What it’s like to work in one of America’s data centers
Powering the country’s massive AI build-out requires a lot of walking, checking for burning smells and monitoring for bird damage.
Ashburn, Virginia—a bustling hub for America's data center industry. James Waddy, a lead engineer at a 1 million-square-foot facility, is no stranger to the demanding and crucial work that keeps the nation's artificial intelligence investments running smoothly. Waddy, affectionately known as "The General," oversees dozens of engineers who meticulously inspect the center for any signs of overheating or damage. For Waddy, most days are uneventful, as he regularly conducts thorough checks without encountering any issues.
Data centers, often shrouded in mystery beyond their plain exteriors, are becoming increasingly scrutinized as Americans develop concerns about artificial intelligence and its potential risks. The inner workings of these large-scale facilities remain largely unknown, leaving many to wonder about the jobs and tasks performed by the dedicated individuals who maintain them.
At Waddy's facility, owned by Digital Realty, employees navigate through long, echoey hallways and work on towering cages filled with wires. The sprawling complexity of the building houses cots and showers for technicians who may be stationed there during extreme weather events to ensure continuous server operation. Despite the massive workforce at times, the facility often operates with only a fraction of its capacity, with empty rooms dotting the campus on a regular basis.
The demand for skilled workers in data centers is on the rise, fueled by the massive investment in artificial intelligence. With approximately 2,700 operational data centers in the U.S., and an additional 400 under construction nationwide, the industry is projected to create tens of thousands of jobs. Data center roles are in high demand, with entry-level engineers at companies like Digital Realty earning around $66,000 and more experienced professionals reaching up to $120,000.
For hourly employees tasked with maintenance and installation work, data centers offer a roughly 42% pay premium compared to similar positions at other businesses.
While the data center industry faces mounting public scrutiny, workers like Waddy and Don Atkinson remain committed to their roles, striving to keep the centers running efficiently. Despite the occasional backlash against data center construction, Atkinson and his colleagues continue to prioritize their work, ensuring the nation's critical infrastructure remains functional.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
