Field Hardware Operations Lead

Metric DCX; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Metric DCX in Houston seeks a hands-on Field Hardware Operations Lead to own hardware deployment and field execution from the Texas office. You will drive builds across multiple data center sites with a focus on reliability, safety, and on-time delivery while shaping operations from the ground up.

You will lead field technicians and vendor crews, coordinate with construction and electrical teams, develop SOPs, monitor KPIs, and own logistics, staging, and deployment schedules to keep projects on

Qualifications

• 5+ years in data center operations or field infrastructure.
• 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role managing technicians or contractor teams.
• Strong understanding of data center environments (power, cooling, cabling, servers).
• Experience with new builds, expansions, or large-scale deployments.
• Ability to travel within Texas as needed.
• Strong organizational, communication, and vendor management skills.
• Commitment to safety and compliance in fast-moving field environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day field and hardware operations across multiple Texas data center sites
• Oversee rack-and-stack, server and network equipment installation, cabling, and commissioning
• Manage and coordinate field technicians, contractors, and vendor crews
• Own hardware logistics, including receiving, inventory, staging, and deployment schedules
• Partner with construction, electrical, and engineering teams to keep builds on schedule and to spec
• Develop and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, and quality standards across all sites
• Troubleshoot hardware and infrastructure issues on-site and drive root cause resolution
• Track and report on project progress, equipment status, and operational KPIs
• Serve as the escalation point for field issues, vendor coordination, and site readiness

Skills

Leadership in field ops

Vendor management

On-site hardware deployment

Project coordination

Safety & compliance focus

Tools

DCIM

CMMS

Asset management tools

Job description

Field Hardware Operations lead - Data Center

As demand for compute and reliable power continues to surge, we are expanding the field operations team, we are looking for a hands-on leader to own hardware deployment and field execution from the Houston office.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in fast-paced build environments and wants to help shape operations from the ground up.

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day field and hardware operations across multiple Texas data center sites
• Oversee rack-and-stack, server and network equipment installation, cabling, and commissioning
• Manage and coordinate field technicians, contractors, and vendor crews
• Own hardware logistics, including receiving, inventory, staging, and deployment schedules
• Partner with construction, electrical, and engineering teams to keep builds on schedule and to spec
• Develop and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, and quality standards across all sites
• Troubleshoot hardware and infrastructure issues on-site and drive root cause resolution
• Track and report on project progress, equipment status, and operational KPIs
• Serve as the escalation point for field issues, vendor coordination, and site readiness

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in data center operations, hardware deployment, or field infrastructure
• 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role managing technicians or contractor teams
• Strong understanding of data center environments, including power, cooling, structured cabling, and server hardware
• Experience with new builds, expansions, or large-scale deployments
• Comfortable working on-site and traveling to project locations around Texas as needed
• Strong organizational, communication, and vendor management skills
• Commitment to safety and compliance in a fast-moving field environment

Nice to Have

• Experience with high-density compute, GPU, or AI infrastructure deployments
• Familiarity with electrical systems, switchgear, UPS, or generator infrastructure
• Background in power infrastructure or energy sector
• Experience with DCIM, CMMS, or inventory and asset management tools