Server Operations Area Lead

Socket.dev; Pryor Creek (OK); On-site; USD 205,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus target

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Google's Hardware Operations team is hiring a Hardware Operations Manager to lead a distributed group of Data Center Technicians. You will oversee the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of server hardware and related components to ensure reliable infrastructure behind Google's services.

The role demands strategic leadership, lifecycle management of hardware and software, and alignment of data center priorities with Cloud and Infrastructure goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and components.
• 3 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• 3 years of experience in a people management, supervision, or team leadership role.
• Experience with Linux and developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays and shift-based schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and hire a distributed team of Site Leaders to drive operational consistency, safety, and KPIs.
• Oversee the full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance.
• Drive efficiency and optimize resource allocation across the Area.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships for operational synergy with DCOps, Networking, Safety, Construction, and Security.
• Host strategic site visits for internal and external executives and engage with public officials.

Skills

Leadership

Data center operations

Network architecture

Linux

Shift work

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical field

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and its components.
• 3 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• 3 years of experience in a people management, supervision, or team leadership role.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux) and developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Education and Tech: Master's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience, with deep expertise in large-scale data center infrastructure and Linux/Unix.
• Global Ops: Manage complex, matrixed organizations, vendor relationships, and P&L/budget accountability.
• Strategy and EHS: Execute strategic global initiatives using KPIs while leading Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) improvements.
• Communication: Strong executive presentation skills and ability to maintain a consistent physical presence/travel.

About the job:

Google isn't just a software company. The Hardware Operations team is responsible for monitoring the state-of-the-art physical infrastructure behind Google's powerful search technology. As a Hardware Operations Manager, you will manage a team of Data Center Technicians. You will oversee the quality installation of server hardware and components and take charge of complicated installations/troubleshooting.

Your team will install, configure, test, troubleshoot and maintain hardware (like servers and its components) and server software (like Google's Linux cluster). They will also take on the configuration of more complex components such as networks, routers, hubs, bridges, switches and networking protocols. They may lead small project teams on larger installations and develop project contingency plans.

Behind everything our users see online is the architecture built by the Technical Infrastructure team to keep it running. From developing and maintaining our data centers to building the next generation of Google platforms, we make Google's product portfolio possible. We're proud to be our engineers' engineers and love voiding warranties by taking things apart so we can rebuild them. We keep our networks up and running, ensuring our users have the best and fastest experience possible.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $205000 - $285000 (USD) + 25% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Workforce Development:Lead, mentor, and hire a distributed team of Site Leaders to drive operational consistency, safety, and KPIs. Foster a high-performance culture using OKRs to ensure accountability while empowering local leadership.
• Operational Excellence:Oversee the full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance. Ensure data center priorities align directly with Cloud, Infrastructure, and broader business objectives.
• Business Operations:Drive efficiency and optimize resource allocation across the Area. Strategically align business objectives with workforce development to maximize output and operational performance.
• Stakeholder Management:Foster cross-functional partnerships for operational synergy. Collaborate with stakeholders including DCOps, Networking, Safety, Construction, and Security to remove roadblocks.
• Ambassadorship:Host strategic site visits for internal and external executives. Partner with Government Affairs to manage engagements with public officials during key milestones.