Sr. Construction Manager- Data Center

AFL; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AFL in Ashburn, VA is seeking a Data Center Construction Manager to lead on-site infrastructure buildouts, upgrades, and expansions in hyperscale, enterprise, and colocation environments. You will coordinate material logistics, scheduling, and contractor management to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will drive safety, quality, and compliance while collaborating with electrical, mechanical, network engineering, and facility teams to meet

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related technical field, or five (5) years equivalent experience in data-center or mission-critical facility construction/management.
• Strong technical background in data-center infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and structured cabling systems.
• Familiarity with IT, networking, and data-center architectures.
• Ability to think critically, problem-solve, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Current industry certifications preferred (e.g., BICSI, OSHA, PMP, Data Center ops certifications).

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite construction and installation teams; reports directly to the Operations Manager.
• Conduct daily safety briefings, JSAs, toolbox talks, and enforce safety requirements.
• Oversee installation and integration of data center systems: rack/stack hardware, cabling, PDUs, busway, grounding, containment, HVAC, power distribution.
• Lead crews through complex tasks on active data-center floors and equipment rooms.
• Evaluate test results, troubleshoot infrastructure faults, respond to trouble tickets, support maintenance.
• Prepare daily/weekly progress reports, feasibility assessments, and project documentation.
• Manage material procurement, storage, and onsite logistics.
• Ensure installation aligns with drawings, MOPs, and data-center requirements.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, network engineering, commissioning agents, and facility operations to resolve issues.
• Provide customer support, including direct communication during builds and management of expectations.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) policies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Thinking

Conflict Resolution

Results-Driven

Communication

Relationship Building

Education

Associate degree or 5 years experience

Tools

IT Networking familiarity

Job description

The Data Center Construction Manager leads fast-paced infrastructure buildouts, upgrades, and expansion projects within hyperscale, enterprise, and colocation data centers. This role executes project plans by coordinating and scheduling assignments, managing materials logistics, equipment, contractors, and tools required to deliver projects on time and within budget. The position requires proactive communication, detailed planning, and strong collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring all construction and installation activities meet customer expectations, data-center standards, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Reports directly to the Operations Manager and leads onsite construction and installation teams.
• Conducts daily safety briefings, JSA’s, toolbox talks, and enforces adherence to all site safety requirements.

Technical Execution

• Oversees the installation and integration of data center systems including:
  rack/stack hardware, structured cabling, fiber systems, PDUs, busway, grounding, containment systems, HVAC components, and power distribution equipment.
• Working knowledge of AC/DC power systems, UPS systems, battery strings, generators, and -48Vdc power.
• Ability to lead crews through complex tasks on active data-center floors and equipment rooms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least one area:
  structured cabling, fiber splicing/testing, electrical/conduit installation, mechanical systems, or equipment commissioning.

Testing, Quality, & Documentation

• Working knowledge of test equipment including OTDR, power meters, fiber certification testers, thermal imaging tools, circuit analyzers, and other commissioning gear.
• Ability to evaluate test results, troubleshoot infrastructure faults, respond to trouble tickets, and support maintenance activities.
• Conduct site surveys, quality assurance reviews, punchlist walk‑downs, and verify construction meets design and customer standards.
• Prepare daily/weekly progress reports, feasibility assessments, and project documentation.

Project Coordination

• Manage material procurement, storage, and onsite logistics.
• Ensure all installation work aligns with engineering drawings, MOPs, and data‑center operational requirements.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, network engineering, commissioning agents, and facility operations to identify and resolve issues.
• Provide customer support, including direct communication during builds, guidance on issue resolution, and management of customer expectations.
• Ensure compliance with company Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) policies.

Personal Qualities

• Leadership: Proven success leading high‑performance teams in mission‑critical environments.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret technical data to drive decision‑making and project outcomes.
• Conflict Resolution: Skilled at building consensus, anticipating issues, and resolving onsite conflicts.
• Results‑Driven: Able to manage multiple competing priorities with strong execution discipline.
• Communication: Effective at communicating plans, interpreting policies, and presenting updates to stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Able to work in cross‑functional environments and demonstrate strong team leadership.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related technical field, or five (5) years equivalent experience in data‑center or mission‑critical facility construction/management.
• Strong technical background in data‑center infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and structured cabling systems.
• Familiarity with IT, networking, and data‑center architectures.
• Ability to think critically, problem‑solve, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Current industry certifications preferred (e.g., BICSI, OSHA, PMP, Data Center ops certifications).

Working Conditions

• Use of hand tools and power tools as required for site work.
• Frequent climbing of ladders, navigating raised floors, and working in construction zones.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials.
• Standard hours Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm; however, after‑hours and weekend support may be required during critical cutovers or maintenance windows.
• Travel required based on project locations.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Degree or Type

B.A. or equivalent experience

Business Administration/Engineering

Disclaimer: This job description does not constitute a “contract” between the employee and the employer. The job description duties may change at the discretion of the employer and/or the employer may request the employee to perform duties that are not listed on the job description.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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