Senior Project Manager – Data Center

KCI Technologies; Sparks Corner (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

KCI Technologies, Inc. in Sparks, MD is seeking a Senior Project Manager – Data Center Development to plan, coordinate, and deliver multi-site data center programs from due diligence through construction.

The role requires 15+ years in large infra or mission-critical programs, deep experience with data center development, and strong stakeholder communication. A PE or PMP is preferred for leadership and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Planning or related field; minimum 6 years PM experience.
• Experience managing large-scale data center or infrastructure programs.
• Strong communication and multi-stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple data center development projects across sites.
• Develop schedules, budgets, risk registers and reporting.
• Coordinate with consultants, utilities, and clients.
• Manage permitting and entitlement strategies.
• Mentor project managers and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

PE certification

PMP certification

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Overview

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee‑owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world‑class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employees have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee‑owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting‑edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News‑Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Duties, Responsibilities & Other

The Senior Project Manager – Data Center Developmentis responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering complex, multi‑site data center development programs from early due diligence through design, permitting, and construction support. This role serves as the primary integrator across technical disciplines, internal teams, consultants, utilities, and client stakeholders to ensure data center projects are executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to required quality and performance standards.

The ideal candidate brings experience managing large infrastructure or mission‑critical development programs and is comfortable operating in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments with sophisticated clients.

Program & Project Delivery

• Lead multiple concurrent data center development projects or workstreams within a larger program, coordinating site/civil, environmental, utility, energy, and permitting efforts
• Develop and manage program execution plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and reporting frameworks
• Oversee consultants and subconsultants to ensure alignment with scope, schedule, quality, and contract requirements
• Coordinate complex permitting and entitlement strategies across local, state, and federal jurisdictions
• Support transition from development into design and construction phases, ensuring continuity and risk mitigation

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a key client‑facing representative, supporting strong, trust‑based relationships with data center developers, owners, and end users
• Facilitate communication among internal teams, external consultants, utilities, municipalities, and regulatory agencies
• Prepare and deliver program updates, executive briefings, and issue‑resolution strategies

Technical & Strategic Leadership

• Integrate multidisciplinary technical inputs (site selection, site/civil, environmental, utilities, power, and energy systems) into a cohesive development strategy
• Identify development risks related to schedule, permitting, utilities, environmental constraints, and constructability, and implement mitigation strategies
• Contribute to the development of standardized best practices, templates, and lessons learned for data center program delivery
• Financial & Commercial Management
• Assist with scope definition, fee development, contract negotiations, and change management
• Monitor program financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, and earned value metrics
• Support proposal development, pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives related to data center development

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Coordinate and mentor project managers and technical staff assigned to data center programs
• Foster collaboration across service lines and geographies to support integrated delivery models
• Support resource planning and workload balancing across active programs

* Essential Duties and Responsibilities are the basic job functions that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation

Specialized Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, or a related field
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in program or project management for large‑scale infrastructure, industrial, or mission‑critical developments
• Demonstrated experience with data center development, power/utility‑intensive projects, or complex industrial sites
• Strong understanding of permitting, entitlements, and utility coordination
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale or enterprise data center clients
• Familiarity with on‑site power generation, transmission, water/reuse infrastructure, or energy systems
• Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar credential
• Experience working in multi‑state or fast‑track development environments

Key Competencies

• Program leadership and execution
• Risk management and problem solving
• Client relationship management
• Financial and schedule control
• Cross‑disciplinary collaboration
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail

Qualifications

Education and/or Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (AEC Industry) and minimum of 6 years of related professional experience, or 10 years of equivalent professional experience.
• Experience should include a track record of expanding project management duties.
• Proven experience in project management roles, with a focus on managing larger‑scale projects or programs.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools, with the ability to develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and documentation.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to project management, quality assurance, and safety protocols.
• Effective problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills to manage contracts, scope changes, and stakeholder agreements effectively.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles to effectively manage project budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.

Education and/or Work Experience Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in related field (AEC Industry)

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations Required:

• Ability to complete the KCI PM Training and Contract Risk Training along with passing the PM Board within 6 months of start date.

Pre‑employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.