Data Center Modernization Project Manager

Power Construction, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Power Construction, LLC seeks a Data Center Modernization Project Manager to lead field activities in a live Chicago data center upgrade, transitioning to liquid-cooled infrastructure and upgrading fiber, copper, and network systems. The role requires coordinating contractors, technicians, and client representatives while maintaining safety and quality in a high-stakes environment.

The ideal candidate brings 6–10 years in data center infrastructure, strong field leadership, excellent

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience in data center infrastructure or related field.
• Experience installing, maintaining, upgrading, or troubleshooting data center infrastructure.
• Hands-on knowledge of fiber-optic and copper cabling systems.
• Experience working in live data centers or critical environments.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, cable schedules, and installation requirements.
• Strong client-facing communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead field activities supporting a major data center infrastructure and cooling modernization project.
• Coordinate replacement, migration, and upgrade of copper and fiber infrastructure.
• Oversee fiber installation, termination, testing, troubleshooting, labeling, and documentation.
• Support installation, relocation, maintenance, and connection of data center equipment.
• Coordinate contractors, technicians, vendors, engineers, and client representatives.
• Serve as primary field contact; communicate progress, issues, risks, and upcoming activities.
• Review drawings, specifications, installation requirements, rack elevations, cable schedules, and field documentation.
• Coordinate work sequencing, access, shutdowns, cutovers, migrations, and turnover activities.
• Identify field conflicts and develop practical solutions with project team.
• Monitor quality and ensure installations meet standards.
• Track testing results, open issues, punch lists, and closeout docs.
• Support work within an active data center while minimizing risk and disruption.

Skills

Data center infrastructure

Field leadership

Client-facing communication

Problem-solving

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

OTDR testing

Fiber/copper cabling

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW Power Construction is seeking a Data Center Modernization Project Manager to support a major infrastructure modernization project within an operational data center in Chicago. The project will help transition the facility from traditional cooling infrastructure to a liquid-cooled environment and will include significant upgrades to the facility’s fiber, copper, network, and equipment infrastructure. This individual will lead and coordinate field activities involving infrastructure installation, migration, testing, maintenance, and turnover. The role requires someone who understands how data center equipment is installed, connected, maintained, and safely modified within a live environment. The ideal candidate is a technically credible field leader with strong data center infrastructure and fiber expertise, capable of coordinating complex work in operational environments and representing projects professionally with clients. Direct liquid-cooling experience is valuable but not required. Applicants may come from Lead Field Engineer, Data Center Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Telecommunications Construction Manager, or Superintendent backgrounds, combining hands-on technical knowledge with strong field leadership and client-facing communication skills.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead field activities supporting a major data center infrastructure and cooling modernization project • Coordinate the replacement, migration, and upgrade of copper and fiber infrastructure • Oversee fiber installation, termination, testing, troubleshooting, labeling, and documentation • Support the installation, relocation, maintenance, and connection of data center equipment • Coordinate contractors, technicians, vendors, engineers, and client representatives • Serve as a primary field contact and communicate project progress, technical issues, risks, and upcoming activities • Review drawings, specifications, installation requirements, rack elevations, cable schedules, and field documentation • Coordinate work sequencing, equipment access, shutdowns, cutovers, migrations, and turnover activities • Identify field conflicts and collaborate with the project team to develop practical solutions • Monitor quality and confirm that installations comply with project requirements and applicable standards • Track testing results, open issues, punch-list items, and closeout documentation • Support work within an active data center while minimizing risk and disruption to ongoing operations • Promote high standards for safety, quality, accountability, and client service • Provide technical direction and mentorship to field technicians and supporting team membersREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • 6-10 years of relevant experience in data center infrastructure, telecommunications, construction, or a related field. • Experience installing, maintaining, upgrading, or troubleshooting data center infrastructure • Hands-on knowledge of fiber-optic and copper cabling systems • Experience with fiber testing, circuit validation, troubleshooting, or migration activities • Familiarity with data center equipment, racks, cabinets, patch panels, network hardware, and supporting infrastructure • Experience working in live data centers, colocation facilities, telecommunications facilities, or other critical environments • Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, cable schedules, testing documentation, and installation requirements • Experience coordinating field personnel, vendors, contractors, or project stakeholders • Strong client-facing communication and problem-solving skills • Ability to work on-site in ChicagoPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Previous experience as a Lead Field Engineer, Superintendent, Construction Manager, Data Center Engineer, or Infrastructure Project Lead • Experience leading large-scale fiber migrations, equipment upgrades, or infrastructure-modernization projects • Familiarity with data center cooling, power, and critical equipment, including CRAC units, PDUs, UPS systems, and related infrastructure • Exposure to liquid-cooling conversions or high-density computing environments • Experience coordinating work around active equipment, shutdowns, cutovers, or change-management procedures • Knowledge of OTDR testing, power meters, fiber characterization, DWDM, structured cabling, and network infrastructure • Bachelor’s or associate degree in engineering, construction management, telecommunications, information technology, electronics, or a related discipline • Relevant fiber, telecommunications, data center, networking, or safety certificationsCOMPENSATION DETAILS: Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000 Compensation for this role includes a base salary plus an annual discretionary bonus. Details on our benefits can be found on the Benefits tab within the Careers section of the website.