Server Operations Area Lead

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

Job summary

Google's Hardware Operations team manages the state-of-the-art data center infrastructure behind Google's powerful search technology. As a Hardware Operations Manager, you will lead a distributed team of Data Center Technicians, overseeing installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of servers and components.

Your role emphasizes strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration with Cloud, Networking, Safety and Security, and KPI-driven performance to keep our

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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Data Center Operations

Team Management

Linux

Networking

Shift Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Master's degree in a technical field

Job description

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Pryor Creek, OK, USA; Kansas City, MO, USA.

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

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.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .