Performance Optimization Engineer

Turn wasted gas into computing power. Own the operational backbone behind our data center operations.About UnblockWe convert flare gas and curtailed renewables into high-performance computing power. In 12 months, we eliminate 140,000 tCO₂e while generating 125 GWh from gas that would've been burned for nothing.Our next chapter: scaling from 15 MW to 100 MW across Vaca Muerta, turning Argentina's oilfield into a clean computing powerhouse while getting our operations ready to scale internationally.Why This Role ExistsThe math is simple: At 100MW scale: every 1% of downtime = 8,760 MWh wasted = thousands of tCO₂e released = millions in lost revenue. You own every percentage point. You own uptime. Every percentage point is tons of CO₂, millions in revenue, and mission success. Beyond the numbers, you're building the operational backbone that proves decentralized computing can thrive in the harshest environments. We did the 0->1, now we need you to help us do the 1→10 role: codify what works today, design systems for 10x scale tomorrow. What You Will OwnFleet Reliability & OptimizationMaintain %+ uptime across +4 data centersDrive uptime increase through systematic improvementsCreate and own our downtime tracking KPI'sSOP Creation & EnforcementBuild the "Unblock Operating System"— first SOPs version in first 180 daysDesign audit protocols that catch problems before they cost uptimeTurn informal know-how into documented playbooks—today’s hack is tomorrow’s SOPWrite checklists so clear that a new operator hits 95% efficiency by Week 3. People & Safety LeadershipScale field team from 6 to 50 data center operators and generator mechanics within 18 monthsZero tolerance on safety—design systems to drive incidents towards zero through engineered safeguardsReinforce culture where best ideas win, regardless of seniorityLead by example: your boots are dirtier than the restData-Driven OperationsSteer daily and weekly KPI reviewsDrive engagement to our early warning systems for gas, temperature, network issuesCross-Functional ExecutionCoordinate with the oil companies we operate to preview problems and guarantee them a smooth gas offtakeInterface with engineering on new site designs—operations shapes data center manufacturingPartner with finance on unit economics—every decision impacts computing cost/revenueWhat Exceptional Looks LikeYour scorecard after 12 months:Uptime: 15% uptime improvement over 12 monthsSafety: 365 days without recordable incident. A new program of statistically driven safety trainings in placeScale: Successfully codified our operations knowledge into SOP's and KPI'sTeam: attracting best operational and mechanics talent in Latin AmericaWho You AreOperations ObsessedYou wake up thinking about takt time"Continuous improvement" isn't corporate speak—it's your religionYour previous teams still use SOPs you wrote 5 years agoYou've calculated the ROI of every maintenance window in your head before the meeting starts. Your idea of light reading is Toyota Production System case studies and safety incidents reportsFirst-Principles Problem Solver and Data-fluent decision makerYou break problems down from physics and operational metrics —not tradition. When told "Data centers needs pristine power," you ask "Why?"You see "industry standard" as a starting point, not an answerLeader Who Leads from the FrontYou teach by doing, not PowerPointingYour boots are dirtier than your team'sYou take the middle seat in the field truck, not shotgunRequired Experience8+ years leading operations in manufacturing, electricity generation, or heavy industryP&L responsibility with demonstrated efficacy (time improvements and cost reduction)Designed and implemented SOPs and KPIsTrack record of safety excellence in hazardous environmentsBonus PointsUniversity or masters degree on Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with focus on processes. Power generation experience (gensets, turbines, grid interconnection)Built operations from Data center or Bitcoin mining operations backgroundLean Six Sigma Black BeltExperience in frontier markets or infrastructure-constrained environmentsThis Role is NOT For You If...You prefer managing from an office or via video callsYou think "executive" means avoiding manual workYou need perfect conditions and an immutable plan to deliver resultsBut if you're thinking:"I could definitively help them improve their uptime""Why aren't they using (insert your favorite framework) to reduce downtime"...then apply. Compensation And BenefitsCompetitive salary. Incentive program that makes you a part of the company’s growth. Every member of Unblock is an owner of Unblock. Opportunity to make a real impact on the environment and society. High autonomy comes with the responsibilities you take on. Specific support for mothers applying to this role: daycare and school supply assistance. Comprehensive health insurance, and other benefits. Ready to transform our operations? If you want direct impact on the future of compute while building world-class operations, we need to talk.Apply below and more information at https://unblock.energy/en/careers/