Third Party Data Centers Area Lead, Global Server Operations

Google; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 205,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Google's Hardware Operations team is seeking an Area Lead and Data Center Operations Manager to lead a distributed team of Site Leaders. You will oversee installation, configuration, testing, and maintenance of server hardware and networking components in a large data center portfolio.

As Area Lead you will drive safety, operational KPIs, and OPEX management while partnering with Cloud, Networking, Safety, and Security to remove roadblocks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams responsible for hardware servers and components.
• 3 years of site-level data center operational leadership.
• 3 years of experience developing and managing managers.
• Experience with Linux and network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and hire a distributed team of Site Leaders to drive KPIs and safety.
• Oversee full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance.
• Drive efficiency and resource allocation across the Area.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships with DCOps, Networking, Safety, and Security.
• Host site visits and manage engagements with public officials when needed.

Skills

Team leadership

Data center operations

Linux experience

Network architecture

Non-standard hours

Education

Bachelor'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: Atlanta, GA, USA; Austin, TX, USA; Lancaster, TX, USA; Houston, TX, USA; Reston, VA, 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 developing and managing managers.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux). Experience with developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift‑based schedules as required.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

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.

As an Area Lead, you will act as the General Manager for a designated Area, assuming full accountability for the operational success of a massive data center portfolio. You will lead a team of Senior Site Leaders and Operations Managers, balancing complex priorities including full OPEX management, operational efficiency, and key performance metrics (KPIs). Beyond the metrics, you will be responsible for defining the region’s identity—driving a relentless commitment to site safety and fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture.

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

Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Lead, mentor, and hire a distributed team of Site Leaders to drive operational consistency, safety, and KPIs. Foster a high‑performance, culture using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to ensure accountability while empowering local leadership.
• Oversee the full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance. Ensure data center priorities align directly with Cloud, Infrastructure, and broader business objectives.
• Drive efficiency and optimize resource allocation across the Area. Strategically align business objectives with workforce development to maximize output and operational performance.
• Foster cross‑functional partnerships for operational synergy. Collaborate with stakeholders including Data Center Operations (DCOps), Networking, Safety, Construction, and Security to remove roadblocks.
• Host 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.