Head of Design Operations

Crane Data Centers Inc. (“Crane”) is building a new generation of smarter, more sustainable digital infrastructure. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a hands-on, adaptable Critical Operations Manager to help drive forward site-level coordination, vendor management, and day-to-day operational excellence at our PDX Forest Grove, Oregon data center campus.

In this role, you will be directly responsible for the reliability and safety of our critical infrastructure including mechanical, electrical, and fire life safety (FLS) systems. As an operational subject matter expert, you will manage third party facility management groups, site employees, lead vendor relationships, oversee CapEx/OpEx budgeting, and ensure 100% operational continuity for our customers.

Oversee daily operations at the PDX Forest Grove, OR campus, including coordinating third-party operations support staff, soft services (e.g., janitorial and landscaping), vendors, site access, deliveries, and job site logistics.

Prior to data hall turnover, support construction and commissioning teams by tracking milestones, managing punch lists, and ensuring documentation is up to date and accurate.

Maintain data floor and back-of-house mechanical loading capacity to optimize cooling efficiency and overall PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).

Help develop, implement, and evolve standard operating procedures, emergency operating procedures, and methods of procedure applicable to Forest Grove.

Assist in the development of maintenance and service workflows in partnership with engineering and facilities teams.

Coordinate data center customer readiness activities, including site tours, onboarding, and handoff plans.

Oversee internal and external site compliance audits.

Lead incident reporting and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) processes for any site anomalies.

Ensure construction and commissioning activities proceed smoothly without risking ongoing critical operations.

5+ years of experience managing data center operations, mission-critical construction, facilities management, or related roles.

Strong project coordination skills and comfort with ambiguity.

Experience working on-site with and alongside construction and commissioning teams.

Deep knowledge of critical infrastructure components, including UPS, Transformers, PDUs, RPPs, Chillers, CRAHs/CRACs, STSs, ATSs, CDUs, Rear Door Heat Exchangers, and Pre-action systems

Comfortable managing multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.

Demonstrated track record in vendor management, maintenance program administration, and project/budget management.

Travel

This role is a full-time onsite position at our Forest Grove, OR campus.

Potential to travel up to 25% to support Crane corporately.

Why Crane?
As part of Crane’s core team, you’ll get to work cross-functionally, challenge the way we do things, and put your ideas into action.

Crane offers a competitive compensation package, benefits, and an environment that recognizes and rewards your contributions.

Crane prides itself on helping team members thrive in their work and life. As an employee of Crane, you will enjoy: medical, dental, vision, 401K, unlimited time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and competitive equity options that ensure a meaningful stake in Crane’s future success.

Crane is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Crane was founded after recognizing the need for a new, more sustainable approach to developing and operating data centers. As both hyperscale data center developers and former buyers of capacity, our team has a unique perspective on innovation and design. We put our clients first and offer flexible, sustainable, data center capacity when and where they need it most.

Crane is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited referrals.

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