Data Center Project Manager - White Space Fit Out

Align; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking company is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to lead complex construction projects. This role involves overseeing the entire fit-out process, ensuring quality and schedule adherence while interacting with trades and subcontractors. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, along with excellent project management skills. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and offers opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment. If you're passionate about making an impact in the tech industry, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Paid training

Performance-based bonuses

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or 6+ years of construction management experience.
• 5+ years managing large, complex projects involving MEP systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project management and construction activities for data center projects.
• Manage schedules, quality control, and client expectations.

Skills

Project Management

Construction Management

Mechanical Systems Knowledge

Electrical Systems Knowledge

Vendor Management

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Construction Management

6+ years of relevant construction management experience

Tools

Construction Management Software

Project Scheduling Tools

Job description

Data Center Project Manager - White Space Fit Out

Chicago, IL

Join the Team!

Is technology your passion? Do you want to work with smart, forward-thinking individuals? Do you want to grow in a career you love?

At Align, our professionals are the key to our success. We don’t just hire talent; we invest in exceptional people who are forward-thinking, results-driven, and passionate about what they do. We’re a group of tech-savvy professionals motivated by making an impact. Our culture offers unbounded opportunity that celebrates the passions, skills, and ideas of our team—work hard, play hard, be smart!

We believe great communities lead to great companies. That’s why we offer a dynamic workplace where you feel inspired, engaged, and innovative. We provide opportunities for professionals to train in leading technologies, make an impact within the industry, and acquire valuable new skills, whether on client sites or in our regional offices.

Position Overview

Align specializes in data center white space services. We are a white space fit-out general contractor managing the entire fit-out process of data centers nationwide. Our services include designing layouts, overhead support systems for cable pathways and electrical systems, power striping/redundancy planning from PDU’s to cabinet receptacles, conduit pathways, and low-voltage structured cabling infrastructure. As a Data Center Construction Project Manager, you will oversee the build of electrical and mechanical distribution from critical upstream equipment to compute, storage, and network infrastructures. Your role involves understanding the design intent and customer expectations and ensuring they are realized. You will be onsite daily, interacting with construction trades and subcontractors, managing schedules and quality control in the field.

• This is a full-time salaried position offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, paid training, and performance-based bonuses.
• The role is based in the greater Chicago area, working on local projects. Some travel outside Chicago may be required (approximately 25%).

Key Job Responsibilities

The Data Center Construction Manager will oversee project management and construction activities related to new builds or capital projects, owning scope, quality, schedule, and budget. Typical daily tasks include:

• Interfacing directly with general contractors during bidding, award, execution, and closeout phases
• Monitoring project progress through updated schedules, communicating changes, and managing client expectations; negotiating time extensions when justified
• Managing construction projects aimed at increasing data center resiliency
• Resolving scope issues with subcontractors
• Managing construction documents, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, and invoicing
• Recording and reporting key construction metrics
• Driving troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for equipment failures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or 6+ years of relevant construction management experience
• 5+ years managing large, complex mission-critical projects involving mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems; data center experience preferred
• Strong general contractor and vendor management skills (RFPs, bidding, change orders, quality control, RFIs, submittals)
• Excellent documentation, communication, and data analysis skills
• Ability to interpret construction specifications and drawings across disciplines
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations (Life Safety, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, OSHA)
• Ability to travel as needed (~25%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of electrical and mechanical principles related to data centers
• Experience in designing or constructing data centers or critical infrastructure
• Proven ability in value engineering to reduce costs without compromising quality
• Experience with power management and monitoring systems
• Certifications such as PE, LEED, or CCM are a plus

PM25

About Align

Align is a premier global provider of technology infrastructure solutions, specializing in designing and deploying solutions from desktops to data centers, along with managed IT services. Our professional services include consulting, design, project management, engineering, and support across various industries. We are a Microsoft Tier 1 Cloud Solutions Provider and Gold Partner, committed to innovation and excellence.