On March 28, NOVA launched the second cohort of the AWS Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO) Upskilling Program with 44 AWS employees enrolled. Led by Amir Mehmood—NOVA associate professor, head of the DCO program, and AWS senior customer success engineer—the five-course program runs through August 12.
The partnership benefits both organizations. NOVA aligns its strong DCO program with regional workforce needs, while AWS upskills employees—many with 2–3 years of experience—for high-demand roles in engineering operations. The collaboration strengthens NOVA’s industry ties and helps boost enrollment.
The program consists of 5 core courses:
ELE 150 – A.C. and D.C. Circuit Fundamentals
Covers key electrical concepts such as direct and alternating current, resistance, magnetism, inductance, and capacitance. Students apply theories like Ohm’s Law and work with series and parallel circuits using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators, building a strong foundation for advanced electrical and machine applications.
ELE 146 – Electric Motor Control
Focuses on the operation and control of electric motors using solid-state devices. Students study diodes, SCRs, photoelectric controls, timing circuits, voltage regulation, and three-phase rectifiers, with an emphasis on designing relay logic, power circuits, and control systems for applications like electric vehicles and data center cooling.
CAD 175 – Schematics and Mechanical Diagrams
Teaches students to interpret and create engineering and data center diagrams, including shop drawings, electrical symbols, wiring diagrams, and piping systems. Special focus is placed on electrical one-line diagrams, control system layouts, and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), preparing students to read both electrical and mechanical prints.
ENE 108 – Introduction to Data Center Operations
Provides a comprehensive overview of data center fundamentals, including compliance, operations, and physical infrastructure. Students learn about mission-critical systems such as electrical, cooling, fire protection, and fiber optics, and explore the components of a fully operational data center. Offered as a flexible, self-paced course through NOVA Online.
ELE 148 – Power Distribution Systems
Explores how electrical power is transmitted from source to end-use equipment. Students study transformers, breakers, UPS systems, substations, feeders, bus-ways, and over-current protection devices, with a focus on system reliability, control mechanisms, and redundancy essential to data center operations.
To reinforce learning, students tour an Amazon data center, explore proprietary equipment, and engage with guest speakers from AWS. Because the participants are AWS employees, they benefit from expanded access to hands-on learning through both NOVA and Amazon.
NOVA and AWS maintain ongoing dialogue to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with real-world needs. AWS managers regularly provide feedback, and NOVA collaborates with project leads and students to assess performance and implement improvements. Between the first and second cohorts, the curriculum was enhanced by an estimated 25–30%. This continuous collaboration ensures the program evolves to meet industry demands.
Several participants shared resoundingly positive feedback about their experience so far:
Kaleb Rose has been with AWS for three years, starting on the rack team before moving into a host handoff role. He now hopes to transition into electrical engineering.
“When this program started, I felt like it was the perfect way to expand my knowledge in a different field—which I’m always open to. This was a great resource, so I jumped on it right away. They’re teaching us engineering fundamentals like Ohm’s Law, key formulas, and how to apply them. I’m really looking forward to the hands-on components—that’s the best way I learn. I would definitely recommend it.”
Timothy Cho, a Facilities Operations Center (FOC) engineer, has been with AWS for five years and previously led a team of DCO technicians. His experience resolving electrical issues sparked an interest in DCEO.
“I chose this program over Amazon’s self-paced learning because I wanted in-person classes with a professor—so I could ask questions. I’ve already recommended the program to my team and colleagues. I also enrolled in NOVA’s ITD 140 – Machine Learning I, which starts after this program ends.”
Bishaya Shamma, a DCO technician at AWS for over three years, joined the program after a colleague from the first cohort encouraged her.
“Now I’m interested in moving into the DCEO field. Professor Mehmood is great—he makes the class easier to follow, and so does the support from the cohort.”
Huzaifah Abbasi, a DCO technician at Amazon for nearly a year, joined the program for its accessibility and to explore a new field.
“I really like Professor Mehmood. He breaks down complicated things, which makes it easier to digest. I have zero background in anything electrical.”
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Professor Mehmood can be reached at amehmood@nvcc.edu