Data Center Operations Manager

Job TitleNexthop AI is a team of industry-leading professionals with deep hardware and software expertise spanning silicon, systems, network operations and cloud development, dedicated to building innovative, bleeding-edge solutions for large-scale AI deployments. The team culture thrives on collaboration, creativity and fun while delivering foundational technologies for next-generation AI infrastructure.Job ResponsibilitiesOwn all aspects of onsite and offsite data center sites for multiple eng teams (Software, Test, POC, Hardware), from initial setup and configuration to ongoing maintenance and optimization of lab infrastructure.Plan and forecast growth in power, rackspace, cooling and colocation sites to accommodate new programs both.Collaborate closely with engineering teams to understand their requirements and provide tailored solutions.Design, implement, and maintain robust and scalable deployments, including network infrastructure, server systems, power & cable management, specialized equipment, and software tools.Maintain environment to high standards for ideal operating conditions and customer or partner visitsRegularly document asset information and topologies and manage maintenance windowsCollaborate with IT to adhere to corporate policies and have security patches or upgrades rolled out in a timely fashionPlay a key role in shaping our datacenter evolution within a growing company – contribute to establishing best practices, challenge existing processes, and help define the future of the operations and infrastructure.Manage vendor relationships for equipment and services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.QualificationsWe're seeking individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup and possess exceptional problem-solving and communication skills and a strong aptitude for taking initiative and learning. Additionally we value individuals who practice and instill user empathy. The following skills are essential for this role:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in lab administration or IT infrastructure management.Experience in the design and implementation of datacenters including power management, rack selection and cabling/optics technologies.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with technical teams and solid organizational skills is a must.Comfortable taking initiative, asking clarifying questions, and driving solutions within a fast-paced environment.Solid understanding of networking principles and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching) is a plus.Familiarity with lab automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) is a plus.Why UsOur company bolsters all the advantages of working at a startup with the expertise of a seasoned team who have successfully built startups into thriving companies. Here you'll have the unique opportunity to enable our growth and define datacenter standards, establish best practices from the ground up, and directly influence the direction of our infrastructure. If you are excited to implement cutting-edge labs that look like data centers and define operational best practice and be a part of shaping a burgeoning company, this is the place for you.