Program Manager (Data Center Construction)

SpaceXAI; Southaven (MS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceXAI in Memphis, TN, seeks an experienced Program Manager (Data Center Construction) to lead a growing portfolio of data center and infrastructure programs. You will oversee multiple Construction Project Managers and ensure the delivery of mission-critical facilities that support SpaceXAI's AI compute goals.

This is a full-time, primarily onsite role based in the Memphis area, with travel to support additional project sites across the US.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in construction project/program management, with focus on data centers or mission-critical infra.
• 5+ years of direct people management experience leading PMs/superintendents.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direct management to a team of Construction Project Managers.
• Oversee end-to-end execution of multiple large-scale construction programs for data centers and infrastructure.
• Align program deliverables with broader infrastructure roadmap and aggressive timelines across engineering, design, and operations.
• Manage program budgets, schedules, resources, and risks; maintain master schedules and contingency plans.
• Act as senior owner’s representative with GC/subcontractors, vendors, and authorities.
• Drive standardized processes, KPIs, dashboards, and cost-saving innovations.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance with codes and reliability requirements.
• Identify and resolve cross-project issues and lead recovery efforts as needed.
• Mentor teams and contribute to program governance and continuous improvement.
• Adapt to evolving priorities in a dynamic, high-growth organization.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

Bluebeam

MS Project

Job description

Memphis, Tennessee; Southaven, Mississippi

SpaceXAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands‑on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an experiencedProgram Manager (Data Center Construction) to lead our growing portfolio of data center and infrastructure construction programs. In this leadership role, you will oversee multiple Construction Project Managers and ensure the successful delivery of complex, mission‑critical facilities that support SpaceXAI's AI supercomputing goals. You will serve as a key bridge between field execution, engineering, and executive leadership, driving program‑level strategy, risk management, and operational excellence in a fast‑paced environment.

This is a full‑time, primarily onsite role based in the Memphis, TN area, with flexibility for travel to support additional project sites across the US.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership and direct management to a team of Construction Project Managers
• Oversee end-to-end execution of multiple large‑scale construction programs, including pre‑construction planning, site development, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover for data centers and supporting infrastructure.
• Align program deliverables with SpaceXAI's broader infrastructure roadmap, AI compute requirements, and aggressive timelines through close collaboration with engineering, design, commissioning, operations, and executive teams.
• Manage program‑level budgets, schedules, resources, and risks; develop and maintain master schedules, forecasts, and contingency plans to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Act as a senior owner’s representative, managing relationships with general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, permitting authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Drive standardized processes, best practices, and performance metrics (KPIs, dashboards, reporting) across projects while identifying and implementing value engineering, cost‑saving opportunities, and innovations in construction means and methods.
• Ensure rigorous safety, quality, and compliance standards, including adherence to relevant codes, environmental regulations, and SpaceXAI's high‑reliability requirements for mission‑critical facilities.
• Proactively identify and resolve cross‑project issues, escalatie appropriately, and lead recovery efforts when needed.
• Support continuous improvement by mentoring teams, conducting lessons‑learned reviews, and contributing to the evolution of SpaceXAI's construction program management framework.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving priorities in a dynamic, high‑growth organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in construction project/program management, with a strong focus on data centers, hyperscale facilities, mission‑critical infrastructure, or large industrial projects.
• 5+ years of direct people management experience, successfully leading teams of Project Managers, Superintendents, or similar roles.
• Proven track record delivering complex programs on aggressive schedules and within budget in fast‑paced environments.
• Strong technical knowledge across multiple disciplines (civil/site, structural, MEP, controls, commissioning) with the ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to executive audiences.
• Proficiency with construction management tools (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, MS Project) and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours to support site operations.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with data center or hyperscale construction (ground‑up builds, MEP‑intensive facilities, liquid cooling, power infrastructure).
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, PE, or LEED.
• Familiarity with Memphis/Shelby County or similar regional permitting, codes, and construction practices.
• Background in high‑growth tech or industrial environments with a focus on speed, innovation, and operational readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to build high‑performing teams and implement program governance in matrixed organizations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Subject to pre‑employment and random drug/alcohol testing, background checks.
• Comfortable in active construction site environments (noise, outdoor exposure, ability to lift 25+ lbs).
• Flexibility for evenings/weekends as project needs dictate.
• SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer.