Data Center Operations Lead

Jobtailor; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a results-driven operations leader to manage hyperscale data center facilities in Texas. You will direct MEP infrastructure, ensure uptime, and lead commissioning of new sites. You will coordinate with cross-functional teams and drive process improvements to support capacity expansion.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in datacenter facility management, deep HVAC expertise, and strong communication skills to lead regional operations and vendor management in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in HVAC, Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, Energy and Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering Management, or related fields
• 5+ years of experience in data centers facility management, HVAC, MEP, central cooling, liquid cooling, or related industries

Responsibilities

• Direct operations across multiple hyperscale data centers ensuring uptime and reliability
• Oversee MEP infrastructure including power, UPS, generators, cooling, environmental monitoring, and security
• Lead commissioning and operational turnover of new infrastructure
• Attend to incidents as regional escalation lead, directing response and corrective actions
• Coordinate with facilities, engineering, construction and deployment teams for capacity expansion

Skills

Strong Communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or above in HVAC/Mechanical/Electrical/Automation related fields

Tools

Environmental Monitoring Systems

Power Distribution Units (PDUs)

Chiller Applications

Precision Air Conditioning

Liquid Cooling Systems

Job description

• Direct operations across multiple hyperscale data centers, ensuring uptime, operational readiness, and reliability for enterprise AI infrastructure


• Oversee critical MEP infrastructure including power, UPS, generators, cooling, environmental monitoring, and physical security


• Support planning and deployment of a 130 MW hyperscale AI data center


• Serve as regional escalation lead for critical incidents, directing response, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and operational recovery


• Partner with facilities, engineering, construction, and deployment teams to validate power, cooling, rack density, and infrastructure readiness for capacity expansion


• Lead commissioning and operational turnover of new infrastructure


• Ensure compliance with SOPs, MOPs, change management, and operational standards


• Manage vendors, TPMs, site operations, logistics, technician coordination, and compliance initiatives


• Drive operational excellence through standardization, documentation, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration across the Texas region


• Own on-site delivery of data center cooling solutions from equipment arrival through sign-off


• Coordinate contractors, face the customer, and engage engineering when needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above, preferably in HVAC, Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, Energy and Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering Management, or related fields


• At least 5 years of experience in data centers facility management, HVAC, MEP, central cooling plants, liquid cooling, or related industries


• Knowledge of data center cooling products and systems, including primary-side and secondary-side systems, liquid cooling CDU, fan wall, precision air conditioning, and chiller applications is preferred


• Strong project planning, site coordination, risk control, and problem-solving skills


• Ability to independently drive complex project delivery


• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills


• Experience in Hyperscaler, Colo, AI data center, or ICT infrastructure facility operations is preferred


• Valid U.S. driver's license


• Comfortable traveling to sites


• Authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer


• Immediate work visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing hyperscale data center operations, focusing on MEP infrastructure, compliance with operational standards, and effective project delivery. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence through process improvement and collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Data Center Facility Management


• HVAC Systems Knowledge


• Project Planning and Coordination


• Operational Compliance


• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Hard Skills

• MEP Infrastructure Management


• Cooling Systems Expertise


• Root Cause Analysis


• Operational Recovery


• Process Improvement


• Capacity Expansion Planning


• Risk Control


• Technical Documentation


• Commissioning of Infrastructure


• Vendor Management

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication


• Problem-Solving


• Leadership


• Collaboration

Industry Keywords

• Hyperscale Data Centers


• AI Infrastructure


• Colocation Facilities


• ICT Infrastructure


• Energy and Power Engineering

Tools & Technologies

• Environmental Monitoring Systems


• Power Distribution Units (PDUs)


• Chiller Applications


• Precision Air Conditioning


• Liquid Cooling Systems