Data Center Operations Lead

Iris Energy; Childress (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

IREN is seeking a Data Center Operations Lead to drive real-time incident management and lead on-site teams across GPU clusters, network and facility systems at our Childress, TX location.

This role requires 3–5 years in mission-critical data center operations, strong leadership, and experience with ITSM, incident triage, and RCA. You will coordinate on-site smart-hands support, ensure proper handovers, and uphold high availability in a fast-growth environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in mission-critical, 24/7 data center operations or NOC, with leadership responsibilities.
• Expert in real-time incident management, with IT hardware, network, and facility issues.
• Experience monitoring GPU compute clusters, networks, and facility infra, with alert validation and response coordination.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary real-time decision-maker for active incidents while onsite with shift teams.
• Monitor IOC dashboards for GPU cluster, network, and facility alerts, coordinating response actions in real time.
• Validate ticket prioritization and route to IOC analysts or on-site technicians as needed.
• Coordinate smart-hands activities and guide technicians across GPU clusters and facility systems.
• Escalate critical incidents with clear context and next steps to IOC Manager or Engineering teams.
• Perform initial root-cause assessment and handoff deeper RCA tasks to IOC analysts.
• Conduct structured shift handovers and maintain precise operational logs.

Skills

Incident management

Leadership

GPU clusters

ITSM

On-site coordination

Shift handovers

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Type: Full-Time l Location: Childress, TX l Department: Operations l Reporting to: Senior Data Center Technician | Work Location Type: #onsite

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC.

Join our dynamic, fast-paced team as a Data Center Operations Lead, where you'll play a pivotal role in developing new data center projects. This is your chance to thrive in a high-growth environment, driving impactful projects at the cutting edge of energy and technology infrastructure.

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in.

Job Requirements

• 3-5 years in mission-critical, 24/7 data center operations or network operations center, including leadership, mentoring, and shift‑lead roles for small teams.
• Expert in real‑time incident management, ensuring accurate categorization, prioritization, triage, and stabilization of IT hardware, network, and facility issues.
• Skilled in monitoring GPU compute clusters, network environments, and facility infrastructure, validating alerts and coordinating immediate response actions.
• Proficient in ITSM ticketing: validation, prioritization, routing, and initial root‑cause assessment for engineering follow‑up.
• Experienced in coordinating on‑site smart‑handssupport, directing technicians and facilities staff based on incident priority and operational impact.
• Strong commitment to operational continuity through shift handovers, accurate logging, risk communication, and clear inter‑team collaboration.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent military/technical operations experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary real‑time decision‑maker for active incidents while embedded onsite with shift teams, ensuring accurate categorization, prioritization, timely triage, clear communication, and stabilization actions across IT hardware, network, GPU clusters, and facility systems.
• Monitor IOC dashboards for GPU cluster, network, and facility alerts, validating signal quality, assessing operational impact, and coordinating appropriate response actions in real time alongside the shift team.
• Validate ticket prioritization, ensure accurate routing, and identify emerging ticketing patterns or repeat issues, directing follow‑up tasks to IOC analysts, day‑shift leads, or on‑site technicians as needed.
• Coordinate smart‑hands activities and support requests related to GPU clusters, facility systems, and network operations, providing guidance to technicians and ensuring safe, timely execution.
• Escalate critical or high‑impact incidents to the IOC Manager or Tier 2/Engineering teams with clear context, documented evidence, and recommended next steps.
• Perform initial root‑cause assessment (RCA) by collecting evidence, timelines, logs, and observations to establish category and priority, then coordinate the handoff of deeper investigation and full RCA tasks to IOC analysts and day‑shift leads.
• Conduct structured shift handover briefings and maintain precise operational logs, ensuring operational continuity, situational awareness, and seamless transition between shifts.
• Contribute to process improvements by identifying operational gaps, recurring issues, or workflow inefficiencies observed during the shift, and proposing actionable solutions.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to shift analysts, fostering consistent application of incident management standards and best practices while embedded onsite.

At IREN, we offer a comprehensive, market‑competitive total rewards package designed to support employees’ well‑being, career advancement, and financial wealth. Our offerings reflect our commitment to Proceed with Purpose while rewarding high performance and long‑term growth.

Compensation

• Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications.
• 15% night‑shift premium for eligible roles, when applicable
• Overtime compensation for non‑exempt workers for hours worked over 40 per week
• Relocation and Living‑out‑allowance (as applicable and based on successful candidate circumstances)
• 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High‑Deductible Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid professional development and access to financial planning and legal services

Time Off & Leave Programs

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Growth & Development

• Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training

Community & Culture

• Company events and team‑building activities

Growth & Development (Duplicate)

• Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training

Community & Culture (Duplicate)

• Company events and team‑building activities

We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we want to hear from you — whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!

IE US Operations Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are committed to evaluating qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation.

We participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E‑Verify Participation Notice.

By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at www.iren.com.