Lead, AI Data Center Infrastructure & Reliability

digitalocean98; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DigitalOcean is seeking a Senior Manager of Physical Infrastructure Engineering to lead electrical, mechanical, and controls teams responsible for scalable AI/GPU data center infrastructure. You will own standards, drive reliability, and guide design across the global footprint.

You will oversee vendor relationships, perform due diligence on new facilities, and ensure engineering governance from concept to completion. Travel 20–30% is expected.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering.
• 10+ years in mission-critical engineering with data center infrastructure.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams.
• 5+ years managing outsourced engineering teams.
• Deep hands-on experience with liquid cooling systems, UPS, generators, switchgear.
• Travel: 20-30% for site work and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team across electrical, mechanical, controls/automation, and data center infra engineering.
• Develop and own engineering standards and specifications for AI/GPU data centers.
• Serve as technical authority for infrastructure issues requiring escalation.
• Conduct due diligence on new colocation and build-to-suit facilities.
• Manage vendor and OEM relationships for CDU, UPS, generator, and switchgear.
• Lead root-cause analyses and drive corrective actions to completion.
• Own infrastructure specifications, documentation, and change governance.
• Collaborate with Site Operations, Deployment, Construction, and Design teams.
• Track reliability metrics and prioritize engineering investments.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E, electrical codes, and safety rules.
• Build audit processes for site compliance and remediation.
• Manage outsourced engineering talent when needed.
• Develop talent and create succession plans for key roles.

Skills

Team leadership

Engineering management

Data center infra

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Controls/automation

Outsourced teams

Liquid cooling

Power systems

Education

BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering

Tools

CDU systems

UPS

Generators

Switchgear

Controls/automation platforms

Job description

DigitalOcean is seeking a Senior Manager of Physical Infrastructure Engineering to lead electrical, mechanical, and controls teams responsible for scalable AI/GPU data center infrastructure. You will own standards, drive reliability, and guide design across the global footprint.

You will oversee vendor relationships, perform due diligence on new facilities, and ensure engineering governance from concept to completion. Travel 20–30% is expected.