Data Center Project Manager - White Space Fit Out Chicago, IL

Align Communications, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in data center services is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to oversee construction projects. This role involves managing schedules, quality control, and client interactions while ensuring successful project execution. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex projects and a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Benefits

Paid time off

Training

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant construction management experience.
• 5+ years managing large, complex mission-critical projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project management and construction activities.
• Monitor project progress and manage client expectations.
• Resolve scope issues with subcontractors.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Data Analysis

Vendor Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Construction Management

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 opportunities that celebrate 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 industry impacts, 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, power striping/redundancy planning from PDU’s to cabinet receptacles, conduit pathways, and low voltage structured cable infrastructure. As a Data Center Construction Project Manager, you will oversee electrical and mechanical distribution from critical upstream equipment to compute, storage, and network infrastructure. You will interpret design intent and customer expectations, ensuring project execution. You will be onsite daily, interacting with trades and subcontractors, managing schedule and quality control in the field.

• This is a full-time salaried position with competitive pay, benefits, paid time off, training, and performance bonuses.
• The role is based in the greater Chicago area, focusing on local projects, with some travel outside the area (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 with general contractors during bidding, award, execution, and closeout phases.
• Monitoring project progress through updated schedules, communicating changes, and managing client expectations, including negotiating extensions as 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.
• Tracking and reporting key construction metrics.
• Driving troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for equipment failures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or 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 systems; Data Center experience preferred.
• Strong general contractor and vendor management skills (RFPs, bidding, change orders, quality control, RFIs).
• Excellent documentation, communication, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction specifications and drawings.
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations (Life Safety, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, OSHA).
• Willingness to travel as needed (approx. 25%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of electrical and mechanical principles specific to data centers.
• Experience in data center or critical infrastructure construction/design.
• Value engineering skills to reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Experience with power management and monitoring systems.
• Certifications such as PE, LEED, or CCM are a plus.