Data Center Nukes

Chase Dalton
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast helps former and transitioning Navy Nuclear ratings leverage their unique skills in the rapidly growing (and well paid!) data center industry. Explore the parallels between nuclear power and data centers, learn from industry experts, recruiters, and former nukes working in the industry, and gain valuable insights to navigate your transition. Discover how your nuke background can be the foundation for a great career in this fast-growing field.

Episodes

  1. 08/14/2024

    International Data Center Jobs- join AWS and see the world!

    This episode talks with Matt Anderson, a former Navy nuke who has worked internationally, about his journey through global data center roles. We talk about: How Matt transitioned from working in U.S. data centers to roles in Sweden, Ireland, and Denmark, highlighting the importance of networking and expressing interest in international opportunities. The challenges and benefits of working in international data centers, including language barriers, cultural differences, and diverse professional perspectives. Insights into the differences in data center operations between countries, particularly in areas like documentation and safety procedures. Financial considerations of working internationally, including potential pay cuts and tax implications, as well as compensating factors like tax breaks in some countries. The evolution of Matt's career from technical roles to more process-oriented positions, showcasing the diverse opportunities available in the data center industry. Valuable advice for transitioning Navy nukes, emphasizing the importance of focusing on relevant knowledge and skills rather than chasing unnecessary qualifications. See all resources including international job search advice at: ⁠⁠⁠datacenternukes.com⁠⁠⁠ Join the Data Center Nukes LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9814200/

    29 min

  2. 06/14/2024

    Salary Negotiation Tips for Data Center Professionals

    This episode talks with Dave Alpert, an experienced data center recruiter, about effective salary negotiation strategies. The main points covered in the episode include: The immense value of negotiating your salary, even a small increase can compound significantly over time. How to use data points like current benefits, experience, and qualifications to justify a higher salary offer. The importance of being gracious and avoiding outright rejecting an initial offer to keep the negotiation door open. When it may or may not be advantageous to disclose your previous or expected salary during the process. The reality that employers value internal equity and have limits, but are generally open to reasonable negotiation backed by data. The unique leverage data center professionals currently have in a rapidly growing industry with talent scarcity. See all resources including salary negotiation advice at: ⁠⁠datacenternukes.com⁠⁠ Join the Data Center Nukes LinkedIn group: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9814200/

    11 min

  3. 06/04/2024

    Resume and Cover Letter Advice from a Data Center Recruiter

    This episode features an interview with Dave Alpert, a veteran data center recruiter who has worked with companies like Meta. We talk about: • What recruiters look for when screening resumes, and how candidates can make their resumes stand out, especially those with a Navy nuclear background. • The importance of tailoring your resume to the specific job description, highlighting relevant experience, and quantifying accomplishments. • The power of a compelling cover letter in setting yourself apart from other candidates, and a simple formula for structuring an effective cover letter. • Other tips and considerations, such as resume formatting, selecting strong references, and including a brief interests section. • Insider advice for navigating the competitive data center job market and ultimately landing your dream job in the industry. See all resources including a cover letter template and example at: ⁠datacenternukes.com⁠ Join the Data Center Nukes LinkedIn group: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9814200/

    30 min

  4. 05/23/2024

    Building Out Data Center Manuals, Nuke Style

    This episode features an interview with Bryan Decker, a 20-year Navy nuke veteran who transitioned into the data center industry and built the operational manuals for Meta's data centers. He now runs a consultancy doing building out other company's facility manuals. We talk about: • Brian's journey from the Navy to working at Facebook's Global Facilities Operations Support Team, where he helped standardize operations across their 27 data centers globally. • The process of developing operational standards, policies, and procedures for data centers, drawing parallels with the Navy's approach. • The challenges faced in data center operations, such as managing downtime, maintenance planning, and maintaining uptime. • Brian's decision to start his own consultancy, Compass Facilities, with a fellow Navy nuke, focusing on optimizing operations at data centers. • The impact of generative AI and emerging technologies on data center design and operations. • Advice for Navy nukes transitioning into the data center industry, including familiarizing themselves with data center concepts and designs. See all resources at: ⁠⁠datacenternukes.com⁠⁠ Join the Data Center Nukes LinkedIn group: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9814200/⁠ Bryan's Company: https://compassfacilitiesconsulting.com/

    27 min

  5. 05/11/2024

    Making the Switch from Navy Nuclear to Data Centers with Steve Jolly

    In this episode of the Data Center Nukes podcast, Chase Dalton interviews Steve Jolly, a former U.S. Navy nuclear electrician who has had a successful career transitioning into the data center industry after over 22 years of service. Steve provides insights and advice for former nukes on topics including: Translating your Navy nuclear experience to a data center resume and interviews Best practices for interviewing and showcasing your technical skills Obtaining relevant certifications Typical career paths and roles within data center operations Tips for networking and getting your foot in the door How to continue advancing into management and leadership positions Steve draws upon his background at Amazon Web Services, where he rapidly progressed from data center facility manager to overseeing multiple data center clusters and a large team. His firsthand knowledge and mentorship prove invaluable for any former nuclear worker interested in leveraging their unique skillset in this lucrative and fast-growing industry. DataCenterNukes.com

    44 min

  6. 05/08/2024

    Procedure, Safety, Critical Systems: Why Data Centers Want Ex-Nukes

    This is an episode with Brian Knapp where we discusses how former Navy nuclear operators can transition into the data center industry and the various roles and career opportunities available in that field. Key items covered: Introduction of the guest, Brian Knapp, a former Navy nuclear operator who transitioned into the data center industry Overview of the different roles in data centers, such as construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance How skills from the Navy nuclear program translate well to data center jobs, like attention to detail, procedural compliance, and understanding critical systems The high quality of life, good compensation, and career growth opportunities in the data center industry Tips for networking, developing technical knowledge, and preparing for interviews in the data center field The explosive growth and demand for data centers driven by advancements like generative AI Check out all of the resources including salaries, study guides, resume templates, and more at DataCenterNukes.com

    27 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This podcast helps former and transitioning Navy Nuclear ratings leverage their unique skills in the rapidly growing (and well paid!) data center industry. Explore the parallels between nuclear power and data centers, learn from industry experts, recruiters, and former nukes working in the industry, and gain valuable insights to navigate your transition. Discover how your nuke background can be the foundation for a great career in this fast-growing field.

Information

  • Creator
    Chase Dalton
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chase Dalton
  • Show Website
    Data Center Nukes