Data Center Project Manager

Job Title: Data Center Project Manager
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Data Center Project Manager to serve as a key technical resource within mission-critical data center facilities. You will join a highly creative, efficient team responsible for designing, building, and operating complex data infrastructure. In this role, you oversee projects across electrical, mechanical, controls, and architectural disciplines, driving continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, commitments, and goals. You will both contribute independently and collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to design, develop, and deploy innovative solutions that address operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities

• Provide overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control, and completion of data center projects, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and goals.
• Oversee all project disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, controls, and architectural, to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with standards and codes.
• Lead projects focused on improving electrical systems, mechanical systems, fire detection, and building automation systems within operational data centers.
• Serve as a technical resource within data centers, applying a fundamental understanding of critical infrastructure systems to identify areas for improvement.
• Review and interpret engineering documentation, electrical diagrams, standard operating procedures, and construction specifications and drawings for all domains related to data center construction.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, typically ranging from 3 to 12 at any given time, adjusting priorities based on project size, scope, and criticality.
• Coordinate and oversee on-site construction trades (mechanical, electrical, general), ensuring effective contractor oversight and adherence to project requirements.
• Manage vendors and contractors to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality project execution in an operational facility environment.
• Support and deliver projects across the four main categories of Critical Projects Infrastructure (CPI): Capacity, Safety, Availability, and Structural, recognizing that projects may span multiple categories.
• Drive capacity-related projects that support customer demand and align with customer-centric principles.
• Lead safety-related enhancements to create a safer environment, often integrating safety improvements with other project categories.
• Execute availability-related projects that improve reliability and resilience of data center operations, including non-urgent but value-adding initiatives.
• Oversee structural projects such as renovations and building envelope enhancements, including work like new roofs and structural upgrades.
• Collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and contractor teams to ensure projects proceed safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on live operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement innovative solutions to operational challenges, leveraging data and feedback from internal and external stakeholders.
• Discuss technical concepts, manage trade-offs, and incorporate feedback from a variety of stakeholders to refine project plans and solutions.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable building codes, regulations, and standards, including Life Safety, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA-related requirements.
• Work proactively and independently to meet deadlines, deliver on project commitments, and maintain accountability for project outcomes.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and conditions while maintaining a strong focus on safety and execution.
• Contribute to a culture that values ownership, problem-solving, and visible impact, while supporting opportunities for professional growth and internal conversion.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of construction or project management experience.
• At least 5 years of experience managing projects in data centers or comparable critical infrastructure in an operational environment, such as facilities with 24/7 emergency backup systems, manufacturing (semiconductor, automotive, medical equipment, or clean rooms), mass transportation (freight or passenger rail), oil and gas, utilities, hospitals, or similar industries.
• At least 5 years of experience in on-site construction trades (mechanical, electrical, or general) with hands-on understanding of field activities.
• Demonstrated experience in project management within data centers or comparable critical infrastructure, including planning, execution, and closeout.
• Knowledge of critical data center equipment and systems, including power distribution and mechanical cooling systems.
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering documentation, electrical diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction specifications and drawings for all domains related to data center construction.
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations, including Life Safety codes, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA-related requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and discuss technical concepts with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven capability to manage trade-offs, incorporate feedback, and evaluate new ideas in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Significant experience delivering results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high expectations for precision, speed, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, meet deadlines, and deliver on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Strong vendor and contractor management skills, including oversight of MEP and general contractors in an operational facility.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years in the technical field of power distribution and data center mechanical cooling systems.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or a similar technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with project execution in operational data center environments or similar mission-critical facilities.
• Familiarity with MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems in the context of critical infrastructure projects.
• Experience working closely with operations and engineering teams to deliver projects in live, operational environments.
• Track record of successfully juggling multiple projects (typically 3-12) with varying sizes and scopes while maintaining quality and safety.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective interaction with contractors, operations teams, and engineering partners.
• Demonstrated ownership mindset, with a focus on problem-solving and delivering visible impact.
• Interest in long-term opportunities that may include conversion from contingent to permanent roles, depending on performance and business needs.

Work Environment
This role is fully on-site at a data center facility and operates within an active, operational environment in Ashburn, Virginia. The standard work schedule is an early shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., aligned with construction and operational activities, with overtime as needed based on project timelines and priorities. You will work in close proximity to critical infrastructure systems, collaborating daily with contractors, operations teams, and engineering partners in a highly collaborative, execution-focused culture. The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on safety, precision, and accountability. You can expect hands-on exposure to complex electrical, mechanical, and building automation systems, and regular interaction with on-site construction trades and vendors in a facility setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashburn, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $92.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Ashburn,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.