Data Centre HSE Engineer

Compute Nordic is a fast-growing data centre provider specializing in infrastructures for cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC).

Job Title:
HSE Engineer / Lead
(Data Centre Construction & Critical Operations)

Location:
Mikkeli, Finland
(site-based)

Reports to:
Site Director

Employment Type:
Full-time

Role summary:

The HSE Engineer/Lead is the site HSE authority responsible for protecting people, the environment, and the business during both construction (new build/fit-out/expansion) and 24/7 critical operations within a large-scale data centre in Finland. This role builds and drives a robust HSE management system focused on the unique risks of data centres, electrical hazards, heat, noise, dust, chemicals (including diesel/generator exhaust and battery/refrigerant-related substances), lifting and work-at-height, and emergency readiness, while ensuring environmental compliance across waste streams, emissions, spill prevention, and sustainability goals.

You will lead risk assessment and control measures, contractor and vendor HSE performance, site training and PPE programs, audits/inspections, incident investigation and corrective actions, and emergency preparedness (including drills and coordination with local authorities). The role also partners closely with Critical Facilities and Security teams to ensure safe work practices and monitoring are delivered without compromising the secure environment required in data centres. Strong working knowledge of Finnish regulations and authority requirements relevant to critical facilities is essential.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. HSE leadership & culture (construction + operations)

• Act as the site HSE focal point and visible leader, setting expectations, building a proactive safety culture, and exercising stop-work authority when needed.
• Develop, implement, and maintain site HSE plans, procedures, and performance targets aligned to company standards and Finnish requirements.
• Coach managers, engineers, and contractors on safe behaviours, hazard recognition, and disciplined execution.

2. Finnish regulatory compliance & authority engagement

• Ensure compliance with Finnish occupational safety, environmental, chemical, rescue/fire, and other applicable requirements for critical facilities.
• Manage site registers, compliance evidence, permits/notifications, and inspection readiness.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities and stakeholders as required (e.g. occupational safety, environmental, and rescue/emergency interfaces).

3. Construction HSE management (new build / expansion)

• Lead contractor HSE governance: pre-qualification, onboarding/induction, supervision, and performance management.
• Review and approve RAMS (risk assessments & method statements), lift plans, temporary works interfaces, and high-risk work controls.
• Implement and manage Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems (hot work, electrical, work at height, confined space, lifting, excavation where applicable).
• Conduct daily/weekly site inspections, corrective actions, and toolbox talk programs; ensure safe site logistics and segregation.

4. Operational HSE in a live critical environment

• Partner with Critical Facilities teams to embed HSE into routine operations: rounds, maintenance, switching, isolations, vendor work, and change control.
• Ensure robust controls for electrical safety (LOTO, isolation verification, arc-flash risk controls, access restrictions, switching protocols).
• Oversee safe management of operational hazards: heat stress, noise exposure, dust control, and safe access within energized/critical areas.

5. Risk management & continuous monitoring

• Maintain a site risk register covering people, environment, and operational continuity risks; lead periodic reviews and trend analysis.
• Define and verify controls: engineering controls (ventilation, noise control), administrative controls (procedures, PTW), and PPE.
• Support "safety in design" during project reviews to reduce lifecycle risk and improve maintainability and safe access.

6. Chemical handling, air quality & environmental protection

• Implement safe chemical handling practices (storage, labelling, SDS management, compatibility, spill response).
• Manage risks from generator exhaust/diesel systems, batteries/energy storage, refrigerants, cleaning chemicals, and other site-specific substances.
• Drive environmental compliance: waste segregation (including hazardous waste), emissions/noise considerations, spill prevention, and environmental monitoring and reporting.

7. Incident reporting, investigation & corrective actions (CAPA)

• Lead and/or support incident and near-miss reporting, investigation, and root cause analysis (e.g. 5-Why / fishbone).
• Track CAPA to closure, verify effectiveness, and share learnings across teams and contractors.
• Maintain HSE performance dashboards (leading/lagging indicators) and present findings to site leadership.

8. Training, competency & PPE programs

• Build and manage a training matrix for employees and contractors (inductions, task-specific training, emergency response, chemical handling, electrical safety awareness).
• Define PPE standards for all work areas and high-risk activities; ensure fit-for-purpose PPE and compliance checks.
• Support competency validation for high-risk tasks (e.g. switching support, LOTO execution, hot work, MEWP use), aligned with Finnish practice.

9. Emergency preparedness & response readiness

• Develop and maintain emergency plans for fire, electrical incidents, chemical spills, medical emergencies, and site evacuation.
• Coordinate drills and scenario exercises with facilities, security, and local emergency stakeholders as required.
• Ensure emergency equipment readiness (spill kits, eyewash stations, first aid, signage, muster points) and clear escalation paths.

10. Security interface (safe operations in a secure facility)

• Ensure HSE processes (access, escorts, contractor controls, tooling/material control) align with data centre security requirements.
• Promote safe work execution that does not compromise secure operations, controlled access areas, or critical equipment integrity.

11. Documentation, reporting & management system maturity

• Maintain high-quality HSE documentation: PTW records, audit findings, risk assessments, training records, inspections, and compliance evidence.
• Participate in management reviews and continuous improvement programs (including alignment to ISO-style systems where applicable).

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of HSE experience in data centres, critical facilities, large-scale industrial construction, energy, utilities, or similar high-risk environments (construction + operations exposure strongly preferred).
• Strong understanding of
  Finnish HSE regulatory requirements
  relevant to critical facilities / built environment and the ability to apply them on site.
• Degree/diploma (or equivalent) in Occupational Safety, Environmental Engineering/Management, Engineering, or related discipline; or equivalent proven experience.
• Demonstrated experience implementing core safe systems of work: PTW, LOTO/isolation controls, contractor management, site inspections, and audit programs.
• Proven ability to manage environmental aspects: waste, emissions/air quality considerations, spill prevention, chemical management, and reporting.
• Strong incident investigation and CAPA management capability with clear written reporting.
• Confident communicator able to influence contractors and senior stakeholders; calm decision-making under pressure.
• Medium Level Skills in English
• Fluent in Finnish

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in hyperscale / large-scale data centre projects and/or live critical operations (Tier/mission-critical availability environments).
• Formal HSE certifications (examples): NEBOSH/IOSH equivalents, ISO 45001/14001 internal/lead auditor, or similar.
• Familiarity with Finnish industry "safety card" practices and training passports (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Experience with commissioning/handover phases, integrated testing periods, and transition from construction to operations under strict change control.
• Strong capability in data-driven HSE performance management (leading indicators, trend analysis, targeted interventions).
• Fluent in English.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume and optional cover letter to

Application deadline is 15th Jan 2026.