Data Center Project Lead — Hybrid Role

CDM Smith; Ketchikan (AK); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex data center projects nationwide. This role focuses on scope, schedule, budget, and risk while coordinating multi-disciplinary teams through all design, procurement, construction, and closeout phases.

The ideal candidate has experience in planning, engineering of design-build and/or EPC projects, and strong leadership skills to mentor multi-disciplinary teams and drive client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of related experience managing design and/or construction projects, including experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• PMP (PMI), certification is required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Managing delivery of data center projects and/or programs, serving as the primary point of contact for day-to-day project execution with major clients in the U.S.
• Leading and managing cross functional teams to develop and execute project scope, schedule, and budget, including work planning, staffing, cost control, and change management.
• Managing projects from early concept development through detailed design, procurement support, construction administration, commissioning, and closeout for mission-critical facilities.
• Leading internal and external coordination across engineering disciplines, constructors, vendors, and client stakeholders to support on-time and on‑budget delivery.
• Managing project financial performance, including forecasting, invoicing, earned value (as applicable), and timely identification/escalation of risks and opportunities.
• Serving as a mentor and leader of multi‑disciplinary project teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, and consistent project execution.
• Performing and leading technical problem solving with engineering teams; coordinating with lead practitioners, quality managers, and key technical specialists to resolve complex issues related to integration BMS and EPMS systems
• Implementing project controls, quality management, and H&S requirements; providing guidance and review at the project level while ensuring discipline and quality standards are adhered to.
• Supporting client satisfaction and repeat work by proactively communicating status, resolving issues, and ensuring deliverables meet contract requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client‑facing delivery teams; communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders; and manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk for complex capital projects.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting & forecasting

Scheduling & planning

Communication

Leadership

MS Word & Excel

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/ construction management

PMP certification

7+ years experience

Travel willingness

Equivalent related experience

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex data center projects nationwide. This role focuses on scope, schedule, budget, and risk while coordinating multi-disciplinary teams through all design, procurement, construction, and closeout phases.

The ideal candidate has experience in planning, engineering of design-build and/or EPC projects, and strong leadership skills to mentor multi-disciplinary teams and drive client satisfaction.