS, chillers, boilers, CRAHs, and AHUs to ensure 24/7 reliability in both commercial data centers and Coast Guard–regulated marine environments. Adept at preventive maintenance programs, incident response, and root-cause analysis, reducing downtime, and improving system resilience. Experienced in cross-functional leadership, vendor management, and regulatory compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and ASHRAE standards. Proven ability to bridge technical expertise with operational strategy to support organizational goals, including uptime, and operational efficiency.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Data Center Engineer
Server Farm
Tysons, VA
08.2025 - Current
- Operate and maintain mission-critical infrastructure including UPS systems, diesel generators, switchgear, PDUs, ATS, and STS equipment.
- Manage HVAC systems including chillers, cooling towers, CRAHs, and AHUs to ensure optimal temperature and humidity levels for data center operations.
- Monitor and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems to prevent downtime and maintain 24/7 uptime reliability.
- Conduct routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and load testing on power and cooling systems, along with supporting commissioning and integration of new mechanical and electrical equipment into live environments (UPS, generators, and chillers).
- Perform root cause analysis of infrastructure incidents and implement corrective action plans, while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards (OSHA, NFPA, ASHRAE).
- Collaborate with vendors and contractors during repairs, upgrades, and infrastructure projects.
- Utilize BMS/EPMS systems to track and respond to alarms, performance metrics, and utility usage to provide critical on-call support and rapid response to ensure uninterrupted data center operations.
Power & Facilities Engineer (Marine - USCG 3rd AE)
Kirby Offshore
Houston, TX
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Operated and supported critical marine engineering systems including diesel-electric generators, switchboards, HVAC systems, cargo heating systems (boiler principles), fuel purification, and sewage treatment aboard an 80,000-100,000 BBL ATBs.
- Performed routine testing and diagnostics on safety-critical systems such as emergency diesel generators, fire pumps, bilge and ballast systems, and fuel oil transfer pumps.
- Led troubleshooting during operational failures such as power loss, overheating events, and fluid system malfunctions, restoring service under pressure with minimal downtime.
- Conducted and documented inspections, maintenance logs, and equipment history reports in alignment with USCG.
- Enforced safety drills, LOTO procedures, and pollution prevention practices as part of daily operations.
Ordinary Seaman
Kirby Offshore
NY/NJ/CT
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Supported transportation of 140,000 BBL of diesel and heating oil across tri-state region.
- Assisted in bunkering operations, line handling, and operational drills.
- Conducted preventative maintenance on transfer pumps, generators, ballast and hydraulic systems.
Facilities Engineering Intern
Scott Management, Inc.
Alexandria, VA
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Assisted in inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems, boiler rooms, domestic hot water systems, fire protection, and pumping equipment across a portfolio of 4,000+ residential units.
- Collaborated with contractors and drafted scopes of work and service contracts for mechanical repairs, retrofits, and code-compliant upgrades.
- Supported energy audits, preventive maintenance scheduling, and digital asset tracking using internal work order systems.
- Participated in field diagnostics and system troubleshooting to ensure responsive repairs and minimize downtime.
- Gained practical experience in mechanical plant operations, vendor coordination, and regulatory building system compliance.
Education
Facilities Engineering
SUNY Maritime College
The Bronx, NY05.2024
Skills
- USCG Third Assistant Engineer License
- Unlimited steam and turbine licenses
- Electrical and power systems
- Mechanical and HVAC systems
- Data center operations
- CPR and first aid certification
- TWIC credential
- Excel proficiency
- Python programming
- Shipboard electrical and mechanical systems
Certifications And Skills
- USCG Third Assistant Engineer License (Exp: 2029)
- Electrical & Power Systems
- Mechanical & HVAC systems
- Data Center Operations
- CPR & First Aid Certified (Red Cross)
- TWIC Credential
- Excel | Python | Shipboard Electrical and Mechanical Systems
Academic Accomplishments
- U.S. Coast Guard license, First Class Regiment of Cadets.
- Student President, SUNY Maritime Chapters of Association For Facilities Engineers (AFE) & The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
- Assistant Engine Training Officer | Cadet aboard T.S. Empire State VI
Timeline
Data Center Engineer
Server Farm
08.2025 - Current
Power & Facilities Engineer (Marine - USCG 3rd AE)
Kirby Offshore
08.2024 - 08.2025
Ordinary Seaman
Kirby Offshore
05.2023 - 07.2023
Facilities Engineering Intern
Scott Management, Inc.
05.2022 - 08.2022
Facilities Engineering
SUNY Maritime College