Data Center Operations Site Lead

Google; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 205,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Google’s Hardware Operations team is seeking a Hardware Operations Manager to lead a Data Center Technicians group and ensure high-quality server hardware installations and complex troubleshooting.

You will oversee configuration, testing, and maintenance of servers and networking components, guiding projects and contingency planning across a hyperscale environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and its components.
• 5 years of experience in a people management, supervision, or team leadership role.
• 5 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux) and developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the site-level server operations team, ensuring all priorities are consistent with global company objectives.
• Implement and drive a safety culture at the site, advocating Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) initiatives to foster a secure, and collaborative environment.
• Hire, coach, and develop a high-performing team of managers and technicians; actively lead succession planning and build a talent pipeline.
• Manage localized metrics, including KPIs, SLAs, and SLOs, while identifying opportunities for process optimization.
• Align and guide site partners—including Facilities (DCOps), Security, GSO-L, Construction (DCS) and NetOps—to ensure seamless operational coordination without direct reporting authority.

Skills

Technical leadership

Data center operations

People management

Site-level leadership

Linux experience

Networking architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Job description

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and its components.
• 5 years of experience in a people management, supervision, or team leadership role.
• 5 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux) and developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and its components.
• 5 years of experience in a people management, supervision, or team leadership role.
• 5 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux) and developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Preferred qualifications

• Expertise in Linux operating systems and developing network architecture.
• Experience initiating and executing initiatives in a global environment.
• Demonstrated passion for operations, people management, and leadership.

About The Job

Google isn't just a software company. The Hardware Operations team is responsible for monitoring the state-of-the-art physical infrastructure behind Google's powerful search technology. As a Hardware Operations Manager, you will manage a team of Data Center Technicians. You will oversee the quality installation of server hardware and components and take charge of complicated installations/troubleshooting.

Your team will install, configure, test, troubleshoot and maintain hardware (like servers and its components) and server software (like Google's Linux cluster). They will also take on the configuration of more complex components such as networks, routers, hubs, bridges, switches and networking protocols. They may lead small project teams on larger installations and develop project contingency plans.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $205000 - $285000 (USD) + 25% bonus target + equity + benefits Learn more about benefits at Google .

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the site-level server operations team, ensuring all priorities are consistent with global company objectives.
• Implement and drive a safety culture at the site, advocating Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) initiatives to foster a secure, and collaborative environment.
• Hire, coach, and develop a high-performing team of managers and technicians; actively lead succession planning and build a talent pipeline.
• Manage localized metrics, including KPIs, SLAs, and SLOs, while identifying opportunities for process optimization.
• Align and guide site partners—including Facilities (DCOps), Security, GSO-L, Construction (DCS) and NetOps—to ensure seamless operational coordination without direct reporting authority.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .