Honor Society® member
Jacob Coulter
Critical Operations Technician at As a Critical Operations Technician, I am responsible for ensuring the continuous, safe, and reliable operation of mission-critical data center infrastructure. My role includes monitoring, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems that support high-availability environments, including UPS systems, backup generators, switchgear, HVAC equipment, and building management systems. I respond to equipment alarms and emergencies, perform preventive maintenance, coordinate with contractors and engineering teams, and follow strict safety and operational procedures to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted service for critical customer operations. This role has strengthened my technical expertise in critical infrastructure, systems reliability, risk management, and operational decision-making.
- Engineering Management
- Class of 2026
- Marietta, GA
Member since August 2026
About
I have built my career around engineering, technical operations, and leadership. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and am currently completing my Master of Science in Engineering Management, with graduation anticipated at the conclusion of the Fall 2026 semester. Professionally, I served for eight years in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program as both a Nuclear Mechanical Operator and Nuclear Mechanical Instructor, where I gained extensive experience operating nuclear reactor systems, maintaining mission-critical equipment, and training future nuclear operators. I currently work as a Critical Operations Technician, responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical electrical, mechanical, and cooling infrastructure that supports high-availability data centers. Together, my academic background and professional experience have strengthened my technical expertise, leadership abilities, and passion for solving complex engineering challenges, motivating me to pursue doctoral studies in engineering.
Education
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Kennesaw State University
Master of Science in Engineering Management
2025 – 2026
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Daytona State College
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
2021 – 2024
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My long-term career goal is to become an engineering leader focused on solving complex challenges in critical infrastructure and advanced technologies. By pursuing a doctoral degree in engineering, I hope to deepen my technical expertise while conducting applied research that bridges theory and real-world implementation. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of resilient, efficient, and innovative engineering systems, particularly in areas such as critical infrastructure, energy, and data center technologies. Ultimately, I hope to combine my operational experience, leadership background, and advanced education to lead engineering teams, influence the future of critical systems, and contribute meaningful research that has a lasting impact on industry.
- Graduate school interests
I will begin my final semester of my Master of Science in Engineering Management program in Fall 2026 and am on track to graduate with my degree at the end of the semester. As I complete my graduate studies, I am focused on continuing my academic journey by pursuing a doctorate in engineering. My goal is to begin a doctoral program in either the Summer or Fall of 2027, where I can build upon my academic foundation and combine it with my professional experience in nuclear engineering operations and critical data center infrastructure. I look forward to conducting applied research that addresses complex engineering challenges while advancing my technical expertise and contributing to the engineering profession.
- Outside the classroom
Outside of my professional and academic pursuits, I enjoy staying active in my community and continually learning. I volunteer with the United Service Organizations (USO), where I have the opportunity to support active-duty military members and veterans. I also enjoy following advancements in engineering and technology, spending time outdoors, traveling, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance through fitness and personal development. These interests help me stay engaged, broaden my perspective, and reinforce my commitment to lifelong learning.
Experience
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Critical Operations Technician
As a Critical Operations Technician, I am responsible for ensuring the continuous, safe, and reliable operation of mission-critical data center infrastructure. My role includes monitoring, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems that support high-availability environments, including UPS systems, backup generators, switchgear, HVAC equipment, and building management systems. I respond to equipment alarms and emergencies, perform preventive maintenance, coordinate with contractors and engineering teams, and follow strict safety and operational procedures to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted service for critical customer operations. This role has strengthened my technical expertise in critical infrastructure, systems reliability, risk management, and operational decision-making.
Dec 2024 – Present
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Nuclear Mechanical Operator - U.S. Navy
As a Nuclear Mechanical Operator in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program, I was responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining nuclear reactor plant systems and associated mechanical equipment aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. My role required strict adherence to technical procedures, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to make critical decisions in high-pressure environments to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the propulsion plant. In addition to my operational responsibilities, I was later selected to serve as a Nuclear Mechanical Instructor, where I trained and mentored future nuclear operators, developing their technical knowledge and ensuring they met the Navy's rigorous qualification standards.
Oct 2016 – Sep 2024
Volunteering
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Support active-duty service members and their families by helping create a welcoming, supportive environment at USO facilities and events. Assist with hospitality services, program support, and day-to-day operations while providing a positive, friendly presence for service members traveling or spending time away from home.
United Service Organizations
Dec 2025 – Present
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
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student veterans of america
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disabled american veterans
