Data Center Project Manager - White Space Fit Out

Position Overview  

Align offers a wide variety of services centered around the data center white space.  We are a white space fit out general contractor who manages the entire fit out of data centers across the country.  Our services include designing layouts, overhead support systems (to support cable pathways and electrical systems), power striping/redundancy planning for distribution from PDU’s to cabinet receptacles, conduit pathways, and low voltage structured cable infrastructure.  As a Data Center Construction Project Manager, you will guide the build of electrical and mechanical distribution from the upstream critical equipment for delivery to compute/storage/network infrastructures. This role is to understand the design intent and customer expectations and will be responsible for making it happen! You will be onsite daily interacting with the construction trades/sub contractors and will be directly responsible for managing schedule/QC in the field.     

• This is a full-time salaried position offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, paid training and performance-based bonuses.  
• This position is based in the Chicago / Elk Grove area and will work onsite for local data center projects. Some overnight travel outside of the area on an as needed basis. 
• This is a full-time salaried position offering a base range of $110,000 - $150,000 (commensurate with experience), comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and paid training.

Responsibilities 

The Data Center Construction Manager will be responsible for project management and oversight of construction related activities as they relate to new builds or capital projects which includes the ownership of the project scope, quality, schedule, and budget. Some of the typical daily tasks of the Construction Project Manager:   

• Directly interface with construction general contractors during the bidding, award, execution, and project closeout/punch list phases 
• Monitor the progress of each project through updated schedules, communicates changes and manages client expectations - identify and negotiate time extensions where justified and allowed 
• Construction project management for specific initiatives aimed at increasing the resiliency of our data centers 
• Resolve scope problems with subcontractors and union labor 
• Construction document management including submittal review, RFI’s, change orders, and invoicing 
• Construction project quality control 
• Record and report key construction metrics to team members and management. 
• Drive teams to perform troubleshooting and root-cause failure analysis associated with equipment failures   

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or an equivalent engineering science OR 5+ years of related construction management experience in lieu of a degree 
• 5+ years of experience in construction management of large, complex mission critical projects involving large-scale mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) plants – Some Data Center Construction experience is preferred 
• Strong general contractor and vendor management experience (request for proposals, bidding, change orders, quality control, RFI/submittal tracking) associated with construction and project execution 
• Possess strong documentation skills, clear written and verbal communication skills, and ability to use data to justify conclusions 
• Able to read and interpret construction specifications and drawings for all disciplines 
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations including Life Safety, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA 
• Must be able to work onsite at local projects in the Chicago area regularly and be available for occasional travel on an as needed basis 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Understand electrical and mechanical principles relating to data centers 
• Experience with Procore or similar project management software 
• Knowledge of the local subcontractor and union labor market (the quality of their work) and relations with local low voltage, electrical and mechanical contractors is strongly preferred
• Experience directly related to the design or construction of data centers/critical infrastructure or large scale mechanical and electrical plants 
• Value engineering: proven ability to reduce costs through creative solutions with no impact on quality and reliability (new designs, technology, or construction methods). 
• Experience with power management and power monitoring systems. 
• Certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), LEED, and/or Certified Construction Manager (CCM)   

To support a fair, consistent, and high-quality hiring experience, some interviews may be recorded. These recordings help our team focus fully on the conversation at hand, rather than note-taking, and allow us to better evaluate and improve our recruitment process. Recordings are used solely for internal purposes such as training, quality assurance, and process improvement. Candidates will be informed in advance and asked to provide consent before any recording takes place.

Tier3